Jones, M. V., Mace, R. D., Bray, S. R., MacRae, A. W., & Stockbridge, C. (2002). The impact of motivational imagery on the emotional state and self-efficacy levels of novice climbers. Journal of Sport Behavior, 25, 57-73.

Novice female climbers (N = 33) participated in four sessions of rock climbing techniques. The control group performed additional light exercise, while an experimental group participated in an additional scripted imagery training program. Imagery comprised both motivational general-mastery and motivational general-arousal content. Pre- and post-training self-efficacy and perceived stress measures were obtained.

Climbing performances were similar for both groups. The imagery group reported significantly lower levels of stress and higher levels of self-efficacy for performing correct techniques.

Implication. Mental imagery focused on performance competence reduces stress and increases levels of self-efficacy for performing physical tasks in novice performers.

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