A comparison of well-peer mentored and non-peer mentored athletes’ perceptions of satisfaction

The purpose of the present study was to compare well-peer mentored and non-peer mentored athletes’ perceptions of satisfaction. A total of 444 intercollegiate athletes (272 well-peer mentored and 172 non-peer mentored) from a variety of sport teams participated in the study. Athletes from both well-peer mentored and non-peer mentored groups reported their satisfaction levels using the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire. The results of a MANOVA and follow-up post hoc ANOVAs showed that well-peer mentored athletes were significantly more satisfied than their non-peer mentored counterparts in terms of individual performance, personal dedication, team task contribution, team social contribution, team integration, ethics, ability utilisation and training and instruction. Overall, the findings suggest that athletes who are well-peer mentored by a teammate perceive higher satisfaction levels with various aspects of their athletic experience than athletes who are not peer mentored by a teammate. Given these positive findings, practitioners (i.e., coaches, sport psychology consultants) should inform athletes on the benefits of peer-to-peer mentoring. The practical implications of the results and strategies to promote peer athlete mentoring relationships in sport are highlighted.     

Development and validation of an inventory to assess conflict in sport teams: the Group Conflict Questionnaire

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a conceptually and psychometrically sound conflict questionnaire for sport. The development process involved 3 phases: (a) a qualitative phase, (b) a content and factorial validity phase and (c) a construct validity phase. A total of 50 items were generated and sent to 6 experts to determine content validity. Through this process, 25 items were retained and administered to a sample of athletes (n = 437) to determine factorial validity. Based on these results, a second sample (n = 305) was administered the 14-item version of the Group Conflict Questionnaire along with the Group Environment Questionnaire, the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Passion Scale to test convergent, discriminant and known-group difference validity. Cross-validation from both samples via confirmatory factor analysis yielded moderate-to-acceptable model fit, thus supporting factorial validity for the 14-item version. Additionally, initial support for convergent validity and known-group difference validity and partial support for discriminant validity were found. A sport-specific conflict questionnaire is now available for researchers to utilise. Results and research implications are discussed.     

Coaching competency and satisfaction with the coach: A multi-level structural equation model

Abstract

The purpose of this initial predictive validity study was to determine the ability of measures derived from the Athletes' Perceptions of Coaching Competency Scale II – High School Teams (APCCS II-HST) to predict satisfaction with the head coach. Specification of the statistical model was informed by the mediational model of coach–athlete interactions. The technical quality of the satisfaction measure was evaluated before testing the predictive validity of the coaching competency measures. Data were collected from athletes of seven sports. Athlete observations (N = 748) were clustered within teams (G = 74). Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) provided evidence for factorial invariance of a reduced version of the satisfaction measure by athlete gender. Multi-level CFA provided evidence of model–data consistency for a reduced version of the satisfaction measure. Multi-level structural equation modelling provided evidence for the ability of latent coaching competency to positively predict latent satisfaction at both the athlete level (technique competency and motivation competency) and the team level (coaching competency) and for close model–data fit. Implications of this study include: that the APCCS II-HST should be viewed as a replacement for the Coaching Competency Scale when the intended population is appropriate; a preliminary multi-level measurement model for satisfaction with one's coach that should be considered as a potential starting point in subsequent studies; and empirical support for a key relationship proposed in the mediational model of coach–athlete interactions.     

Further development of the talent development environment questionnaire for sport

Given the significance of monitoring the critical environmental factors that facilitate athlete performance, this two-phase research aimed to validate and refine the revised talent development environment questionnaire (TDEQ). The TDEQ is a multidimensional self-report scale that assesses talented athletes’ environmental experiences. Study 1 (the first phase) involved the examination of the revised TDEQ through an exploratory factor analysis (n = 363). This exploratory investigation identified a 28-item five-factor structure (i.e., TDEQ-5) with adequate internal consistency. Study 2 (the second phase) examined the factorial structure of the TDEQ-5, including convergent validity, discriminant validity, and group invariance (i.e., gender and sports type). The second phase was carried out with 496 talented athletes through the application of confirmatory factor analyses and multigroup invariance tests. The results supported the convergent validity, discriminant validity, and group invariance of the TDEQ-5. In conclusion, the TDEQ-5 with 25 items appears to be a reliable and valid scale for use in talent development environments.     

Coaching competency and satisfaction with the coach: a multi-level structural equation model

The purpose of this initial predictive validity study was to determine the ability of measures derived from the Athletes' Perceptions of Coaching Competency Scale II?-?High School Teams (APCCS II-HST) to predict satisfaction with the head coach. Specification of the statistical model was informed by the mediational model of coach-athlete interactions. The technical quality of the satisfaction measure was evaluated before testing the predictive validity of the coaching competency measures. Data were collected from athletes of seven sports. Athlete observations (N?=?748) were clustered within teams (G?=?74). Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) provided evidence for factorial invariance of a reduced version of the satisfaction measure by athlete gender. Multi-level CFA provided evidence of model-data consistency for a reduced version of the satisfaction measure. Multi-level structural equation modelling provided evidence for the ability of latent coaching competency to positively predict latent satisfaction at both the athlete level (technique competency and motivation competency) and the team level (coaching competency) and for close model-data fit. Implications of this study include: that the APCCS II-HST should be viewed as a replacement for the Coaching Competency Scale when the intended population is appropriate; a preliminary multi-level measurement model for satisfaction with one's coach that should be considered as a potential starting point in subsequent studies; and empirical support for a key relationship proposed in the mediational model of coach-athlete interactions.     

运动员倦怠的测量与ABQ的初步修订

为寻找适合我国运动员倦怠的测量工具,在全面分析运动员倦怠测量研究文献的基础上,对运动员倦怠问卷在我国运动员中进行了试用与修订,首先,选取231名我国运动员对ABQ进行了信度和效度检验;其次,依据ABQ在我国运动员中的信度和效度检验和对部分运动员访谈的结果修订ABQ。然后,选取101名我国运动员对修订后的ABQ进行了信度和效度的检验。结果表明,1)ABQ运用于我国运动员时,其结构效度不太理想,成就感降低分量表的内部一致性信度差,造成这一结果原因可能在于受到文化价值等方面差异的影响;2)修订后的ABQ由13个条目构成,具有良好的测量学特性,是一份从应激和运动承诺的视角对运动员倦怠进行解释的问卷,可以作为进一步深入研究我国运动员倦怠的测量工具。     

我国专业运动员社会自我结构及相关性研究

通过文献资料、问卷调查、数理统计等方法,对我国专业运动员社会自我结构进行了研究,结果表明:1)我国专业运动员社会自我结构是由家庭地位、人际威信、团体地位、师徒关系、陌生人关系、异性队友关系、角色认知、角色体验、角色调节9个因素构成;2)根据结构方程原理,构建了专业运动员社会自我结构关联模型,发现该9个因素对运动员社会自我作用的直接效应大小存在一定的差异性,其影响效应的大小分别为:家庭地位(0.58)、人际威信(0.64)、团体地位(0.67)、师徒关系(0.73)、异性队友关系(0.52)、陌生人关系(0.57)、角色认知(0.62)、角色体验(0.63)、角色调节(0.59),其中,师徒关系对专业运动员社会自我的直接效应最大;3)不同性别、不同运动技术等级、不同运动项目的专业运动员社会自我水平存在显著性差异(P＜0.05),在此基础上制定了我国不同性别、运动技术等级的运动员社会自我平均水平参数表并划分4个等级.     

运动员训练自我监控量表及其简表的研制

根据运动员训练自我监控行为表现特征和前人的研究结果建立了运动员训练自我监控的训练前、训练中、训练后3个一级因素和计划性、准备性、执行性、意识性、方法性、反馈性、补救性、和总结性8个二级因素的运动员训练自我监控模型.通过对851名运动员的问卷调查,发展出了运动员训练自我监控量表及其简表.心理测量学的分析表明,这套量表具有较好的内部一致性信度、重测信度、内容效度和结构效度.     

运动员社会支持量表编制与检验

编制运动员社会支持量表（SSQA）,检验其信效度和科学性,实现社会支持的定量化评定,为运动员成长成才所需社会支持提供科学依据。运用量表编制的理论与方法形成运动员社会支持预调研量表,对460名运动员实施预调研。通过探索性因素分析形成正式测试量表,对1 056名运动员实施调研,采用验证性因素分析和信效度检验形成正式量表。结果：SSQA包含24个题项,分属教练支持、家庭支持、同伴支持、组织支持、政策舆论支持5个维度,累积解释变异量为68.419%;验证性因素分析表明量表拟合指数理想;SSQA内部一致性系数达0.908,重测系数为0.843,各维度Cronbach α系数和重测系数均达0.7以上;SSQA与效标量表相关系数为0.478,每个题项在各自维度中的负荷量均接近或大于0.6,在其他维度中的负荷量皆小于0.4。验证表明：SSQA具有良好的信度和效度,可以作为运动员社会支持测量的规范量表。     

