What can lower an athlete's motivation according to peer influence?

Negative peer interactions can significantly lower an athlete's motivation due to the psychological impact that peers have on each other's experiences and feelings. When athletes encounter negativity from their peers—such as criticism, hostility, exclusion, or bullying—it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, and decreased self-worth. This hostile environment can create anxiety and stress, detracting from the athletes' enjoyment of the sport and their overall performance.

In contrast, supportive teammates can boost confidence and motivation, encouragement from coaches fosters a positive environment conducive to improvement, and high self-esteem generally promotes resilience against negative influences. Therefore, negative interactions among peers are particularly detrimental because they can create a toxic atmosphere that undermines an athlete’s drive and passion for their sport.