In Self-Determination Theory, which of the following best describes relatedness in a sport setting?

• A. Feeling connected, cared for, and part of a team.
• B. Feeling autonomous and in control of training.
• C. Feeling isolated during practice.
• D. Feeling motivated exclusively by external rewards.

Answer: (B)

Relatedness in sport means feeling connected to others, cared for, and belonging to the team. This social bond is a core part of the team climate: when players feel supported and valued by teammates and coaches, trust and cooperation grow, and motivation and persistence improve. So the description that best captures relatedness is the one that emphasizes being connected, cared for, and part of a team. The other ideas mix in autonomy (feeling in control), isolation (being alone), or external rewards (motivation driven by payoff), which are different needs or states and don’t describe the sense of belonging and social connection that relatedness is about.