Exploring the determinants of sport commitment: a comprehensive review with meta-analytic structural equation modeling

Berki, Tamás and Kushihashi, Mayu and Szántai, Levente József and Pikó, Bettina (2026) Exploring the determinants of sport commitment: a comprehensive review with meta-analytic structural equation modeling. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY, 19 (1). pp. 1-25. ISSN 1750-984X

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Abstract

This study analyzes the Sport Commitment Model (SCM) across diverse samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Following the PRISMA protocol, 20 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included. First, correlation coefficients were collected from all the selected studies. Then meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) was employed to examine the relationships between theoretical determinants of sport commitment, including Sport Enjoyment, Valuable Opportunities, Personal Investments, Social Support, Social Constraints, and Other Priorities. The findings reveal that Sport Enjoyment, Valuable Opportunities, and Personal Investments are the strongest positive determinants of commitment, while Other Priorities consistently exert a negative role. Interestingly, Social Support and Social Constraints did not significantly predict commitment, suggesting that these social factors may play a less critical role in the SCM compared to intrinsic and opportunity-based determinants. Additionally, age was investigated as a potential moderator, with results showing that only Valuable Opportunities were significantly moderated by age, as older athletes reported fewer opportunities compared to younger ones. These findings highlight the importance of Sport Enjoyment in the development of sport commitment; in addition, it may affect other determinants as well. Coaches and practitioners should prioritize autonomy-supportive strategies in training to enhance athletes’ intrinsic motivation and long-term commitment to sport.

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