Personality Traits and Motives in Table Tennis Players

Filippo Marchese, Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni () and Patrizia Steca
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Filippo Marchese: Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Patrizia Steca: Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-10

Abstract: This study aims to investigate table tennis players’ personality traits and motives in the frame of the Big Five personality model and the self-determination theory (SDT) of motivation. A total of 447 Italian table tennis players ranging in level of play between the regional and international levels participated in the study. They completed a self-report questionnaire measuring their personality traits and motives to play table tennis. Findings showed conscientiousness as the most distinctive trait of table tennis players. No differences were detected between elite and non-elite players. Table tennis players are mainly motivated by factors belonging to the intrinsic pole of the self-determination motivational continuum. External reinforcements represent a minimal incentive to play this sport both for elite and non-elite athletes. The current findings help clarify the relationships between personality traits, playing certain types of sports, and achieving different performance levels. We conclude by outlining implications for applied sport psychology.

Keywords: table tennis; Big Five personality factors; motives; self-determination theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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