Frank Eirik Abrahamsen

Perceived ability and social support as mediators of achievement motivation and performance anxiety.

The present study is founded on achievement goal theory (AGT) and examines the relationship between motivation, social support and performance anxiety with team handball players (n=143) from 10 elite teams. Based on these theories and previous findings, the study has three purposes. First, it was predicted that the female athletes (n=69) would report more performance worries and more social support use than males (n=74). The findings support the hypothesis for anxiety, but not for social support use. However, females report that they felt social support was more available than males. Second, we predicted and found a positive relationship between the interaction of ego orientation and perceptions of a performance climate on performance anxiety, but only for females. As predicted, perceived ability mediated this relationship. Finally, we predicted that perceptions of a performance climate were related to the view that social support was less available especially for the male athletes. Simple correlation supports this prediction, but the regression analyses did not reach significance. Thus, we could not test for mediation of social support between motivational variables and anxiety. The results illustrate that fostering a mastery climate helps elite athletes tackle competitive pressure.

An examination of the factorial structure of the Norwegian version of the sport anxiety scale

The purpose of the present research was to develop and validate a Norwegian version of the sport anxiety scale (SAS‐N), a multidimensional sport performance trait anxiety inventory. The SAS consists of three unique dimensions measuring somatic anxiety, worry and concentration disruption, respectively. The translation–back translation method was used in development of the SAS‐N, and athletes from different sports in Norway (N=282) participated in the study. The findings are similar to those of the English original, and lend support for the use of this instrument with Norwegian athlete subjects.

Potentials and Pitfalls: Short-Term Involvement versus Long-Term Involvement in Sport Psychology with Olympic and Paralympic Athletes

In some occasions, sport psychologists have a long time to prepare their athletes before important competitions. In other instances, the time to work with mental skills might be short. This article shares some of the experiences that two sport psychologists had during their work with Olympic and Paralympic athletes before and during the Olympic Games (2010) in Vancouver, Canada. In particular, the authors will share some of the potentials and pitfalls that both long- and short-term involvement by the sport psychologist might instigate. In short, there are both negative and positive aspects of having a long or short time during the preparation phase. However, we highlight that we prefer to work with athletes over several seasons, because the sport psychologist then has time to see the athletes in action and to help the athletes develop the necessary skills before important competitions.

To Be the Eye Within the Storm, I Am Challenged Not Stressed

Via the lens of Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (Ursin & Eriksen, 2004) we explored the stress experience in seven Olympic Norway coaches. We present elements that impact their stress experience. The phenomenological analysis of the semistructured interviews helped us identify that their expectancy to cope with the situational demands and specific defense mechanisms filtered the evaluation of stressors that were interpreted as manageable challenges. To nurture these 2 filters, the coaches used their confidence and engaged in systematic reflection and learning. These findings are related to the existing literature, practical applications, limitations, and future research.