Life skills transfer in athletes: internal and external antecedents

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between passion for sport, the motivational climate in sport, family support, and life skills transfer. The sample consisted of 261 athletes aged 12-24 years (17.7±3.46; 62.8% boys/men). Structural equation modeling suggested a positive association between harmonious passion, task-oriented motivational climate, and family support indicators with the life skills transfer dimensions. In contrast, a negative association between obsessive passion and ego-oriented motivational climate with the life skills transfer dimensions was observed. These results constitute relevant information for sports programs based on positive youth development, since the explanatory model suggests personal, contextual, and relational determinants could influence life skill transfer positively or negatively.