Mossman et al. 2022, Autonomy support in sport: systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 131 independent samples (N = 38,844) examined autonomy support in sport and exercise settings under self-determination theory. Autonomy-supportive coaching was strongly positively associated with athlete wellbeing and autonomous motivation, while controlling coaching showed the opposite pattern — higher distress and lower self-determined motivation. Evidence is strong.