The nature of self-determination and regulatory styles in high-risk sport contexts : a rapid review
Abstract
High-risk behaviour, for example indulgent eating, risky sexual behaviour, excessive substance use, reckless driving and poor financial decisions, is often perceived to imply a failure in self-regulation (Fletcher, Paker, Paterson & Synott, 2013; Heatherton & Wagner, 2011). However, in sports like skydiving, skiing, white water kayaking and mountaineering, the regulated application of high-risk behaviour such as quick decision making and even impulsivity is often warranted for safety and success. High-risk sport may thus be regarded as a form of adaptive high-risk behaviour. A better understanding of how self-determination and regulatory styles are applied in these sport contexts, may inform the development of new pathways to help individuals change maladaptive high-risk behaviour intentions in contexts where impulsive decisions might have negative long-term implications. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore and synthesize the scientific literature in order to better understand the nature and dynamics of self-determination and regulatory styles in high-risk sport contexts.
A rapid review design was used in order to systematically construe an evidence base to inform future research and interventions. The seven steps of Palm‘s (2013) integration of Melnyk and Fineot-Overholt (2005) and the American Dietetic Association‘s methodology (as re-explained by Handu et al., 2016) were followed to conduct the review. The formal search was conducted through EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) search portal. Critical appraisal was based on the Quality Appraisal and Review Instrument (QARI) from the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) (JBI, 2014).
Sixteen studies were included in the review, with publication dates ranging from 1985 to 2017. The 16 studies included in the rapid review provided dense information from different fields of study and theoretical vantage points. Six main themes were identified from the analysis, namely (i) sensation-seeking; (ii) risk-taking as challenge; (iii) control and autonomy; (iv) self-regulation; (v) social dimension; and (vi) the self. The review suggests that individuals who engage in high-risk sport activities cannot be seen as a homogenous, sensation seeking group, as previously suggested and commonly understood. Further, sport participants engaged in several behavioural and emotion self-regulation strategies. The expression of high-risk behaviour in an adaptive context does not only lead to need satisfaction, but also to the development of other strengths and abilities which may eventually lead to an increased sense of well-being. It was concluded that high-risk sport may serve as an adaptive pathway to express, rather than inhibit high-risk and impulsive behaviour. From a SDT perspective, an autonomous motivational orientation and concurrent intrinsic regulatory style may develop, leading to a more regulated expression of high-risk behaviour.
Based on the explorative nature of the study more research is needed to explore and determine if the diversity in motives for engagement in high-risk sport also reflects those for engagement in non-adaptive risk-behaviour. Finally, more research is needed to test the practical potential of what was found
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