Improving Silat Athletes’ Motivation and Performance Through A Motivation Program (Meningkatkan Motivasi dan Prestasi Atlet Silat melalui Program Motivasi)

Abstract

Motivation is a critical determinant of athletic performance, particularly in traditional martial arts like Silat, which demands a blend of physical strength, mental toughness, and cultural connection. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured motivation program on the psychological and performance outcomes of UKM Silat athletes. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, comparing pre- and post-intervention scores between an experimental group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). Data were collected using the Sport Motivation Scale-6 (SMS 6) and the Athlete’s Subjective Performance Scale (ASPS) through structured questionnaires administered via Google Forms. The data were analysed using paired and independent samples t-tests. The findings revealed a significant increase in motivation scores for the experimental group, with a mean improvement from 47.50 to 110.00 (t=-90.951, p<.001). Similarly, performance scores showed a substantial enhancement, with the experimental group achieving a mean post-intervention score of 55.80 compared to 42.20 in the control group (t=-64.23, p<.001). The study concludes that the motivation program was highly effective in enhancing both motivation and performance among Silat athletes. These results underscore the importance of integrating culturally relevant psychological interventions into athletic training, offering practical implications for coaches and sports psychologists working in similar contexts.