DIFFERENTIAL MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS

The importance of social cohesion and affiliation in women's teams

Research in sports psychology suggests that there are nuances in motivational profiles according to gender, although there is always individual variability.

While in men motivation tends to be more oriented towards direct competitiveness and demonstration of status, in women, social cohesion and a sense of affiliation play a more determinant role in adherence and enjoyment.

The relational component is often the driving force that sustains the effort. Let's imagine a youth women's handball team.

For these players, the time in the locker room before and after practice, where they share experiences and strengthen bonds, can be as valuable as the game itself.

If a coach focuses the season exclusively on winning the league, neglecting social dynamics or creating toxic internal rivalries, group motivation is likely to wane.

Conversely, if he or she encourages activities that bring the group together off the court, commitment to athletic performance will increase as a result of wanting to "fight for teammates."

Dropout rates among adolescent females

Despite progress, statistics show a worrying drop in female sports practice as they reach adolescence, with dropout rates significantly higher than their male peers.

Factors such as body image, lack of time due to academic demands and the perception that sport is "not feminine" or does not fit with their emerging social identity contribute to this phenomenon.

A typical case would be a group of 15-year-old girls who drop out of their volleyball team because practices coincide with their new social priorities or because they feel judged for their physical appearance when wearing a sports uniform.

In addition, if their peer environment does not value the sport, the pressure to fit in socially can lead them to drop out of physical activity.

To combat this, it is crucial to create environments that celebrate physical competence and strength as positive attributes, decoupling them fr