THE AUTOGENIC TRAINING: A COMPLEMENTARY METHOD OF TRAINING JUNIOR WRESTLERS.

The current study explores the mechanism by which the physiological changes that occur in junior wrestlers during the trainings and competitions can be controlled and directed toward a decrease of tension at the somatic level. In particular, the aim of the study is to investigate the usefulness of the autogenic training in modifying the neurovegetative balance and in improving the coping mechanisms, the self-efficacy and the positive posttraining emotions. In order to test the research model, we analyzed data collected from junior wrestlers (N=12) and other categories of adolescents (judo group, N=12 and adolescents from the school population, N=13). The results prove the positive influence of the autogenic training in the development of junior wrestlers and show that they are involved in the decision to generate psychological changes both with competitive effects and in everyday life. In conclusion, changes between the pretest and the posttest occur in the case of the group of junior wrestlers who were taught autogenic training to improve competitive performance. We see an increase in the frequency of positive emotions and self-efficacy and a decrease in negative emotions and aggressiveness. Hostility as a cognitive variable has a declining trend, as well as the refrain from action as a coping mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]