Reflected appraisals and perceived importance of significant others' appraisals as predictors of college athletes' self-perceptions of competence.

This study examined the reflected appraisal process with college athletes (N = 325). Specifically, the study tested (a) the relative influence of the reflected appraisals of mothers, fathers, coaches, and teammates (i.e., how athletes perceive these others view their ability) on athletes' self-perceptions of competence, and (b) whether the importance placed on these significant others as sources of competence information moderated the relationship. Based on a factor analysis, composite variables were formed representing the reflected appraisals of the athletes' parents (i.e., father, mother) and the reflected appraisals of sport-others (i.e., coach, teammates). Regression analyses revealed that the reflected appraisals of parents (beta = .21) and sport-others (beta = .55) predicted self-perceptions of competence (p < .05, R2 = .45). Follow-up analyses determined that the reflected appraisal of sport-others was a significantly stronger predictor. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the interaction of reflected appraisals and the importance of significant others did not significantly add to the prediction of self-perceptions of competence (p > .05, deltaR2 = .01) beyond the independent effects of these constructs. Results are discussed in terms of the reflected appraisal process and the influence of significant others on athletes' self-perceptions.