Effects of Coach Behaviors on Training Engagement and Disaffection of Chinese Youth Male Basketball Players: The Role of Basic Psychological Needs and Psychological Capital
(Yuanchang Li, Guoxing Li, Wenwei Huang, Qianyu Zeng, Junxing Liao, Jian Sun, Xiaohui Hou)

This study investigated the relationship between coaches’ behavior and athletes’ engagement and disaffection in the Chinese sports training context, and examined the mediating role of basic mental needs and psychological capital. Athletes (N = 485) completed a questionnaire to assess the study variables. The results showed significant direct influence of coach supportive behavior on athletes’ training engagement and coach controlling behavior on athletes’ training disaffection. In addition, Bootstrap analyses highlighted the significant mediating role of basic mental needs and psychological capital in the relationship between coaches’ behavior (supportive and controlling behavior) and athletes’ training engagement and disaffection. Findings support theoretical hypotheses emphasizing that coaches should enhance supportive behaviors and reduce controlling behaviors in Chinese youth basketball training, which is not only of great significance to cultivate athletes’ positive psychological capital, but also of great importance to promote athletes’ engagement as well as avoid disaffected emotions and behaviors during training.