Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study explores the significant impact of expressive ties (EI) between DanceSport couples on their competitive performance (CP). Utilizing a dyadic approach, we examined the performance achievement processes of DanceSport couples in relation to their EI. METHODS: Participants comprised 67 dyads of Chinese elite dancers aged between 16 and 30 years. The dyadic analysis was carried out using a structural equation model based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. RESULTS: With regard to actor effects, both male (β = 0.292, p = 0.012) and female (β = 0.443, p < 0.001) dancers' perceived quality of EI had a positive correlation with CP. The males' athlete engagement (AE) partially mediated the impact of EI on CP [indirect effect = 0.144, SE = 0.072, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.020, 0.283]. Regarding partner effects, females' perceived EI quality positively influenced the male's CP (β = 0.26, p = 0.023) and mediated this association through the male's AE [indirect effect = 0.086, SE = 0.041, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.003, 0.149]. Similarly, the females' AE mediated the effect of males' perceived EI quality on the females' CP [indirect effect = 0.152, SE = 0.074, 95% confidence intervals (CI) =0.002, 0.256]. CONCLUSION: We not only validated the propositions of the self-determination theory but also provided valuable insights to further enrich it. Our findings underscore that self-determination theory must account for individual gender characteristics.