运动员社会支持量表编制与检验

编制运动员社会支持量表（SSQA）,检验其信效度和科学性,实现社会支持的定量化评定,为运动员成长成才所需社会支持提供科学依据。运用量表编制的理论与方法形成运动员社会支持预调研量表,对460名运动员实施预调研。通过探索性因素分析形成正式测试量表,对1 056名运动员实施调研,采用验证性因素分析和信效度检验形成正式量表。结果：SSQA包含24个题项,分属教练支持、家庭支持、同伴支持、组织支持、政策舆论支持5个维度,累积解释变异量为68.419%;验证性因素分析表明量表拟合指数理想;SSQA内部一致性系数达0.908,重测系数为0.843,各维度Cronbach α系数和重测系数均达0.7以上;SSQA与效标量表相关系数为0.478,每个题项在各自维度中的负荷量均接近或大于0.6,在其他维度中的负荷量皆小于0.4。验证表明：SSQA具有良好的信度和效度,可以作为运动员社会支持测量的规范量表。     

Exploring the relationship between hope and burnout in competitive sport

Abstract

Researchers have postulated that hope may be an important factor associated with burnout. Consistent with hope theory contentions, low-hope individuals may be susceptible to burnout because they are prone to experience goal blockage, frustration, and negative affect, all of which likely increase the risk of burnout. We examined the relationship between hope and athlete burnout among 178 competitive athletes (63 females and 115 males) aged 15–20 years. Hope was significantly and negatively correlated with all three burnout subscales: emotional/physical exhaustion, a reduced sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation. Moreover, results of a multivariate analysis of variance showed that low-hope athletes scored significantly higher than medium- and high-hope athletes on all three burnout dimensions. Finally, results revealed that agency thinking was a significant predictor of all burnout dimensions. Frustration over unmet goals and a perceived lack of agency, a characteristic of low-hope athletes, might pose a risk factor in athlete burnout, whereas being able to maintain hope appears to be associated with health and well-being.     

BTL-YZ-1.1高级运动员意志量表的研制及运用

以理论导向为主,从意志的概念入手,结合运动实践提出了高级运动员意志量表的6个维度,并对每个维度的确切含义进行了界定。通过3次检验和修订,形成了38个题目的7点Likert量表。对羽毛球和艺术体操两个项目的测试表明,BTL-YZ-1.1高级运动员意志量表可以作为优秀运动员心理选择的工具。     

The Sport Commitment Model: An Investigation of Structural Relationships with Thai Youth Athlete Populations

Grounded in the conceptual framework of the Sport Commitment Model and previous empirical studies conducted in Western countries, this study was designed to (a) test and validate a Thai version of the Athlete Opinion Survey to assess components of the Sport Commitment Model in Thai youth athletes and (b) examine structural relationships among various constructs of the Sport Commitment Model as assessed by the Thai version of the Athlete Opinion Survey. Survey data were collected from 1,704 Thai youth athletes and analyzed via structural equation modeling methodologies to establish evidence for validity and measurement reliability. Results from various analyses indicated adequate support for the hypothesized factorial structure and acceptable reliability estimates of the Thai version of the Athlete Opinion Survey subscales. Moreover, modeling analyses showed empirical support for the hypothesized structural relationships underlying the Sport Commitment Model in the Thai youth athlete population. The findings from this study have implications for a better understanding of sport commitment in different cultural settings.     

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Life Skills Scale for Sport

ABSTRACT

This research adapted the Life Skills Scale for Sport (LSSS) into Portuguese and provided evidence for its construct validity. Study 1 included four translators and five academics who developed a Portuguese version of the LSSS (P-LSSS). During this study, evidence for the content and substantive aspects of construct validity was provided using an expert panel and 25 sports participants. Study 2 included 413 participants that completed the P-LSSS. Within this study, evidence for the structural aspect of construct validity was provided via factor analyses. Study 3 included 134 participants who completed the P-LSSS and a measure of motivation. This study provided evidence for the external aspect of construct validity, with results showing more self-determined motivation had positive relationships with participant’s life skills development. Overall, our findings provided evidence for the construct validity of P-LSSS scores. Researchers and practitioners can use the P-LSSS to assess life skills development within sports participants.     

