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Purpose: Study on the effect of psychological skills training on self-esteem (SE) in young athletes. Method: 10 swimmers and 35 volleyball players, split into an intervention group (25) and a control group (18). The intervention entailed a 3-week psychological skills training program covering arousal management, breathing, relaxation, mental imagery, and self-talk. Multilevel growth curve analyses evaluated SE changes. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in multiple SE dimensions—physical self-worth, fitness, athletic competence, strength, and body attractiveness but not general SE. Conclusions: This study provides initial evidence of a multimodal psychological skills training's effectiveness in enhancing young athletes' domain-specific SE. It highlights the role of domain-specific SE in young athletes' well-being. Future research should examine psychological and physiological correlations and assess the long-term SE development in adolescent athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the motivation scale towards health-oriented physical activity (EMAPS) in the Spanish Population. A sample of 808 participants (Mage = 33.90; SD = 12.91; 366 men and 440 women), participated to ensure the structural, methodological, and external correlates of EMAPS scale validation. Results of the structural stage of analyses confirmed 6 dimensions of EMAPS (i.e., intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation and amotivation). In conclusion, results provided evidence for the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the EMAPS scores. Thus, this instrument may serve to provide a measure of the motivation towards health-oriented physical activity purposes in the Spanish population., Author(s): Higinio González-García [sup.1] , Guillaume Martinent [sup.2] , Marta Vega-Díaz [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) https://ror.org/029gnnp81, grid.13825.3d, 0000 0004 0458 0356, TECNODEF Research Group, Faculty of Education, Universidad Internacional de [...]

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) identify attentional foci (AF) and coping strategies used by young fencers during matches and (b) explore the links between these variables using a grounded-theory approach. Using a naturalistic qualitative video-assisted approach, analyses revealed the emergence of five categories of AF (movements and techniques, strategies and tactics, situation evaluation, states, and extraneous attention) and six categories of coping strategies (mastery coping, internal regulation, goal-withdrawal strategies, behavioral regulation, no regulation, and automatic regulation). The grounded theory highlighted that pleasant emotional experiences tended to be related to mastery coping, which in turn favored the orientation of the attention toward AF that appeared to be most effective in winning points (i.e., opponent, distance, plan). Conversely, unpleasant emotional experiences were consistently associated with goal-withdrawal strategies (or no regulation), which generally led to a lack of AF and lower performance. Intervention suggestions are made in relation to the results of the proposed grounded theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although relative age effects in sports have been studied worldwide, the underlying mechanisms are still under debate. This study adds to the existing knowledge by providing a further exploration of the within-year and between-year effects and their possible interaction in an individual skill/technique based sport: table tennis. Data of male and female elite players across ages (U15, U18, U21, and senior) were collected from the ranking lists in international (world and Europe) and national contexts (France and the Netherlands). A multi-way frequency analysis per subsample revealed (1) no interaction effects; (2) significant within-year and between-year effects for the U15 players in the international context and male French players; (3) a significant within-year effect in the French U18 category; (4) a significant within-year effect in female European U21; and (5) no within-year effects in the senior category. Table tennis seems to be at risk for within-year and between-year effects specifically within the context of high competitive level for younger players (U15, males, and females), but not for interactions between these effects. Future research should reveal the development of the RAEs over time in a longitudinal study, evaluate influencing constraints, and innovative prevention solutions in a more comprehensive way.

ObjectivesDesignMethodResultsConclusionsThis study explored whether several subgroups of athletes representing distinct trajectories of intensity and direction of pleasant and unpleasant emotions (anger, anxiety, dejection, excitement, and happiness) could be shown to exist within the latent growth analysis (LCGA). A secondary objective was to examine whether athletes belonging to distinct trajectories of intensity and direction of emotions reported distinct scores of adaptive defense mechanisms (ADM) and maladaptive defense mechanisms (MDM).A longitudinal four-wave measurement design was used in the present study.380 athletes completed the sports emotion questionnaire direction across four measurement times and the defense style questionnaire at the beginning of the season.Results of LCGAs revealed several distinct emotional trajectories for each emotion intensity and emotion direction. Moreover, athletes belonging to distinct (adaptive or maladaptive) trajectories reported significantly different scores of ADM and MDM. Higher scores of ADM were reported by athletes belonging to adaptive trajectories of the direction of emotions.Sports psychologists should try to promote ADM and defensive flexibility to help athletes perceive their emotions as facilitative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of online emotional competencies (EC) training, and more specifically the relationships between adherence, confidence, and alliance and the effects of mental training on EC. A longitudinal four-wave measurement design (pre-intervention, post-knowledge development, post-abilities development, and post-disposition phase) was used in the present study. An experimental group (n = 20) received a specific EC training intervention, whereas the control group (n = 20) did not receive this intervention program. These two groups completed self-report questionnaires assessing emotional regulation and EC across four measurement times. Participants of the intervention group also completed a questionnaire measuring the adherence, confidence, alliance between practitioner and athlete. Results of repeated measure ANOVAs showed that the level of EC increased significantly in the intervention group but not in the control group. Moreover, correlation analyses highlighted significant relationships between the scores of adherence, confidence, alliance between the practitioner and the tennis player, and the scores difference of EC between before and after intervention. These outcomes suggest the possibility of improving EC with an online intervention. The online device did not affect the quality of the alliance between the practitioner and the intervention participant. Furthermore, the results showed that a high level of alliance, confidence, and adherence was associated with an improvement in emotional intelligence. This online program would serve psychologists and mental trainers to use an intervention to develop EC adapted to the constraints of the localisation of athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is aimed to explore the relationship between coach-athlete relationship, precompetitive coping and affective states, satisfaction and attainment of achievement goals. A sample of 567 French athletes (Mage = 22.10; SD = 5.66; 377 men and 190 women) involved in 75 training groups participated in the study and completed a series of self-report measures in a temporal design with three measure points. Results of multilevel analyses revealed that the coach-athlete dyad (level 2; between-person level of analysis or training groups) and task-oriented coping (level 1; within person level of analysis or individuals) significantly predicted goal attainment (level 1). Moreover, the results of the Sobel test revealed that task-oriented coping (level 1) marginally mediated the relationship between coach-athlete dyad (level 2) and sport satisfaction (level 1). Besides, the coach-athlete dyad (level 1) and Intensity of positive affect (PA) mediated the relationship between coach-athlete dyad and goal attainment. Finally, the coach-athlete dyad (level 1) and Intensity of PA mediated the relationship between coach-athlete dyad and satisfaction (level 1). In conclusion, the display of Coach-Athlete relationship strategies may enhance higher levels of precompetitive task-oriented coping, intensity of PA, goal attainment and satisfaction. Subsequently, coaches and practitioners should focus their training on enhancing coach-athlete relationship as a crucial part of training in order to perform in competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify group cohesion profiles in athletes and examine whether athletes from distinct profiles significantly differed in affects and coping in competition. A total of 296 competitive athletes participated in the study and completed a series of self-report questionnaires in a temporal design with different measurement points. The athletes completed the questionnaires 2 days before competition, 2 h prior to competition and 2 h after competition. Results from latent profile analysis (LPA) model revealed that three profiles were the most suitable solution: (a) Low group cohesion profile, (b) a mixed group cohesion profile and (c) a high cohesion profile. In particular, (c) athletes from the high group cohesion profile revealed lower scores in intensity of negative affects after the competition, lower precompetitive relaxation, lower precompetitive mental distancing, lower precompetitive mental distraction, lower intracompetitive relaxation, lower intracompetitive logical analysis, lower intracompetitive mental distancing, lower intracompetitive mental distraction and lower intracompetitive disengagement. As a whole, the (b) mixed group cohesion profile revealed the worst combination of the three profiles in terms of coping strategies, which may be a profile at risk of not performing in competition. Thus, it is necessary to understand group cohesion as a multivariate experience for a better comprehension of this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to explore whether a multidimensional profiling approach can be useful in predicting a table tennis player's actual and future (one year later) performance. Data on anthropometrics, age from peak height velocity, motor-skills, psychological skills and training histories were gathered among Scottish elite youth male table tennis players (n = 14). Significant correlations emerged between: (a) actual performance rating and age from peak height velocity (r = 0.71), sprint test (r = -0.69), number of years of practice (r = 0.84), positive refocusing (r = -0.58), and self-regulation in learning -- self-monitoring (r = -0.60), and evaluation (r = 0.57); (b) performance rating one year later and positive refocusing (r = -0.58), self-monitoring (r = -0.50), and number of years of practice (r = 0.80). Results also showed significant correlations between progression scores (2017 rating score minus 2016 rating score) and age from peak height velocity (r = -0.77), sprint test (r = 0.63), number of years of practice (r = -0.52), self-monitoring (r = 0.69), and evaluation (r = -0.58). These results provided preliminary evidence for the usefulness of a multidimensional profiling approach for predicting performance and progression in youth table tennis players.

