AUTHOR=Zhu Yuanjiao , Zhang Weipeng , Liu Hao , Song Huitao 

TITLE=The structural relationship between achievement goal orientation and perceived performance among swimmers: a chain multiple mediation model

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1536743

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1536743

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=BackgroundAchievement goal orientation (AGO) has been identified as an important determinant of Perceived Performance (PP) in athletes. However, there is limited research analyzing this relationship through multiple mediation models.MethodsIn this study, data from 377 competitive swimmers (45.1% female, 54.9% male, aged 18–22 years old) from Tianjin and Beijing universities were collected through questionnaires, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationship between AGO, Sports Enthusiasm (SE), Sports Commitment (SC), and Grit and PP.ResultsAGO significantly elevated PP (β = 0.116, p ≤ 0.001), explaining 76.6% of the total effect of AGO on PP through the chain-mediated effects of SE (β = 0.472, p ≤ 0.001), SC (β = 0.448, p ≤ 0.001) and Grit (β = 0.165, p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionThe chain mediation model of this study suggests that AGO enhances swimmers ‘PP through SE, SC, and Grit, guiding coaches’ goal setting, swimmers ‘progress tracking, and psychologists’ reassessment strategies.