Ross Hall

Self-confidence and anxiety interpretation: A qualitative investigation

Abstract Objectives: To examine performers’ retrospective explanations for the relationship between self-confidence, competitive anxiety intensity, and symptom interpretation toward performance. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 elite performers to determine how self-confidence levels influenced the perceived effects of pre-competitive anxiety intensity and identify the confidence management strategies used to protect symptom interpretation. Results: Two causal networks were identified, showing self-confidence to influence the relationship between competitive anxiety intensity and symptom interpretation. In the absence of self-confidence, increases in competitive anxiety intensity were perceived as outside of the performers’ control and debilitating to performance. Under conditions of high self-confidence, increases in symptoms were reported to lead to positive perceptions of control and facilitative interpretations. To protect against debilitating interpretations of competitive anxiety, performers reported the use of cognitive confidence management strategies including mental rehearsal, thought stopping, and positive self-talk. Conclusions: The findings highlight self-confidence as an essential quality for elite athletes to possess in order to protect against potentially debilitating thoughts and feelings experienced in competitive situations.

Re-examining the competitive anxiety trait-state relationship

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the multidimensional competitive anxiety trait-state relationship and explore the effects of trait anxiety upon directional interpretations of state responses. Competitive soccer players (N=102) completed the SAS [Smith, Smoll, & Schutz (1990) Anxiety Research 2, 263] and modified CSAI-2 [Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump, & Smith (1990) In: Martens, Vealey, & Burton, Competitive anxiety in sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics] including intensity and direction subscales [Jones & Swain (1992) Perceptual and Motor Skills 74, 46]. High trait anxiety performers responded with significantly greater state anxiety levels than low trait performers. Investigation of directional interpretations of state anxiety symptoms revealed low trait concentration disruption performers perceived state responses as more facilitating than their high trait counterparts. The findings highlight the role of directional interpretations in the experience of competitive state anxiety symptoms in sports that require high levels of perceptual attention.

Self‐efficacy and statistics performance among Sport Studies students

The present study explored predictive paths between performance accomplishments, self‐efficacy, and performance among Sport Studies students taking a Level 1 statistics module. Fifty‐eight Level 1 Sport Studies undergraduate degree students completed a 44‐item self‐efficacy measure and an assessment of perceived academic success at the start of the module. Self‐assessed worksheets taken in weeks 4 and 5 were used as a second performance measure. Self‐efficacy was re‐assessed in week 7 and students handed the assignment for the module in week 8. Path analysis results using structural equation modeling indicated that perceived academic success was associated with the first self‐efficacy measure, which in turn predicted worksheet success, and the two self‐efficacy measures correlated. The second self‐efficacy measure predicted module performance, and importantly showed the strongest relationship of all predictor variables. We suggest that future research should investigate the effectiveness of strategies designed to enhance self‐efficacy.

Conceptualising commitment: a thematic analysis of fans of Welsh rugby

Sports fans derive much of their self-concept from their group membership and committing to a specific team is an essential component of fandom. Few studies, however, examine how sports fans commit to their team, or what commitment means for them. An exploratory qualitative study was, therefore, conducted to investigate sports fans’ understanding of commitment. Using focus groups, Welsh rugby fans from three regions in Wales discussed their commitment to their favourite team. Thematic analysis was used to interpret Welsh rugby fans’ dominant thoughts about their commitment where four themes were identified in the data: affective loyalty, involvement, distinctiveness and individualism. In general, sports fans distinguished between different types of commitment and used commitment as a means for evaluating in- and out-group fan behaviour, as well as for personal image management. Future research could build on the present study by using these themes to develop a measurement scale for assessing fans’ commitment to their team.

An in-depth appraisal of career termination experiences in professional cricket

Abstract This qualitative study explored the career termination experiences of 9 male, retired professional cricketers between the ages of 28 and 40 (mean value 34, s = 4.65 m). The participants took part in retrospective, semi-structured interviews. Data from the interviews were inductively content analysed within three transition phases of the retirement process: reasons for retirement, factors affecting adaptation and reactions to retirement. The reasons for retirement were multicausal with the majority of the participants highlighting contractual pressures and a lack of communication as important precursors to retirement. Three main themes accounted for the factors affecting adaptation: a limited pursuit of other interests, developmental experiences and coping strategies. In terms of reactions to retirement, all of the participants reflected negatively on the termination of their career, with a sense of loss and resentment characterising the post-retirement period. The findings illustrated the sport-specific nature of career termination in professional cricket and added further support to the emerging consensus that the distinction between voluntary and involuntary retirement is, at best, unclear.

Performance Accomplishment Information as Predictors of Self-Efficacy as a Function of Skill Level in Amateur Golf

The predictive capabilities of different types of performance accomplishment information (PAI) towards self-efficacy for amateur golfers were compared as a function of skill level. Male golfers (N = 197; skilled n = 84, lesser skilled n = 113) recorded self-efficacy levels before and after competitive golf performance. Multiple regression analyses revealed that handicap was the most significant predictor of PAI towards pre-round self-efficacy for skilled golfers while practice satisfaction was the most significant predictor for lesser skilled. Handicap achievement was a significant predictor of post-round self-efficacy for both skilled and lesser skilled golfers. The findings imply athletes of varying skill level utilize different information when developing efficacy beliefs. Further study of the relationship between PAI and self-efficacy is therefore warranted in the sports domain.

Resonant frequency training in elite sport: A case study example

ABSTRACT Resonant frequency training (RFT) is a heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback technique where participants learn bespoke breathing patterns to inhibit autonomic nervous system changes resulting from stress. To demonstrate RFT in sport, we present an intervention case study with an elite female shooter that enabled her to perform optimally, even after missed shots or unexpected interruptions (e.g., target malfunction). This case study represents a data-driven intervention using biofeedback equipment, however we provide suggestions for low-cost and free methods to widen the use of HRV biofeedback in sport.