The controlling interpersonal style in a coaching context: Development and initial validation of a psychometric scale

Kimberley J. Bartholomew, Nikos Ntoumanis, Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

332 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article outlines the development and initial validation of the Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale (CCBS), a multidimensional self-report measure designed to assess sports coaches’ controlling interpersonal style from the perspective of self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2002). Study 1 generated a pool of items, based on past literature and feedback from coaches, athletes, and academic experts. The factorial structure of the questionnaire was tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses across Studies 2 and 3. The final CCBS model in Study 3 comprised 4 factors (controlling use of rewards, conditional regard, intimidation, and excessive personal control) and was cross-validated using a third independent sample in Study 4. The scale demonstrated good content and factorial validity, as well as internal consistency and invariance across gender and sport type. Suggestions for its use in research pertaining to the darker side of coaching and sport participation are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)193-216
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2010

Keywords

  • self-determination theory
  • rewards
  • negative conditional regard
  • intimidation
  • personal control
  • scale development

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