Effectiveness of Rewards as a Means of Motivation Among Student-Athletes

ABSTRACT: This study investigated how varying forms of incentives shape the motivation of Filipino student-athletes during training, focusing on distinctions across age, gender, and competitive level. Employing a descriptive quantitative design, data were collected from 100 athletes in La Trinidad, Benguet, who had participated in regional and national tournaments. Results indicated that both internal and external incentives significantly influenced motivation, though public recognition was rated less impactful. Intrinsic factors—particularly self-development and personal fulfillment—emerged as the strongest and most consistent motivators across groups, underscoring their importance in sustaining commitment amid limited financial resources. In contrast, older and national-level athletes demonstrated higher motivation from tangible incentives, reflecting evolving motivational needs with experience and exposure. These findings affirm the centrality of intrinsic motivation in athlete persistence while highlighting the need for structured, context-sensitive reward systems that balance psychological and material forms of reinforcement to enhance engagement and performance in Philippine sports institutions.