Objective: This research analyzes the direct and indirect relationships among self-motivation, perceived competition and psychological well-being and ill-being.
Material and methods: Data from 491 Spanish college students (299 men and 192 women) who practice sports were collected using a cross-sectional design. Statistical analyses were carried out using structural equation modeling.
Results: Psychological well-being was directly fostered by perceived competition and indirectly by self- motivation. Furthermore, perceived competition was negatively associated with psychological ill-being.
Conclusions: Perceived competition and self-motivation are important to the psychological well-being of college students and to avoiding ill-being.