While the scientific field of sport and exercise psychology is clearly advancing, it continues, like many scientific disciplines, to be shaped by persistent and well-documented gender inequities. From composition of research teams and academic outputs, leadership positions, and ultimately career progression (e.g., hitting the academic ‘glass ceiling’), evidence suggests that women are disproportionately disadvantaged. The underrepresentation of women in the field is not simply a matter of fairness; it has far-reaching consequences for science, for women's careers, and for the broader public who benefit from evidence-informed practices. Despite a growing awareness of these issues, there remains a lack of clarity on how those in the field can best support women and address these inequities. The ambition of this commentary is to highlight: (1) the impacts of gender inequity and barriers women face in the field and academia more broadly; (2) how current evaluation systems (bibliometrics, leader boards) perpetuate inequity; and (3) existing initiatives in the field to address gender inequity and provide recommendations for change in the field of sport and exercise psychology - many of which offer relevance to other academic areas.
{"title":"From glass cliffs to glass ceilings: What can we do to support women working in the academic field of sport and exercise psychology?","authors":"Megan Teychenne , Thea Baker , Grace McKeon , Francine Darroch , Andréa Deslandes , Amanda J. Daley , Anonymous Woman , Amanda Rebar","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103084","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While the scientific field of sport and exercise psychology is clearly advancing, it continues, like many scientific disciplines, to be shaped by persistent and well-documented gender inequities. From composition of research teams and academic outputs, leadership positions, and ultimately career progression (e.g., hitting the academic ‘glass ceiling’), evidence suggests that women are disproportionately disadvantaged. The underrepresentation of women in the field is not simply a matter of fairness; it has far-reaching consequences for science, for women's careers, and for the broader public who benefit from evidence-informed practices. Despite a growing awareness of these issues, there remains a lack of clarity on how those in the field can best support women and address these inequities. The ambition of this commentary is to highlight: (1) the impacts of gender inequity and barriers women face in the field and academia more broadly; (2) how current evaluation systems (bibliometrics, leader boards) perpetuate inequity; and (3) existing initiatives in the field to address gender inequity and provide recommendations for change in the field of sport and exercise psychology - many of which offer relevance to other academic areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 103084"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146081256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103083
Nils T. Böer , Michael B. Steinborn , Matthias Weigelt , Iris Güldenpenning
This study investigated whether external effort mobilization through try-harder instructions enhances performance in complex motor tasks, as reflected by the reduction of costs associated with producing a deceptive action. Basketball passing movements with and without head fakes were examined in a reaction-time paradigm. Participants were generally instructed to initiate the movement as fast and accurately as possible, while try-harder instructions were presented in 25 % of trials, prompting participants to mobilize all their cognitive resources to perform even faster. To investigate if athletic expertise modulates the potential effects of effort mobilization, basketball novices and experienced players were tested. Results demonstrated that try-harder instructions generally improved participants’ performance, facilitating faster response initiation times and movement execution, as well as a specific reduction in initiation time variability. Novices benefited more than experienced players, indicating that effort results in greater improvement when complex motor actions (for example, passes with head fakes) are not yet fully stabilized and lack automated fluency. This pattern suggests that effort enhances performance in complex actions when performance is limited by the amount of cognitive capacity available, supporting the coordination of partly conflicting movement components within tight temporal constraints. The findings extend previous research on effort mobilization from simple to complex motor tasks. Try-harder instructions appear to enhance performance primarily by reducing attentional lapses rather than generally improving processing speed. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of effort mobilization in experienced athletes in situations of high concurrent cognitive load.
