AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING INTRINSIC MOTIVATION IN ATHLETES

Authors

  • Anton Gak National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5968-6557
  • Igor Folvarochnyi National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport
  • Yunkhuei Vu National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport
  • Chen Li National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15330/fcult.46.69-83

Keywords:

flow theory, flow state, autotelic activity, intrinsic motivation, self-determination, motivational dynamics

Abstract

Abstract. The article addresses the issue of intrinsic motivation development in athletes within the framework of contemporary theoretical approaches in sport psychology. Objective. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate an integrative approach to intrinsic motivation in athletes by combining the principles of Self-Determination Theory, Flow Theory, and the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation, as well as to examine the relationship between basic psychological needs, the flow state, and motivational dynamics in sport activity. Research methods. The study employed theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific literature, comparative analysis, a systems approach, and theoretical modeling. Results. The analysis of contemporary research in sport psychology has shown that intrinsic motivation is a key factor ensuring long-term engagement in sports activity, persistence in training, and psychological well-being under conditions of high competitive pressure. It has been established that intrinsic motivation is a multidimensional and multilevel phenomenon that develops through the interaction of several components. In particular, within the framework of Self-Determination Theory, intrinsic motivation is associated with the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. At the same time, Flow Theory explains the qualitative characteristics of the subjective experience of activity, including a high level of concentration, sense of control, and balance between challenge and skill. The Hierarchical Model of Motivation allows considering motivational processes at situational, contextual, and global levels. The results indicate that each theoretical approach explains only certain aspects of intrinsic motivation, including its emergence, experiential characteristics, and dynamic regulation. Conclusions. Intrinsic motivation in athletes should be considered as a complex, multidimensional, and multilevel psychological phenomenon. The integration of different theoretical approaches provides a more comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms and allows to more effectively explain the functioning of motivation in conditions of competitive sports activity.

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Published

2026-05-30

How to Cite

Gak, A., Folvarochnyi, I., Vu, Y., & Li, C. (2026). AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING INTRINSIC MOTIVATION IN ATHLETES. Newsletter of Precarpathian University. Physical Culture, (46), 69–83. https://doi.org/10.15330/fcult.46.69-83