Factors Influencing Sport Persistence Along the Socio-Ecological Model-A Presentation of Sport Persistence Models Based on the Findings of a Representative Hungarian Sample.

Background/Objectives: Sport persistence, defined as an athlete's behavioural commitment to sport, is influenced by various psychological, social, and environmental factors. This study examines sport persistence using an ecological framework, incorporating Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model and Bauman's multi-level physical activity model. It aims to identify the key determinants of sport persistence among Hungarian athletes and differentiate the influencing factors for competitive and recreational athletes. Methods: The study analysed data from 1105 Hungarian (518 male, 557 female) secondary (n = 478) and university (n = 626) students who pursued competitive (n = 533) or recreational (n = 572) sports. A structured questionnaire assessed socio-demographic factors, sport-specific variables, psychological characteristics, and environmental influences. Statistical analyses were applied to identify predictors of sport persistence. Results: For competitive athletes, persistence was most strongly predicted by goal orientation (β = 0.322; p < 0.001), win orientation (β = 0.156; p = 0.001), resilience (β = 0.161; p < 0.001), and training frequency (β = 0.122; p = 0.017). In contrast, recreational athletes' persistence was linked to task orientation (β = 0.092; p = 0.013), well-being (β = 0.092; p = 0.008), and social support (β = 0.084; p = 0.006). The father's employment status had a positive effect on persistence, while broader socio-demographic factors were more relevant for recreational athletes. The role of micro-, exo-, and macro-system factors, such as peer or teacher support and sport infrastructure, was found to be limited in influencing persistence levels. Conclusions: Sport persistence is primarily driven by individual psychological factors rather than broader ecological influences. Competitive athletes show persistence through performance-oriented traits, while recreational athletes rely more on well-being and motivation. These findings suggest that tailored interventions could enhance sport persistence and performance.