The study aimed to identify coach behavior profiles and explore whether athletes from distinct profiles significantly differed on coping and affects experienced within 2 hr before the competition and during the competition (measuring them 2 hr after the competition). A sample of 306 French athletes (Mage = 22.24; SD = 4.91; 194 men and 112 women) participated in the study. The results revealed the emergence of two profiles: (a) a coaching engaged profile that stands out for moderate physical training and planning, technical skills, mental preparation, goal setting, competition strategies, personal rapport, and moderate negative personal rapport; and (b) a less engaged coaching profile with low physical training and planning, technical skills, mental preparation, goal setting, competition strategies, personal rapport, and moderate negative personal rapport. Memberships of coach behavior profiles were not confounded by athletes' practice experience, athlete's gender, and coach experience. Results of latent profile analyses with Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem method (BCH) method revealed that coping and affective states significantly differed across the coach behavior profiles. As a whole, the less engaged coaching profile engenders the worst outcomes in competition. In conclusion, the detection of less adaptive coaching profiles would be crucial to prevent negative outcomes in athletes during the competition. This might be using intervention programs adapted to the peculiarities of athletes from a particular coach behavior profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cognitive-motivational-relational theory (CMRT) emphasizes that cognitive appraisal components and core relational themes (in which the 6 separate appraisal judgments are brought together as 1) are the proximal determinants of athletes' emotions. This study aimed to explore appraisals associated with discrete emotions experienced by athletes during competition by adopting a naturalistic, qualitative video-assisted approach. Method: Thirty self-confrontation interviews were conducted with 11 national table-tennis players. Qualitative inductive and deductive content analyses were conducted on the participants' transcripts. Results: Content analyses suggested that primary and secondary appraisal components (goal relevance, goal congruence, ego involvement, blame or credit, coping potential, and future expectations) were associated with a range of positive and negative discrete emotions: self-, other-, and environmental-oriented anger, anxiety, discouragement, disappointment, disgust, joy, serenity, relief, hope, and pride. Hierarchical content analyses also provided some support for the concept of core relational themes. Conclusion: Findings of the present study are consistent with a CMRT approach and highlight that primary and secondary appraisals as well as core relational themes are associated with discrete emotions experienced by athletes while competing. Limitations and practical applications of this study are discussed.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the influence of the mental toughness (MT) trait on resilience, cognitive appraisals and perceived performance states and (2) to explore dynamic relationships between these states among soccer goalkeepers during a competitive season. Thirty-six soccer goalkeepers from regional to professional levels first voluntarily completed a questionnaire measuring their mental toughness. Subsequently, a single-item approach was used to assess resilience, cognitive appraisals (threat, loss, challenge and benefit) and subjective performance every 2 weeks for 4 months. Results of multilevel analyses showed that mental toughness significantly and positively predicted resilience, which significantly and positively predicted benefit appraisal and negatively predicted threat appraisal. Moreover, subjective performance was significantly and positively predicted by benefit appraisal. Our results also revealed the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between mental toughness and appraisals (threat and benefit) as well as the mediating role of benefit appraisal in the relationship between resilience and subjective performance. Practical applications are proposed to optimize the daily experiences of goalkeepers, such as creating a supportive climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal evolution of the quality of the coach-athlete relationship (CAR), in terms of athletes' perceptions of commitment, closeness, and complementarity, over a 1-season period. More precisely, the intra-individual temporal dynamic of the quality of the CAR was explored in three complementary ways: (1) mean change in the whole sample, (2) inter-individual differences between athletes, and (3) intra-individual stability and/or change of CAR profiles. Method. Eighty handball players (Mage = 16.15; 78% boys) involved in intensive training centres completed a measure of the quality of the CAR across three time points (beginning, middle, and ending of the season). Data were analysed using latent class growth and latent profile transition analyses. Results. Latent class growth analyses indicated that athletes' perceptions of closeness and complementarity linearly decrease – on average – over the season, whereas those of commitment decreases in a quadratic way (U-shape). In addition, results revealed three distinctive athletes' trajectories for closeness and complementarity, and four for commitment, suggesting inter-individual differences in the intra-individual evolution of the perceived quality of the CAR. Finally, latent profile transition analyses highlighted the existence of four distinct CAR profiles, and revealed that most athletes displayed the same profile over the season, but some of them changed their profile over time. Conclusion. As a whole, these results highlighted the dynamic aspect of athletes' perceived quality of the CAR, suggesting that this relationship is likely to evolve in different ways over a season in intensive training context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to design and evaluate an emotional intelligence (EI) training program for adolescents involved in intensive sport training centers. A total of 31 young elite table-tennis players received EI training through six sessions and a recall period across a competitive season. The athletes completed (1) a self-reported questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the program to assess intra-individual and inter-individual EI; and (2) a logbook twice a month during a period of 6 months including emotion regulation strategies (ERS), cognitive appraisals, and discrete emotions. The results highlighted an increased level of intra-individual EI, especially for understanding and regulation dimensions. Moreover, multilevel growth curve analyses (MGCAs) revealed adaptive changes for the reported levels of acceptance, refocus on planning, positive reappraisal, average less-adaptive ERS, self-blame, and catastrophizing strategies. These findings support a beneficial effect of the program on ERS. However, the analyses revealed limited results for discrete emotions. Finally, MGCAs also revealed adaptive trajectories in the scores of cognitive appraisals and thus provided further evidence of the benefits of the EI program on threat, challenge, and loss levels. In sum, this interventional study adds to a growing body of EI literature by proposing a theoretically based intervention for adolescents involved in a competitive and emotionally demanding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]