Horton, A. M., Jr., & Shelton, J. K. (1978). The rational wrestler: A pilot study. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 46, 882.

Intercollegiate wrestlers (N = 4) were selected by a head coach. They were "wrestlers who have the physical ability to perform well, but who do not appear to be achieving their full potential" (p. 882). Dual meet records were used as before and after-treatment dependent variables. The athletes were seen twice and lectured on significant sections of Meichenbaum's manual and Ellis's "irrational" beliefs. Relaxation instructions were distributed. Presentations were in the form of tape recordings.

The coach rated match difficulty as being consistent before and after treatment. The pre-treatment record for the four athletes was 7-10-1 and after treatment, 15-3-0. It was concluded that the treatment was beneficial.

Implication Structuring underachieving wrestler's conduct according to successful self-control models was effective in improving competitive performances.

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