Locus of control of adolescent players of individual and team sports a literature review

Abstract

This literature review explores the concept of locus of control among adolescent athletes participating in individual and team sports. Drawing from Rotter’s (1966) foundational theory, locus of control refers to an individual’s belief regarding the extent to which outcomes are determined by personal effort (internal) or external factors such as luck or environment (external). The review highlights those adolescent athletes in individual sports such as athletics, swimming, and tennis tend to develop a stronger internal locus of control, characterized by greater autonomy, perceived competence, and intrinsic motivation. In contrast, athletes in team sports often display a more external orientation due to shared responsibilities and the influence of group dynamics. Coaching style also plays a pivotal role; democratic and autonomy-supportive approaches are linked to internal control beliefs, while authoritarian coaching fosters external attributions. Additionally, age and gender influence control orientation, with older and male athletes typically exhibiting stronger internal beliefs. The review underscores the importance of sport type, psychosocial environment, and coaching practices in shaping adolescents' control beliefs, which have significant implications for motivation, resilience, and psychological well-being in sports settings.