Patterns of Change in Psychological Variables Leading up to Competition in Superior Versus Inferior Performers.
The study explored patterns of change in a number of potentially performance-related variables (i.e., fatigue, social support, self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, mental skills) during the lead-up to a competitive triathlon, and whether these patterns of change differed for relatively superior versus inferior performers. Forty-two triathletes completed an inventory measuring the study variables every other day during a 2-week period leading up to competition. Performance was assessed using participants' race time, and using a self-referenced relative score compared with personal best times. Multilevel growth curve analyses revealed significant differences in growth trajectories over the 2-week period in mental skills use, social support, and fatigue. The results provide novel insight into how athletes' fluctuating psychological state in the 2 weeks before competition may be crucial in determining performance.
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK.
Ruth
R
Boat
Ian M
IM
Taylor
D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000523:psychology*; D001642:Bicycling / Q000523:psychology; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012420:Running / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013550:Swimming / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult