The Relation Between Coaches’ Self-Compassion with their Basic Psychological Needs and Motivational Regulations

The present study investigated the relationship between self-compassion behaviors on the motivational structures of coaches based on the mediating role of basic needs.

One hundred and nineteen coaches (completely reponed) from West and East Azerbaijan and Ardabil provinces participated in this research. Participants filled out questionnaires (self-compassion, interpersonal behaviors, coaches ‘ motivation, and personal characteristics) through electronic forms in Telegram and WhatsApp.

The results showed that coaches’ self-compassion was related to their need-supportive behaviors (p<0.001) and autonomous motivation toward coaching (p<0.001). In contrast coaches’ self-compassion related negatively to their need-thwarting behaviors approach (p<0.001). Path analysis showed that coaches’ kindness and mindfulness related to their need-supportive behaviors.

In general, findings indicated that coaches’ self-compassion behaviors can increase athletes’ basic psychological needs and create situations to increase their need satisfaction.