Goal orientation impacts upon perceived benefits of campus recreation programs.

Abstract

This study examined recreational sports, with a focus on the relationship between goal orientation and involvement and the influence of goal orientation on the social, intellectual, and fitness benefits associated with participation in group fitness, intramural sport, or sport club. A survey instrument, based upon the TEOSQ questionnaire and QIRS benefit scale, was administered to 1,919 students at a post-secondary institution. Results revealed a significant difference in overall benefits between program groups as well as a significant difference in subgroup benefits between all three program groups, with sport clubs reporting the greatest mean in all benefit groups. Ego orientation was found to insignificantly influence benefits, while task orientation was found to have a positive influence on benefits. These results have implications for practitioners in terms of benefit differences suggesting greater emphasis be placed upon sport clubs, and the positive influence of task orientation suggesting the enhancement of task orientation.