Source Article Details

APA Citation:   Iso-Ahola,-S; LaVerde,-D; Graefe,-A.-R. (1989). Perceived Competence as a Mediator of the Relationship Between High Risk Sports Participation and Self-Esteem. JOURNAL-OF-LEISURE-RESEARCH 21(1).

Abstract:
Conducts a field study of rock climbers at Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, to determine the relationship between general perceived competence, specific perceived competence, and self-esteem. Asks subjects (n=95 pre-trip climbers, 64 post-trip climbers, and 23 members of a climbing club) to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit measures of self-esteem (Rosenberg's (1965) Self-Esteem Scale), general climb perceived competence (four questions concerning ratings of climbing ability), specific climb perceived competence (five questions concerning feelings about the day's climbs), and other information concerning experience and subjects' demographic characteristics. Finds that neither general perceived competence, number of climbing trips per year, nor experience influenced self-esteem, but that the perceived competence with the day's climbs increased self-esteem significantly. Suggests that sport and recreation programs should be planned so that they facilitate acquisition of new skills, or advancement to a higher level of skill in a familiar activity.

Keywords:   MOUNTAINEERING-; PERCEPTION-; SELF-ESTEEM; RISK-TAKING; SKILL-; UNITED-STATES