{"title":"Mobilizing effort in complex motor tasks: Try-harder instructions in deceptive actions","authors":"Nils T. Böer , Michael B. Steinborn , Matthias Weigelt , Iris Güldenpenning","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated whether external effort mobilization through try-harder instructions enhances performance in complex motor tasks, as reflected by the reduction of costs associated with producing a deceptive action. Basketball passing movements with and without head fakes were examined in a reaction-time paradigm. Participants were generally instructed to initiate the movement as fast and accurately as possible, while try-harder instructions were presented in 25 % of trials, prompting participants to mobilize all their cognitive resources to perform even faster. To investigate if athletic expertise modulates the potential effects of effort mobilization, basketball novices and experienced players were tested. Results demonstrated that try-harder instructions generally improved participants’ performance, facilitating faster response initiation times and movement execution, as well as a specific reduction in initiation time variability. Novices benefited more than experienced players, indicating that effort results in greater improvement when complex motor actions (for example, passes with head fakes) are not yet fully stabilized and lack automated fluency. This pattern suggests that effort enhances performance in complex actions when performance is limited by the amount of cognitive capacity available, supporting the coordination of partly conflicting movement components within tight temporal constraints. The findings extend previous research on effort mobilization from simple to complex motor tasks. Try-harder instructions appear to enhance performance primarily by reducing attentional lapses rather than generally improving processing speed. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of effort mobilization in experienced athletes in situations of high concurrent cognitive load.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 103083"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146055754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103079
Alice Valdesalici , Enrico Sella , Riccardo Domenicucci , Marta Ghisi , Erika Borella
This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of dysfunctional aspects of overtraining, specifically non-functional overreaching (NFOR) and overtraining syndrome (OTS), on psychological and cognitive functioning among elite athletes. Elite athletes face unique stressors, including rigorous training and persistent competitive pressures. However, previous reviews have not differentiated between athletic profiles, such as elite versus non-elite athletes. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review searched four electronic databases for studies involving elite athletes aged 18 or older who had undergone interventions leading to NFOR or OTS and assessed psychological or cognitive outcomes. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. Out of 2232 articles, 11 studies were included: seven focused on OTS, three on NFOR, and two on both NFOR/OTS, involving 461 participants. All the studies assessed at least one psychological outcome, showing alterations in mood, stress, burnout, and fatigue among elite athletes experiencing NFOR or OTS. However, the available evidence on psychological well-being was limited and showed considerable heterogeneity. Evidence on cognitive outcomes was limited and focused mainly on the domain of cognitive inhibition. Impairments in cognitive inhibitory control may occur only in the context of OTS, while no clear deficits were observed in athletes experiencing NFOR. In conclusion, this review highlights the detrimental effects of NFOR and, especially, OTS on elite athletes' psychological and cognitive health, emphasizing the need for targeted research and effective strategies to support athletes’ performance and well-being.
{"title":"Effects of non-functional overreaching and overtraining syndrome on psychological and cognitive functioning in elite athletes: A systematic review","authors":"Alice Valdesalici , Enrico Sella , Riccardo Domenicucci , Marta Ghisi , Erika Borella","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103079","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103079","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of dysfunctional aspects of overtraining, specifically non-functional overreaching (NFOR) and overtraining syndrome (OTS), on psychological and cognitive functioning among elite athletes. Elite athletes face unique stressors, including rigorous training and persistent competitive pressures. However, previous reviews have not differentiated between athletic profiles, such as elite versus non-elite athletes. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review searched four electronic databases for studies involving elite athletes aged 18 or older who had undergone interventions leading to NFOR or OTS and assessed psychological or cognitive outcomes. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. Out of 2232 articles, 11 studies were included: seven focused on OTS, three on NFOR, and two on both NFOR/OTS, involving 461 participants. All the studies assessed at least one psychological outcome, showing alterations in mood, stress, burnout, and fatigue among elite athletes experiencing NFOR or OTS. However, the available evidence on psychological well-being was limited and showed considerable heterogeneity. Evidence on cognitive outcomes was limited and focused mainly on the domain of cognitive inhibition. Impairments in cognitive inhibitory control may occur only in the context of OTS, while no clear deficits were observed in athletes experiencing NFOR. In conclusion, this review highlights the detrimental effects of NFOR and, especially, OTS on elite athletes' psychological and cognitive health, emphasizing the need for targeted research and effective strategies to support athletes’ performance and well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 103079"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103061
Wen Chen , Yue Yang , Shan He , Xinyu Liu , Xiru Du , Min Hu , Ting Liu , Lu Leng , Junhao Huang
Purpose
While mindfulness has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing executive function in non-athletes through improved present-moment awareness and acceptance of current experiences, particularly regarding attention regulation and cognitive control, its neurocognitive mechanisms and the effects and underlying mechanisms of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on different executive functioning skills in athletic populations remain poorly understood. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial tackles a novel and important topic by investigating the beneficial effects of 12-week MBI on executive functioning skills in baseball players—a population that faces unique cognitive and physical demands, and the associated neurophysiological and biochemical regulation mechanisms.
