Hypercompetitiveness and Sports
In 1937, Karen Horney identified hypercompetitiveness as a very strong desire to compete and win in order to enhance one's sense of self-worth. Since that time, American society has certainly seen the trend intensify. Sports may represent the quintessential arena for hypercompetitivness in American society.
Hypercompetitiveness and Sports
In 1937, Karen Horney identified hypercompetitiveness as a very strong desire to compete and win in order to enhance one's sense of self-worth. Since that time, American society has certainly seen the trend intensify. Sports may represent the quintessential arena for hypercompetitivness in American society. In fact, in the sports world, to label an athlete as extremely competitive is flattery. Consider the following description of basketball superstar Michael Jordan in
The Official NBA Encyclopedia (3rd
ed.) by Jan Hubbard (published in 2000):
"What launched Jordan to this frontier was a competitive nature that apparently was unprecedented in the world of pro athletics . . . 'He came into camp like a man possessed,' said Steve Kerr, a teammate on three title teams. 'Every practice, every shooting drill was just a huge competition.'" (p. 24)
Clearly, these comments regarding Jordan's competitiveness are not meant to question his self-worth. They are not intended to disparage Jordan at all. Instead, they represent extremely high praise, and an attempt to explain an important component of Jordan's extensive success on the basketball court.
However, if interpreted in terms of Horney's concept of hypercompetitiveness, the remarkable competitive drive of any athletic champion may in fact arise from very low self-worth. According to Horney's theory, an individual with a secure sense of self-worth may enjoy sports and the competition sports allow, but would not be driven to the extremes of hypercompetitiveness because they would not need the win in order to reestablish their sense of self.
Consider what you know about the personal lives of many of the most successful athletes, business leaders, or politicians. Has hypercompetitiveness facilitated their rise to the top of their field? Are there factors in their personal lives that might suggest an underlying poor sense of self-worth?
When we consider cultural variables, such variables as ethnicity, gender, or age typically come to mind. However, it may be possible that a profession or line of work may produce a culture (or subculture) of its own. To what extent is there a "culture" of sports within the United States? If such a culture exists, is hypercompetitiveness a feature of its members, an expectation or norm that may differ from other cultures? Is there a similar culture in business, politics, or other arenas?
Andrew M. Pomerantz, Ph. D.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Critical Thinking Questions:
- How much competitiveness is ideal? What constitutes too much or too little? How might competitiveness best be measured or assessed?
- When an individual is labeled as "hypercompetitive," should the label be interpreted as complimentary or derogatory?
- If you were an employer (or a coach), how would your selection of employees (or athletes) be influenced by their level of self-worth? Specifically, might you prefer people with insecurities about their self-worth because they may be more competitive and therefore more productive?
Web Links:
http://www.karenhorneycenter.org/
A comprehensive website on Karen Horney, including biographical information, training, and treatment.
http://www.psyking.net/id164.htm
A brief biography of Karen Horney, including the development of her theory of hypercompetitiveness.
http://preventdisease.com/news/articles/no_smooth_sailing_in_love_when_mate1.shtml
An interview with Richard Ryckman, author of the Hypercompetitiveness Attitude Scale, regarding his study of romantic relationships with hypercompetitive individuals.
