| Research has demonstrated that the coach-athlete relationship is one of the key interpersonal factors that influences outcomes such as performance (Sanchez, Borras, Leite, Battaglia, & Lorenzo, 2009), satisfaction with performance (Jowett & Don Carolis, 2003), and dropout rates (Fraser-Thomas, Cote, & Deakin, 2008). However, relatively little is known about the factors necessary to achieve and/or maintain a high-quality coach-athlete relationship. Building upon Jowett and Poczwardowski's (2007) integrated research model, this study of 355 coach-athlete dyads explored how congruence (i.e., similarity, fit) of goal orientation (GO) impacted the quality of the coach-athlete relationship and coach-athlete communication. Specifically, it was hypothesized that congruence between coach and athlete goal orientations (mastery, performance-approach, performance-avoid) would be positively related to both variables of interest. Using polynomial regression and response surface analysis, results indicated that goal orientation congruence is an important determinant in both the quality of the coach-athlete relationship and coach-athlete communication. Implications for coaches and athletes based on the magnitude and direction of goal orientation congruence/incongruence are discussed. The importance of the method and measures used to assess congruence is also discussed. |