Exploring athletes’ perceptions of coach stress in elite sport environments

The present study aimed to extend research that has focused on the identification of stressors associated with coaching practice by systematically evaluating how such stressors effect athletes, and more broadly, the coach–athlete relationship. A total of 13 professional- and national-level athletes were interviewed to address the three study aims: how they detect when a coach is encountering stressors, how coach experiences of stress effects them as an athlete, and how effective the coach is when experiencing stress. Following content analysis, the data suggested athletes were able to detect when a coach was experiencing stress and this was typically via a variety of verbal and behavioural cues. Despite some positive effects of the coach experiencing stress, the majority were negative and varied across a range of personal influences on the athlete, and effects on the general coaching environment. It was also the broad view of the athletes that coaches were less effective when stressed, and this was reflected in performance expectations, perceptions of competence, and lack of awareness. The findings are discussed in relation to the existing theory and with reference to their implications for applied practice, future research, and development of the coach–athlete relationship.     

Evaluating Measures of Optimism and Sport Confidence

The psychometric properties of the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), the Sport Confidence Inventory (SCI), and the Carolina SCI (CSCI) were examined in a study involving 260 athletes. The study aimed to test the dimensional structure, convergent and divergent validity, and invariance over competition level of scores generated by these instruments. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) supported the measurement models for the SCI and CSCI but favoured a two-dimensional model for the LOT-R. ESEM analyses of the total pool of 33 items indicated satisfactory divergent validity among these optimism and sport confidence measures with the only overlap occurring between the LOT-R and CSCI measures of optimism. The SCI discriminated among athletes participating at different competitive levels and emerged as the most suitable instrument for measuring individual differences in sport confidence. The CSCI emerged as a better measure of optimism in a sporting context than the more general LOT-R.     

The use of the Vienna Test System in sport psychology research: A review

ABSTRACT

This article seeks to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature relating to the use of the Vienna Test System (VTS) in sport psychology research. A comprehensive search of major databases such as SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar yielded 22 studies related to the topic of interest. The results showed that VTS was used to compare athletes and non-athletes, as well as athletes from different sports and levels. It was also used to investigate the effect of certain factors on athlete cognitive performance, to induce ego depletion in athletes, and was shown to be a reliable and valid measure of coordinated motor abilities. The review demonstrates that VTS is a useful objective measure of various psychological constructs, and can be used to complement existing subjective measures in the field. There is great potential in using VTS to provide both researchers and applied sport psychologists with valuable information to aid them in their work with athletes, and future research should aim to identify VTS tests that are relevant to each particular sport.     

Development and validation of a mood measure for adolescents

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a shortened version of the Profile of Mood States suitable for use with adolescents. The Profile of Mood States-Adolescents (POMS-A) was administered to 1693 participants from two populations: school children and young athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factorial validity of a 24-item six-factor model using both independent and multi-sample analyses. Correlations of POMS-A scores with previously validated inventories, which were consistent with theoretical predictions, provided evidence of criterion validity. It is proposed that the POMS-A is a valid instrument for the assessment of mood in adolescents.     

中文版运动员睡眠筛查问卷的修订与检验

目的：编译中文版运动员睡眠筛查问卷并检验其信效度。方法：选取343名上海市职业运动员,完成中文版运动员睡眠筛查问卷,对样本1、2的睡眠困难分数与睡眠类型分量表进行探索性因子分析和验证性因子分析,以匹兹堡睡眠质量指数问卷作为效标工具,用于检验中文版运动员睡眠筛查问卷的筛查效果。结果：中文版运动员睡眠筛查问卷的结构基本与原问卷一致,有良好的信效度,问卷筛查结果与匹兹堡睡眠质量指数筛查结果中度吻合。结论：中文版运动员睡眠筛查问卷可以用来筛查运动员睡眠问题。     

高水平运动员运动损伤经历的现象学研究

采用开放式访谈法对损伤运动员康复过程中的三个阶段进行了访谈研究.运动员将在损伤后的第一周,损伤后的15～20天及损伤后的30天接受访谈.这三次开放性的访谈是让运动员在没有任何前提约束的情况下自由地谈论他们的经历.被试是美国东南部大学的NCAA一级运动员（5名）.对访谈结果的分析揭示了四个主题：视点情绪反应,损伤应对及人际关系和几个次级主题.结论：第一,运动损伤在很大程度上影响了运动员的生活;第二,运动损伤对于本研究中的每名运动员都是一次独特的经历;最后,通过多重现象访谈法给运动员提供了公开谈论他们损伤康复经验的机会.