DO NOT TELL WHAT TO IMAGE BUT EMPHASIZE HOW TO IMAGE

Callow, N., Hardy, L., & Hall, C. (2001). The effects of a motivational general-mastery imagery intervention on the sport confidence of high-level badminton players. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 72, 389-400.

The effects of a motivational general-mastery imagery intervention on the sport confidence of high-level junior badminton players (N = 4) was investigated. Sport confidence data was collected weekly for 21 weeks before international and county matches. Imagery intervention consisted of imagery sessions (twice per week for three weeks), which were implemented following multiple baseline design.

Two subjects improved, one decreased, and the other exhibited a delayed increase in sport confidence.

Ss were required to image prepared scripts. That procedure is likely to be irrelevant to some Ss and would not be a fair test of imagery. A better study protocol would have allowed Ss to develop their own scripts in accordance with general criteria. That individualization would likely make the scripts more meaningful to all participants.

Implication. Do not tell athletes what to image but rather, concentrate on how to image so that individual adaptations of the procedure can be developed that are relevant to each person.

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