Lovett, D. M. (2013). The motivational factors of the female triathlete. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 2158.

This study explored the motivational factors of triathletes to better understand potential gender differences that affect triathlon participation. The 56-item MOTS (Motives of Triathletes Scale—a modified version of the Motives of Marathoners Scale) was sent to 799 participants in three different triathlons in the South. The response rate was of 20.7% (N = 165).

There were significant gender differences with females being higher in Motives of Affiliation, Life Meaning, and Personal Goal Achievement. Additionally, an interaction between age and gender was discovered which indicated that self-esteem motives differed according to age and gender. A test of simple main effects revealed that females in their 40s had greater Self-esteem scores than males in their 40s.

Implication. Some aspects of the motivation to participate in triathlons differ significantly between genders.

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