The Effects of an Imagery Intervention with Motivational General-Mastery Content upon Collective Efficacy Perceptions for a Novel Team Task

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of an imagery intervention with motivational general-mastery (MG-M) content upon individual collective efficacy perceptions for a novel obstacle course task. Following an introductory orientation session participants (n = 24) were allocated into teams of 3 and assigned to either an imagery (n = 12) or control stretching intervention (n = 12). Each participant completed a 6-week intervention program with weekly supervised sessions. Collective efficacy and task cohesion was measured during the baseline and post-intervention sessions using the Collective Efficacy Inventory (CEI) [1] and the task factors of the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) [2]. A mixed 2 × 2 ANOVA determined a significant main effect within groups between the baseline and post intervention collective efficacy scores. Significant interactions between time and group were also observed for collective efficacy scores and both task components of the GEQ. The results provide initial support for the use of imagery interventions with MG-M content to enhance individual perceptions of collective efficacy.

Observation Interventions as a Means to Manipulate Collective Efficacy in Groups

“…To maximize motivation, participants were told that they were to participate in a U.K.-wide experiment on teamwork, competing in a task requiring balance, coordination, and team work (i.e., an "egg and spoon" race combined with a team obstacle course) similar to that used by Shearer, Mellalieu, Thomson, and Shearer (2007). The obstacle course consisted of 13 cones, two upturned benches, one speed ladder, three hula-hoops, five step boxes, three badminton posts, two badminton nets, and three chairs spanning the dimensions of a basketball court and was to be completed in an anticlockwise direction ( Figure 1).…”

“…In Study 1, we explored the effect of observation content upon collective efficacy beliefs. While observation content has yet to be examined, imagery content (positive/negative) has been shown to influence several correlates of collective efficacy, including motor skill performance, sport performance, and self-efficacy (e.g., Short et al, 2002;Taylor & Shaw, 2002;Woolfolk, Parrish, & Murphy, 1985). Based upon potential provision of both vicarious and mastery information through observation, we hypothesized that changes in individual collective efficacy beliefs would be contingent with the content of the observation intervention.…”

Methodological Variations in Guided Imagery Interventions Using Movement Imagery Scripts in Sport: A Systematic Review

“…The first involved amending the original script through a series of intermittent consultations with the participants, who were asked if they would like to make any additions or modifications to enhance the imagery experience and the individual meaning of the imagery (i.e. Smith, Wright, & Cantwell, 2008;Shearer, Mellalieu, Thomson, & Shearer, 2008).…”

“…A 15 min workshop, designed by Hardy and Fazey (1990) to increase correct and effective imagery use through a series of progressive imagery practices, was implemented in two interventions (i.e. Shearer et al, 2008;Callow & Waters, 2005). Similarly, in one intervention participants were given practice imagery scenarios that were devised by the researcher (i.e.…”

“…Smith et al, 2001;Callow & Waters, 2005;Shearer et al, 2008). Therefore, imagery use can provide performance benefits when physical practice is not possible, such as when travelling or during periods of injury.…”