Self-talk and Competitive Sport Performance

The Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and Validation

“…Based on PCA results we divided mental techniques into two subscales: selftalk (inner dialogue)and mental imagery (using images for situation rehearsal). It supported previous findings which have shown that these particular skills are effective and frequently used (Hatzigeorgiadis et al 2014;MacIntyre et al 2013). The 20-item SMTQ was internally consistent with Cronbach's α = .83andacceptable internal consistency for subscales: foundations skills(4 items) α = .73, performance skills (6 items)α = .79, interpersonal skills (4 items) α = .75, mental imagery(3 items) α = .70, and self-talk (3 items) α = .72.…”

“…This corroborates and extends previous conceptualizations (Vealey 2007). Furthermore, we provided new evidence that self-talk and mental imagery can be considered the most dist i n g u i s h e d m e n t a l t e c h n iq u e s u s e d b y a t h l e t e s (Hatzigeorgiadis et al 2014;MacIntyre et al 2013). Finally, our analyses supported a hierarchical structure of mental skills and techniques with two overarching separate factors comprising skills (foundation, performance, and interpersonal) and techniques (self-talk and mental imagery).This hierarchical order is helpful to emphasize that skills and techniques are two separate targets that should be addressed in psychological preparation for an athletic performance.…”

Self-talk: Review and sport-specific model

“…That is, participants who are Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic (Henrich, Heine, & Norenzayan, 2010). A minority of participants in these studies have been elite or highly skilled athletes participating in real competitive events such as swim meets (Hatzigeorgiadis, Galanis, Zourbanos, & Theodorakis, 2014). In contrast to laboratory studies, correlational research conducted in field settings with competitive youth and masters athletes have shown significant relationships among negative self-talk, affect, and sport behavior (Hardy, Hall, & Alexander, 2001;Van Raalte et al, 1994.…”

From the Lab to the Field: Effects of Self-Talk on Task Performance Under Distracting Conditions

“…The selection of the cue was decided following pilot testing where individuals were asked to select the most appropriate among a list or other relevant cues. After the completion of the final assessment, all participants completed a typical self-talk manipulation check protocol (Hardy, Hall, Gibbs, & Greenslade, 2005;Hatzigeorgiadis, Galanis et al, 2014) to ensure the integrity of the experimental conditions. In particular, participants in the experimental group were asked (a) to indicate the degree to which they used the instructed self-talk cues (from 1 = not at all, to 10 = all the time), (b) to report whether they consistently used any other self-talk cues, and if so (c) what these cues were, and (d) the degree to which they used these other cues (from 1 = not at all, to 10 = all the time).…”