Objectives: Drawing from the basic needs theory [BNT; Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). An overview
of self-determination theory. In E. L. Deci, & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research
(pp. 3e33). Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press], the major purpose of the present study was to
test a hypothesized sequence of temporal relationships between perceptions of coach-autonomy
support, basic need satisfaction and indices of well- and ill-being. A subsidiary aim was to ascertain the
assumed mediational role of basic need satisfaction in explicating the perceived autonomy support and
well-/ill-being relationships over time.
Design: A field-based longitudinal design was employed.
Methods: Participants (N ΒΌ 54 males) from an elite youth soccer academy in the UK completed a multisection questionnaire tapping the targeted variables on six occasions across two competitive seasons.
Results: Multi-level regression analysis revealed that perceptions of coach-autonomy support positively
predicted within-person changes and between-person mean differences in basic need satisfaction and
well-being over time. Satisfaction scores for the needs for competence and relatedness were found to
predict within-person changes in subjective vitality. These same needs partially mediated the coach autonomy support subjective vitality link over the two seasons.
Conclusions: The findings partially support the tenets of BNT, and are discussed in terms of their practical
application to participants involved in an elite youth sport setting
