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Effects of an imagery training programme on performance, self-confidence, and anxiety in high school volleyball and elite netball players
Author
Shepherd, David J.
Supervisor
Smith, Daniel
Abstract
The importance of psychological skills as mediating factors in athletic success have been well documented. In particular, research has generally supported the efficacy of mental imagery as an effective technique in enhancing physical skill and manipulating psychological skills, however the mechanisms for this have been equivocal (Driskell, Cooper & Moran, 1994). Hall, Mack, Paivio, & Hausenblas (1998) have identified five functions of imagery and have suggested specific outcomes are favoured by specific functions of imagery.
This investigation assessed the effectiveness of Cognitive Specific (CS), Motivational General - Arousal (MG-A), and Motivational General - Mastery (MG-M) imagery on physical performance, pre-competitive state anxiety, self -confidence, and imagery use. Participants were female high school volleyball players (n=13) and elite, national level, netball players (n=30). The dependent variables were measured using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory - 2 (Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump & Smith, 1990), Sports Imagery Questionnaire (Hall, Mack, Paivio & Hausenblas, 1998), and physical performance evaluations and tests. Multivariate analysis of covariance and follow up univariate analysis of covariance determined differences between the treatment and control groups on the dependent measures.
The results supported the efficacy of imagery as a mediating factor in enhancing physical performance, increasing state self-confidence, and reducing state anxiety levels. The participants reported significant increases in their use of the three functions of imagery included in the intervention, and both athletes and coaches were in general agreement as to the usefulness and effectiveness of the programme.
This research has contributed to the view that imagery functions relate to a specific outcome and that an effective intervention must take account of a range of important mediating factors. It was suggested that imagery interventions should include an education and development phase and be devised with the specific needs of the individual or team as a central tenet. Finally, generalizability of imagery efficacy has been enhanced as the investigation was conducted in Asia, using female team sport players in a non-contrived competitive setting.
This investigation assessed the effectiveness of Cognitive Specific (CS), Motivational General - Arousal (MG-A), and Motivational General - Mastery (MG-M) imagery on physical performance, pre-competitive state anxiety, self -confidence, and imagery use. Participants were female high school volleyball players (n=13) and elite, national level, netball players (n=30). The dependent variables were measured using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory - 2 (Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump & Smith, 1990), Sports Imagery Questionnaire (Hall, Mack, Paivio & Hausenblas, 1998), and physical performance evaluations and tests. Multivariate analysis of covariance and follow up univariate analysis of covariance determined differences between the treatment and control groups on the dependent measures.
The results supported the efficacy of imagery as a mediating factor in enhancing physical performance, increasing state self-confidence, and reducing state anxiety levels. The participants reported significant increases in their use of the three functions of imagery included in the intervention, and both athletes and coaches were in general agreement as to the usefulness and effectiveness of the programme.
This research has contributed to the view that imagery functions relate to a specific outcome and that an effective intervention must take account of a range of important mediating factors. It was suggested that imagery interventions should include an education and development phase and be devised with the specific needs of the individual or team as a central tenet. Finally, generalizability of imagery efficacy has been enhanced as the investigation was conducted in Asia, using female team sport players in a non-contrived competitive setting.
Date Issued
2000
Call Number
GV706.4 She
Date Submitted
2000