Personality Traits and Motivation in Handball: Nonconformism and Self-Confidence as Determinants of Achievement Motivation

This article analyzes the personality traits and achievement motivation of handball players from a personological perspective. The aim of the research in the paper was to determine the relationship between nonconformity, self-confidence and achievement motivation in a group of handball players. The study was conducted on a group of 107 professional handball players, including 54 women and 53 men, aged 18–40 (M = 20.22; SD = 3.56). The study used The Creative Behavior Questionnaire KANH III, the Trait Sport Confidence Inventory TSCI-PL and the Achievement Motivation Inventory LMI-K. Statistical analysis allows for the following conclusions: there is a relationship between nonconformity, self-confidence, and achievement motivation. It was also demonstrated that low nonconformity is a predictor of high achievement motivation. It was also found that low personality nonconformity negatively correlates with self-confidence and achievement motivation in handball players. The research results can be used both in the selection of handball teams and to guide the development of the psychological potential of male and female players in this sport.