Term of Award

2002

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Sport Psychology

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Department

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Committee Chair

Kevin L. Burke

Committee Member 1

Charles J. Hardy

Committee Member 2

A. Barry Joyner

Abstract

A single-subject/qualitative design was employed to determine if psychological skills training (PST) programs influenced athletes' levels and interpretations of anxiety, concentration, motivation, and coping resources. Two female collegiate swimmers high in anxiety and low in motivation and coping skills were selected from a participant pool of 53 swimmers, divers, volleyball, and soccer players. Both athletes completed an inventory packet consisting of a modified version ofthe Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS), Sport Motivation Scale (SMS), and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28) as well as an interview before and after an eight-week personalized PST program. Results indicated positive changes in both participants. Both had a reduction in total anxiety levels and an increase in total personal coping resources. Participant 020 also had a reduction in somatic, worry, and concentration disruption levels, and less debilitative interpretations in the somatic and worry subscales ofthe SAS. Concentration disruption direction remained the same. Participant 020 also had a decrease in amotivation and an increase in all three intrinsic motivation subscales (IM-for accomplishment, IM-for stimulation, and IM-to know). The ACSI-28 subscales that experienced an increase were coping with adversity, peaking under pressure, and confidence and achievement motivation. Participant 021 reported a reduction in the amount of somatic anxiety experienced and more facilitative interpretations of worry and concentration disruption. Extrinsic motivation subscales were reduced (EM-extemal control and EM-intemal pressure). The ACSI-28 subscales that increased were as follows: coping with adversity, peaking under pressure, goal setting/mental preparation, concentration, and freedom from worry. Results are discussed in terms ofoverall strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for future research.

Copyright

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