Exploring a Mediation Model Linking Perceptions of Leadership Behavior to Intercollegiate Sport Team’s Athletes’ Self-Regulated Learning via Help-Seeking

Acquiring motor skills through practice requires autonomous effort, which can be challenging. This study examined athletes’ autonomous sports practice as a form of self-regulated learning (SRL) and tested the validity of a mediation model including the direct effect of perceptions of leadership behavior directly related to the implementation of SRL, and the indirect effect related to the implementation of SRL through help-seeking. A total of 408 student athletes involved in intercollegiate sport teams completed a questionnaire. A mediation analysis revealed that perceptions of leadership behaviors emphasizing players’ uniqueness and expertise and fostering team integration were positively associated with SRL through autonomous help-seeking. By contrast, perceptions of leadership behaviors that prioritize students’ past experiences were a negatively associated with SRL and positively linked to dependent help-seeking. This study confirmed the proposed model, highlighting the interplay between perceptions of leadership behaviors and help-seeking in facilitating SRL. The findings offer valuable insights into strategies for enhancing SRL.