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Predicting Head Coaching Intentions of Male and Female Assistant Coaches: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

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Abstract

The specific aims of this study were twofold. First, we sought to apply the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, I. (2002). Construction of a standardized questionnaire for the Theory of Planned Behavior. Unpublished manuscript. [online]. Retrieved from http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~aizen/) to head coaching intentions among assistant coaches of women’s teams. We also aimed to establish the most important behavioral, normative, and control beliefs specific to male and female coaches’ head coaching intentions. We developed and validated a questionnaire to collect data through mailed surveys (n = 710, women = 466, men = 244). Findings supported the efficacy of the theory of planned behavior as a predictor of head coaching intentions in both men and women. Further, gender differences were noted on intentions, attitudes, and subjective norms; women coaches had lower scores than men on each. Finally, a few significant semi-partial correlations between the specific belief-based indicators and intentions were noted, and these did indicate relationships that distinguished the men from the women.

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Acknowledgment

This research was funded by a seed grant from the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

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Correspondence to Michael Sagas.

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Sagas, M., Cunningham, G.B. & Pastore, D. Predicting Head Coaching Intentions of Male and Female Assistant Coaches: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Sex Roles 54, 695–705 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-006-9035-x

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