The effect of achievement goals on enjoyment, effort, satisfaction and performance

This study examined the effect of achievement goals and achievement emotions on sport satisfaction, performance and effort among competitive athletes. Participants were 200 athletes. Structural equation modeling was used to test the indirect effect of mastery‐approach goals on satisfaction with sport experience and performance, the direct effect of mastery‐approach goals on enjoyment and effort, the direct effect of performance‐approach and performance‐avoidance goals on performance, and the direct effect of mastery‐avoidance goals on effort. Results showed a positive direct effect of mastery‐approach goals on enjoyment and an indirect effect, through enjoyment, on satisfaction, performance, and effort. We did not find support for the hypothesized effect of performance‐approach or performance‐avoidance goals on performance. The applied implications of endorsing mastery‐approach goals are discussed.