Wk 3 - Self-talk

Question 1

What are 3 effects of negative self-talk on performance?

Answer 1

Impairs performance (usually)
Creates stress
Decreases enjoyment

Question 2

What are 3 effects of positive self-talk on performance?

Answer 2

Does not guarantee success
Can lead to realistic and constructive thoughts
Can improve the chances of reaching goals

Question 3

What evidence support role of self-talk of performance? (x4)

Answer 3

Instructional/motivational self-talk = quicker angular rotation about the knee
Effective buffer against negative effects of psychological crisis in marathons
10wk intervention inc. performance of youth swimmers
Motivational self-talk + cognitive-specific imagery = dec. response time in marital artists

Question 4

What was shown re self-talk/performance feedback relationship following random assignment to 3 groups:
Self-talk only
ST and performance feedback
Control
(x2)

Answer 4

Performance and perceived concentration scores increased for both ST groups (but not control)
ST with feedback perceived to be more effective than just ST

Question 5

What are 5 functions of self-talk?

Answer 5

Enhance attentional focus
Increase confidence
Regulate effort
Manage cognitive and emotional reactions
Trigger automatic execution

Question 6

Name 3 measures of self-talk

Answer 6

Self-Talk Questionnaire (S-TQ)
Functions of Self-Talk Questionnaire (FSTQ)
Athletes’ Positive and Negative Self-Talk Scale

Question 7

What are 5 general categories of negative thoughts?

Answer 7

Worry about performance
Indecisiveness
Preoccupation with physical signs of stress
Worry about possible consequences of performing poorly
Frustration at trying to change things one can’t control

Question 8

What are 2 characteristics of negative thoughts? (x3, x5)

Answer 8

Learned behaviour

* Based on past experiences
* Can be changed

Often go unnoticed

* Believed even when irrational
* Can’t eliminate until recognised
* Automated
* Can learn to detect (log, backtrack when feeling stressed)

Question 9

What is involved in thought stopping? (x4)

And you should… (x1)

Answer 9

Recognise negative thought
“STOP” (or other signal)
Breathe
Replace with a constructive thought

Practice first with imagery, then in real life

Question 10

What are 5 ways of dealing with negative thoughts (beside thought stopping)?

Answer 10

What would you say to a friend/teammate in same situation?
Silly/cartoon voice
Repetition until it becomes meaningless (“Icanticantianticanticanticanticant”)
Diffusion of thoughts (paper activity - metaphor of paper/thought obstructing your tasks)
Acceptance

Question 11

What is the basic premise of rational emotive therapy (RET)? (x2)

Answer 11

People largely control their own destinies by believing in and acting on the values or beliefs that they hold
Our view of:
A – Activating event
B – Belief (rational or irrational)
C – Consequence (functional or dysfunctional)

Question 12

What are 5 ways to ID irrational beliefs within RET framework?

Answer 12

“should” “must”
Overgeneralisations
Distortions of reality
I-can’t-stand-it-it is (awfulizing)
Self-damnation

Question 13

Give 4 egs of irrational beliefs withing RET framework

Answer 13

“Good athletes perform perfectly”
“Everyone must play fair and obey the rules”
“Losing is horrible”
“If I don’t win it means I’m a useless person”

Question 14

What are the 4 D’s for dealing with irrational thoughts within the RET framework?

Answer 14

Disputing,
Debating,
Discriminating,
Defining

Question 15

What are the aims of the 4 D’s within the RET framework? (x3)

Answer 15

Attack false beliefs
Determine the difference between needs and wants
Stick closer to reality