Investigation of the self-talk of elite junior tennis players in a competitive setting

This study aims to explore the content of self-talk of junior elite tennis players in relation with emotions for key events occurring during at least two matches played at a major tournament. Following a narrative inquiry strategy, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six junior elite players within 30 minutes following their last match. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method, revealing eight main categories of self-talk used by these athletes: (a) positive emotion expression, (b) worry, (c) rumination, (d) performance pressure, (e) disengagement, (f) motivational, (g) instructional, and (h) emotional control. Rumination and performance pressure were found to be novel emergent categories. The methodological approach employed allowed for an in-depth investigation of these elite athletes` experiences in an actual competitive setting, providing a deeper understanding of self-talk in relation to emotions. The results are discussed in reference to recent advances in the self-talk literature. Practical recommendations and avenues for future research are proposed.
© Copyright 2018 International Journal of Sport Psychology. University of Tor Vergata. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.

Aiheet: urheilupsykologia urheilija kilpailu tunne ahdistus stressi tennis
Aihealueet: valmennusoppi junioriurheilu yhteiskuntatieteet urheilukilpailut
Tagging: Selbstgespräch
DOI: 10.7352/IJSP.2018.49.386
Julkaisussa: International Journal of Sport Psychology
Julkaistu: Rom 2018
Vuosikerta: 49
Numero: 5
Sivuja: 386-406
Julkaisutyypit: artikkeli
Kieli: englanti (kieli)
Taso: kehittynyt