Functional impact of emotions on athletic performance: Comparing the IZOF model and the directional perception approach

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of emotions on athletic performance within the frameworks of the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model and the directional perception approach. Intensity, functional impact, and hedonic tone of trait and state anxiety, self-confidence, idiosyncratic emotions, and bodily symptoms were assessed in high-level Italian swimmers and track and field athletes (N = 56). Three standards of performance (poor, average, and good), derived from retrospective self-ratings across one to three competitions (a total of 90 observations), were used as independent variables in the analysis of variance of intensity, intra-individual, and direction scores of anxiety, self-confidence, idiosyncratic emotions, and bodily symptoms. Subsequently, intra-individual scores were categorized as near to or distant from optimal/dysfunctional zones and entered as the independent variable in the analysis of direction scores. The results provided support for the predictions stemming from both the IZOF model and the directional approach, as well as help in interpreting direction of anxiety and other idiosyncratic emotions within the IZOF framework. Athletes tended to perceive emotional levels approximating an individual's optimal zone as facilitative-pleasant, and emotional levels approximating an individual's dysfunctional zone as debilitative-unpleasant.

Caffeine ingestion enhances perceptual responses during intermittent exercise in female team-game players

“…The Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning model examines the relationship between an athlete's emotional state and performance (Robazza, Pellizzari, Bertollo, & Hanin, 2008). Emotional levels approximating an individual's optimal zone are perceived as facilitative-pleasant and those approximating an individual's dysfunctional zone are perceived as debilitative-unpleasant.…”

Neuroscience of Exercise: From Neurobiology Mechanisms to Mental Health

“…The relationship between psychological stress, anxiety and performance in sports is better demonstrated by the individual zones of optimal functioning (IZOF) as proposed by Hanin [89], providing a functional explanation for the dynamics of the emotion-performance relationship based on a detailed description of athletes' idiosyncratic subjective experiences [90]. In addition, the model suggests that self-emotional regulation by athletes is an important tool during competitions [88]. Another physiological mechanism widely discussed is the central governor model (CGM) proposed by Noakes et al [91].…”

“…In sports, factors such as concentration, emotional control and coping strategies are linked to better performance [63,88]. The relationship between psychological stress, anxiety and performance in sports is better demonstrated by the individual zones of optimal functioning (IZOF) as proposed by Hanin [89], providing a functional explanation for the dynamics of the emotion-performance relationship based on a detailed description of athletes' idiosyncratic subjective experiences [90].…”

“…Armstrong and VanHeest [14] showed that 60% of long-distance runners experienced symptoms of overtraining at some point during their careers, 50% of professional soccer players experienced these symptoms during a single competitive season (5 months), and 33% of basketball players experienced these symptoms during their 6-week training period. For most athletes, the relationship between psychological stress, anxiety and athletic performance is best understood via a self-regulation model that consists in training regulation by emotional status [88]. …”

The role of emotions on consumers' satisfaction within the fitness context

“…Notwithstanding, it is commonly accepted that an emotion reflects a person's response to a stimulus event (Deci, 1980;Lazarus, 1991;Scherer, 2005) involving three components: cognitive component (i.e., subjective experience) arousal component (i.e., physiological changes), and motivational component (i.e., action tendencies) (Robazza, Pellizzari, Bertollo, & Hanin, 2008). In addition, it is important to note that an emotion is different than affect, mood, or attitude (Jones et al, 2005;Oatley & Jenkins, 1996).…”