Weinberg, R. S., Smith, J., Jackson, A., & Gould, D. (1984). Effects of association, disassociation, and positive self-talk strategies on endurance performance. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Science, 9, 25-32.

Three conditions were contrasted:

1. association (focusing on pain in the body);
   
2. disassociation (forget pain by focusing on a different plan); and
   
3. positive self-talk throughout the task.

No significant differences on a 30-min running task were found. The positive self-talk group had greater persistence when performing the skill.

Implication. Positive self-talk encourages greater persistence when performing a sustained task.

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