Applying generalizability theory to examine the antecedents of perceived coach support.
Although social support is integral to the coaching process, there is only a limited understanding of the antecedents of perceived coach support. We applied generalizability theory to examine perceived coach support and its antecedents at perceiver, provider, and relational levels of analysis. Two studies were conducted in which athletes rated the degree to which they identified with a selection of coaches, and the personality, competency, and supportiveness of those coaches. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the relational component accounted for a significant amount of variance in perceived coach support in both studies. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that when athletes perceive specific coaches to be highly agreeable, competent, and individuals with whom they share a common identity, they also perceive these same coaches to be particularly supportive in comparison with other coaches.
Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, St. Luke's Campus, Exeter, UK.
Adam Howard
AH
Coussens
Tim
T
Rees
Paul
P
Freeman
D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult