Achievement motivation among IIT athletes: A Comparative analysis of individual and team games

Achievement motivation is a critical psychological factor influencing sports performance, persistence, and satisfaction. It arises from intrinsic and extrinsic factors and varies between individual and team sports. This study examines achievement motivation among athletes at IIT Palakkad using the Deo-Mohan Achievement Motivation Scale, which evaluates psychological dimensions associated with success. A sample of 49 individual-sport athletes and 79 team-sport athletes participated, with responses scored on a scale where positive and negative items were evaluated inversely. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in overall motivation levels between the groups (P = 0.855). However, individual-level analysis highlighted unique patterns. Individual-sport athletes often prioritized intrinsic satisfaction and personal mastery, while team-sport athletes drew motivation from collective dynamics and external feedback. These findings emphasize the complex interplay of motivational drivers in sports. Coaches and psychologists can use these insights to create targeted strategies, enhancing athletes’ performance, teamwork, and satisfaction in diverse sporting contexts.