Mechanisms linking affective reactions to competition-related and competition-extraneous concerns in male martial artists

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2011 Oct;21(5):700-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01072.x. Epub 2010 Mar 11.

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to examine affective linkages between competition-related and competition-extraneous concern domains. A secondary purpose was to establish the contributions of pre-competition affects to post-competition performance appraisals, independent of pre-competition performance expectations. Thirty-nine highly skilled male martial artists were assessed at five random times a day for a week and 1 h before a major competition on affective states and sources of concern. They also reported their performance expectations and post-competition performance appraisals. Affective states triggered by competition-related and competition-extraneous concerns persisted in time. Carry-over effects were stronger after reports of competition-related concerns, emphasizing the subjective importance of the competitive event. Although positive (enjoyment and surprise) and negative (sadness and guilt) affective spill-over was observed from competition-extraneous to competition-related concerns, the reverse held true only for disgust. These findings may be due to the athletes' ability to regulate affective reactions within a sporting setting, in particular. Spill-over from competition-extraneous to competition-related concerns is indicative of a lesser degree of control over work/study and family life. Given that average weekly negative affects and anger/disgust were independent predictors of post-competition performance appraisals, the phenomenon of spill-over and other affective linkage mechanisms in sport warrant further investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Anger
  • Athletic Performance / psychology*
  • Competitive Behavior*
  • Emotions*
  • Family Relations
  • Guilt
  • Happiness
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Martial Arts / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Tests
  • Social Participation / psychology
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Work / psychology
  • Young Adult