Abstract

Motivation is a critical component of sport performance. While variability in motivation is popularly attributed to intrapersonal differences, a long history of group dynamics research reveals that motivation is largely a product of interpersonal processes. Understanding these processes has important implications for coaching and training practices, as well as for public health (e.g., group-based physical activity programs). The aim of this chapter is to review a growing body of research that examines for whom and under what conditions groups increase motivation in sport and physical activity groups.