“I Don’t Want to Compete Anymore”: Using Self-Determination Theory and Motivational Interviewing to Help an Athlete Figure out What’s Next

Abstract

Using a strong framework to help athletes undergoing a sport transition is important to ensure the process is as smooth and supportive as possible. Self-determination theory (SDT) and motivational interviewing (MI) are complementary paradigms that can help athletes navigate complex situations, like a sport transition, by taking a person-centered approach and focusing on autonomously selected goals. Theoretical elements and techniques of SDT and MI are reviewed, and used to illustrate how a mental performance consultant can help an athlete experiencing a sport-transition clearly define and work toward a goal that reflects their needs.

Keywords:

• Athlete transition
• autonomy
• basic psychological needs
• motivational interviewing
• self-determination theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Data availability statement

Not applicable. Content based on the author’s work in private practice.