Contextual and individual influences on antisocial behaviour and psychobiosocial states of youth soccer players

PurposeThe aim of the study was to assess the effects of contextual and individual variables (perceived motivational climate and moral atmosphere, task/ego orientation and perceived competence) on antisocial behaviour and emotion-related psychobiosocial (PBS) states as conceptualised within the individual zones of optimal functioning model.ParticipantsThe study was conducted on a sample of 382 young male soccer players, aged from 14 to 16 years, drawn from 27 Italian teams.MethodA cross-sectional design was used. Assessment included measures of reported antisocial behaviour, perceived moral atmosphere, perceived motivational climate, goal orientation, perceived competence, and PBS states. Data analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis of measures and path analysis of the hypothesized relationships.ResultsResults suggest that performance climate and a moral atmosphere, in which aggressive behaviours are encouraged, are likely to determine antisocial behaviour and a range of unpleasant PBS states in young sports participants.ConclusionsFindings substantiate the importance of the situational factors on ethical aspects and emotional states in youngsters.

► A moral atmosphere that encourages aggression is related to antisocial behaviour.
► A performance climate is likely to determine a range of emotion-related unpleasant states.
► Sport competence is associated with a range of emotion-related pleasant states.
► Coaches' attitudes and behaviours are strictly tied to ethical aspects.