The Effects of Exercise Commitment and Social Support on Exercise Adherence and Dropout Intention among Elite Winter Sports Athletes Kim, Jong-Min Advisor : Prof. Kim, Ok-ju Ph. D. Department of Physical Education, Graduate School of Chosun University...
The Effects of Exercise Commitment and Social Support on Exercise Adherence and Dropout Intention among Elite Winter Sports Athletes Kim, Jong-Min Advisor : Prof. Kim, Ok-ju Ph. D. Department of Physical Education, Graduate School of Chosun University The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sport commitment and social support on exercise adherence and dropout intention among elite winter sports athletes and to provide fundamental data for improving athletic performance and establishing athlete management policies. To achieve the purpose of this study, participants were selected using the convenience sampling method from elite winter sports athletes training at ski resorts, ice rinks, and other winter sports training facilities throughout Korea. The participants consisted of athletes competing in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, short-track speed skating, figure skating, and speed skating. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed, and after excluding 24 questionnaires with incomplete or unreliable responses, 276 questionnaires were used for the final analysis. Frequency analysis was conducted to identify the demographic characteristics of the participants. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's were performed to verify the validity and reliability of the measurement instruments. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to examine the relationships among sport commitment, social support, exercise adherence, and dropout intention. First, significant differences were found in some sub-factors of sport commitment, social support, exercise adherence, and dropout intention according to demographic characteristics, including gender, educational level, athletic career, weekly training frequency, and training duration per session. Second, sport commitment had a positive effect on social support. Athletes with higher levels of cognitive and behavioral commitment perceived greater support from parents, coaches, and peers. Third, sport commitment positively influenced exercise adherence. Higher levels of sport commitment were associated with stronger tendencies, possibilities, and reinforcement of exercise adherence. Fourth, sport commitment negatively affected dropout intention. Athletes with higher levels of sport commitment showed lower intentions to discontinue athletic participation. Fifth, social support had a positive effect on exercise adherence. In particular, support from parents, coaches, and peers played an important role in promoting and maintaining continuous athletic participation. Sixth, social support negatively influenced dropout intention. Athletes who perceived higher levels of social support reported lower intentions to discontinue their athletic careers. In conclusion, sport commitment and social support were identified as significant factors that positively influenced exercise adherence while negatively influencing dropout intention among elite winter sports athletes. Therefore, enhancing athletes' sport commitment and strengthening social support systems provided by significant others, including parents, coaches, and peers, are essential for maintaining athletic careers and preventing dropout. Furthermore, establishing systematic athlete management and psychological support systems that promote emotional stability and continuous training participation is expected to contribute to improved athletic performance and long-term athletic career development.