Mobility Of Turkish Student-Athletes To The United States: An Examination Of Motivational Orientations In The Context Of Self-Determination Theory And Push-Pull Model
Keywords:
Dual career, International student-athletes, Push-pull factors, Self-determination theory (SDT), , Turkish student-athletesAbstract
This study examines the motivational dynmics underlying Turkish student-athletes’ orientation towars U.S. Universities within the framework of Ryan ve Deci (2000) self-determination theory, specically the needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness and to reveal the indirect relationship between “constraints and barriers in Turkey” and “opportunities in the U.S.” according to the push-pull model. Our study which employs qualilative methods and techniques are used, is based on phenomenological design. Criteria and snowball sampling methods were used in the selection of the study group. The sample group consist of 25 Turkish athletes/former athletes between the ages of 19-46 who studied/are studying at U.S. universities. In the research, in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview form as the data collection tool. The data were analyzed by content analysis method. As a result of the analysis, three themes titled: “intrinsic motivation sources”, “extrinsic motivation sources” and “environmental factors, push-pull forces” were determined. According to the research findings, the intrinsic motivation sources of student athletes are; the search for a balanced life, the desire for self-actualization, experiential orientation, sporting success and repositioning needs. Extrinsic motivators are athletic scholarships, diploma with global recognition, career investment, prestige and the desire for national representation. The push factors caused by the system in Turkey such as a lack of coordination between education and sports, academic rigidity, transportation issues and a lack of institutional support serve to highlight the appeal of the U.S. system (which features a coordinated structure of academics and athletics, academic flexibility, international recognized diplomas and athletic scholarships). Additionally the U.S. system enables student athletes to meet their competency requirements, strengthen their autonomy and satisfy their relational needs. A comprehensive analysis reveals that athletes in Turkey, lacking opportunities for dual career development are turning U.S. universities through international mobility. Our study highlights the need to evaluate dual careers as one of the micro level applications of sports-education policies and underscores the necessity of developing policies and practices tailored to student-athletes in Turkey. It is anticipated thet this study will make a dynamic contsibution to the literatüre on international student-athlete mobility.
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