Self-esteem in sport
Self-esteem plays a crucial role in both daily life and sports. This study finds that athletes in individual sports generally exhibit higher levels of self-esteem compared to those in team sports.
Perfectionism in high performance athletes
Many high-performance athletes scrutinize their own performances and often aim for perfection. A recent study delved into how perfectionistic athletes view success and failure in sports. Through interviews and season-long diaries, researchers found that an athlete’s ability to deal with failure depended on the type of perfectionism they exhibited.
Positive effects of social support on stress adaptation
Stress can significantly impact an athlete’s well-being and sport performance, but social support from teammates, coaches, and support staff can positively influence how athletes perceive and adapt to stress. Recent research shows that for social support to produce positive effects, having a shared social identity and the knowledge and expertise to provide sufficient support is…
Music for weightlifting
Training and lifting at gyms are a common part of athlete development, with many athletes listening to music for motivation. A study found that although preferred warm-up music does increase the volume of lifts and motivation, it does not speed up or change how the lifts feel.
Recovery self-regulation in sport
Self-regulation isn’t just important for athletes during training and competition; it’s also crucial for effective recovery. Skills like self-monitoring, emotional regulation, and self-control help athletes bounce back after intense physical activity.
Motivating players though the pre-game talk
In team sports, the pre-game talk is a pivotal moment intended to motivate players before they step onto the pitch. According to recent research, coaches who balance game strategy with messages that support athletes’ autonomy (for example, facilitating athlete choice or opinions) and competence (for example, praising past performance) can enhance player motivation.
Understanding anxiety in teen athletes
Research shows that teen athletes’ anxiety levels can drastically affect their motivation and performance. Lower anxiety levels often correlate with higher motivation, highlighting the importance of managing anxiety for optimal athletic outcomes. This research emphasizes the need for psychological support and coaching attention to help athletes navigate anxiety-related challenges and enhance their competitive drive.