Lohasz, P. G., & Leith, L. M. (1997). The effect of three mental preparation strategies on the performance of a complex response time task. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 28, 25-34.

Three mental preparation strategies:

• attentional focus concentrating on the task to be performed;
• self-efficacy employing positive expectations and convictions about performing the task; and
• a self-determined strategy for the task;

were compared for effects on the performance of a complex response time task. Male varsity athletes (N = 45) from a number of sports served as subjects.

The self-efficacy group performed significantly better than the attentional focus group. However, there were no significant differences between self-efficacy and self-determined or self-determined and attentional focus groups.

A critical component of pre-task mental content appears to be a belief in one's ability to successfully perform the task.

Implication. To heighten the probability of performance success, it is important that an individual expect to be successful and believe in one's ability to perform the task required.

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