J. Paige Pope

Homeostasis balance, homeostasis imbalance or distinct motivational processes? Comments on Marks (2015) ‘Homeostatic Theory of Obesity’:

In his article, ‘Homeostatic theory of obesity’, Marks suggested that imbalances in homeostatic processes could explain weight gain and obesity. He proposes that over-consumption of high-caloric, low-nutrient and low satiating foods, combined with a stressful environment, is the origin of weight gain. Once weight gain occurs, individuals may develop body dissatisfaction and negative affect, leading to continued over-consumption, which sets in motion a system of feedback loops that leads to a Circle of Discontent and further weight gain. In this article, we attempt to clarify certain problematic aspects of Marks framework and identify specific directions that researchers should pursue to address these shortcomings.

Cognitive General Imagery: The Forgotten Imagery Function?

Abstract It is well known that athletes use mental imagery for five different functions; motivational general-arousal (MG-A; arousal and stress) motivational general-mastery (MG-M; control, mental toughness, and self-confidence), motivational specific (MS; goal-oriented responses), cognitive general (CG; sport-specific strategies), and cognitive specific (CS; sport-specific skills; Hall et al., 1998; Paivio, 1985). While much research has been conducted on the MG-A, MG-M, MS, and CS imagery functions, there has not been as much focus on CG imagery. This is somewhat disheartening since various researchers have pointed out this issue many times (e.g., Hall, 2001). The purpose of this review was to examine the research conducted on CG imagery since the publication of Martin and colleagues’ (1999) applied model of imagery use. A literature search was conducted of published peer-reviewed journal articles using Proquest to identify all studies that have examined CG imagery. Forty-three articles were identified as relevant towards understanding the role of CG imagery in sport. The research findings were discussed in one of two sections depending on the type of study design used (e.g., descriptive/correlational study or imagery intervention). The strengths and weaknesses of the CG imagery studies are discussed. From this review, the authors hope to make researchers aware of the avenues that still need to be explored in regards to CG imagery, as well as provide researchers with potential approaches to answer such questions.

Further Validation of the Coach Identity Prominence Scale

This study was designed to examine select psychometric properties of the Coach Identity Prominence Scale (CIPS), including the reliability, factorial validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and predictive validity. Coaches (N = 338) who averaged 37 (SD = 12.27) years of age, had a mean of 13 (SD = 9.90) years of coaching experience, and were currently coaching 46 different sports, served as the participants in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire that included four sections: Demographics, identity prominence (CIPS; Pope & Hall, 2014), motivation (Coach Motivation Questionnaire [CMQ]; McLean, Mallet, & Newcombe, 2012), and passion (The Passion Scale; Vallerand et al., 2003). The findings provided support for the various types of reliability and validity tested in the present study, with only partial support for discriminant validity. The CIPS may therefore serve as a viable option for researchers interested in further understanding the identity or psychological processes of coach.

How Do Coaches Identify With Their Role as a Coach? Exploring Coach Identity Through a Role Identity Theory Lens

This study was designed to explore the coach identity through the meanings and prominence ascribed to the coaching role from a role identity theory perspective (McCall & Simmons, 1978). Participants (n = 8), ranging in age from 22 to 61 years old, reported coaching on average about 19 years and primarily coached university- to national-level athletes. Results from the semistructured interview with the participants yielded a thematic tree that consisted of two higher-order themes (coach meanings and coach identity prominence). Coach meaning was refined into three categories: coaching behavioral expectations, coaching characteristics, and ultimate coaching purposes. Coach identity prominence was composed of two categories: coaching centrality/importance and coaching emotions. There were 21 lower-order themes that were associated with these categories. Results from this study provided initial support for the conceptualizations put forth by role identity theorists, and offered initial insight for (a) the development of identity-based coaching scales, and (b) examination of the coach identity nomological network.