In adolescence, the desire for self-importance is so strong that it becomes a primary need. A study by John C. Coleman tabulated the impact of peer group values from ten schools. The students were asked how they best wanted to be remembered. Boys preferred to be known as the best athlete nearly twice as often as being known as the best student. The study also concluded that in order to become part of the leading crowd, boys would be judged on their sporting ability, personality, and good looks.
Albert Bandura reveals that chance encounters are also important to youth. Some will touch kids lightly while others will influence them greatly. After a professional sports event, some of the visiting stars might find a shortcut to exit the building and avoid any fans that may be waiting for them in the concourse. They may do this for a couple of reasons, one being that if they stopped to write an autograph for every person, the team would never make its chartered flight. Another reason may be that they cannot be bothered to sign autographs or that if they sign a few and miss some, those missed will have an adverse perception of that player.
Many times, life experiences are determined by chance. When an adolescent's values are identified, he or she will lean towards activities and people that reflect those values. However, powerful group influences can still undermine the best-laid personal affirmations. Groups offer a symbolic environment and an opportunity to build self-knowledge and shape identity. The group can strengthen beliefs and provide self-efficacy.
Society in particular, splits boys into two selves by discouraging them from showing public affection or sensitivity while insisting they be tough and reticent. This conflicts with their inner feelings and adds to their frustration when they are viewed upon as being insensitive, uncaring, and violent. In his book, "Real Boys" (Henry Holt and Company, New York ISBN 0805061835), William Pollack writes that boys feel like they can open up in a sporting environment. They can be more comfortable about nurturing and caring for each other in the context of the playing field. Passion, emotions, love, and affection are all acceptable feelings and shame-free. Sport teaches boys to how to handle adversity and loss, how to be flexible, and how to excel at something that comes naturally. Sport offers boys a community of support that can ultimately lead to life-long friendships.
In sport, the coach largely creates the emotional environment. It is an integral part of the development of a child's self-esteem and their connection with the group. A coach can help transform a young person's feeling of isolation into that of a bonded teammate. As a stand-in for a parent, the coach determines whether the child's experience on the team is positive or negative. A bad coach will use humiliation and bullying tactics to push the athlete to work beyond his or her natural skill level, thus producing feelings of resentment, shame, and indifference. One of the ways these types of coaches motivate players to improve their game is by inflating the capabilities of their opponents and downgrading those of their own team.
Self-efficacy is as important as skills are to success in sports. If a player believes in his or herself, their ability to capitalize on their own physical strength and endurance will increase during competition. Even if the athlete fails to make a play or loses the game, their perceived self-efficacy will push them to greater efforts in the next play or the next game. A person's belief system is the key to how they view the extent to which their environment can be influenced and controlled. In other words, you act as you think.
Perceived self-efficacy can also be a motivator. If the athlete's self-efficacy is high, even mistakes or pressure situations will push them to succeed. They'll take the game one play at a time. On the other hand, if a player is filled with self-doubts, they will struggle through and exasperate their mistakes. They'll be more inclined to settle for mediocrity. Self-efficacy can also affect how a player bounces back from injury. If their perceived self-efficacy is lacking, they may dwell on his or her physical discomfort and let it distract their performance.
Occupation: Writer/Publisher
Creating and editing words has played a large role in Debbie Elicksen’s primary work. She has authored seven books, including the bestselling Self-Publishing 101 (Self-Counsel Press). She has edited, ghosted, and project managed at least 90 books, is a member of the Association of Canadian Publishers, Canadian Association of Journalists, Independent Publishers Association of Canada, and Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.
As a book publishing expert, Elicksen works hand in hand with authors and companies that produce books, to which many use to market their businesses. She is also a sports writer, has covered the National Hockey League for over 15 years and is currently working with Hockey Canada on their alumni newsletter.
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