Methods
Thirty-four baseball players were randomly divided into the MBI group (11M/6F) and the control group (11M/6F). Executive functioning skills (N-back task for working memory, Stroop task for inhibitory control, and Switching task for cognitive flexibility) were tested before and after the intervention. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to record quantified hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal cortex through oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (Oxy-Hb) monitoring during the performance of executive function tasks. Biomarkers of cognitive function, including BDNF, IL-6, TNF-α, and Cortisol, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
Results
MBI partially improved all three executive function skills, with increased Oxy-Hb level in L-FPA during the task of working memory, increased Oxy-Hb level in R-VLPFC during the task of inhibitory control, and decreased Oxy-Hb level in R-FPA, M-FPA, and L-DLPFC during the task of cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, MBI increased circulating BDNF level and decreased IL-6 and Cortisol levels. In addition, our correlation analyses showed that improvement in executive function (improved behavioral performances and changes in Oxy-Hb levels) were associated with changes in Cortisol and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6).
Conclusion
A 12-week MBI partially improved three components of executive function in baseball players. This enhancement may be attributed to the MBI-induced reductions in Cortisol and inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6), which altered blood oxygen contents in specific brain regions, thereby promoting executive function.
{"title":"Effects of 12-week mindfulness-based intervention on executive functioning skills, brain oxygenation, and biomarkers of cognitive function in baseball players: a randomized controlled trial","authors":"Wen Chen , Yue Yang , Shan He , Xinyu Liu , Xiru Du , Min Hu , Ting Liu , Lu Leng , Junhao Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>While mindfulness has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing executive function in non-athletes through improved present-moment awareness and acceptance of current experiences, particularly regarding attention regulation and cognitive control, its neurocognitive mechanisms and the effects and underlying mechanisms of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on different executive functioning skills in athletic populations remain poorly understood. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial tackles a novel and important topic by investigating the beneficial effects of 12-week MBI on executive functioning skills in baseball players—a population that faces unique cognitive and physical demands, and the associated neurophysiological and biochemical regulation mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-four baseball players were randomly divided into the MBI group (11M/6F) and the control group (11M/6F). Executive functioning skills (N-back task for working memory, Stroop task for inhibitory control, and Switching task for cognitive flexibility) were tested before and after the intervention. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to record quantified hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal cortex through oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (Oxy-Hb) monitoring during the performance of executive function tasks. Biomarkers of cognitive function, including BDNF, IL-6, TNF-α, and Cortisol, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>MBI partially improved all three executive function skills, with increased Oxy-Hb level in L-FPA during the task of working memory, increased Oxy-Hb level in R-VLPFC during the task of inhibitory control, and decreased Oxy-Hb level in R-FPA, M-FPA, and L-DLPFC during the task of cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, MBI increased circulating BDNF level and decreased IL-6 and Cortisol levels. In addition, our correlation analyses showed that improvement in executive function (improved behavioral performances and changes in Oxy-Hb levels) were associated with changes in Cortisol and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A 12-week MBI partially improved three components of executive function in baseball players. This enhancement may be attributed to the MBI-induced reductions in Cortisol and inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6), which altered blood oxygen contents in specific brain regions, thereby promoting executive function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 103061"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146042410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103081
Jae Hyeon Jo, Hyun Joung Jin
This study examines pitch-location patterns and investigates how these patterns may reflect simplified evaluative cues employed by Major League Baseball batteries—pitchers and catchers. We analyze pitch-level data from the 2002–2024 seasons to examine the relative effects of traditional batting statistics, such as home runs and runs batted in, and advanced metrics, such as weighted runs created plus and wins above replacement (WAR), on out-of-zone pitch rates. The results show that traditional statistics, particularly home runs, exert a stronger influence on pitch location, consistent with the availability and representativeness heuristics. Several advanced measures, such as WAR and batting runs, also significantly affect pitch decisions, indicating that they contribute to the battery's evaluative framework. Rather than a strict divide, the evidence points to a relative weighting: under time pressure and cognitive load, traditional statistics are more cognitively accessible and therefore more influential in shaping tactical choices. These findings suggest a potential behavioral–analytical gap between organizational analytics and on-field decision-making, pointing to possible implications for coaching, scouting, and performance management.
{"title":"Strategic pitching decisions and the role of heuristics in major league baseball","authors":"Jae Hyeon Jo, Hyun Joung Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines pitch-location patterns and investigates how these patterns may reflect simplified evaluative cues employed by Major League Baseball batteries—pitchers and catchers. We analyze pitch-level data from the 2002–2024 seasons to examine the relative effects of traditional batting statistics, such as home runs and runs batted in, and advanced metrics, such as weighted runs created plus and wins above replacement (WAR), on out-of-zone pitch rates. The results show that traditional statistics, particularly home runs, exert a stronger influence on pitch location, consistent with the availability and representativeness heuristics. Several advanced measures, such as WAR and batting runs, also significantly affect pitch decisions, indicating that they contribute to the battery's evaluative framework. Rather than a strict divide, the evidence points to a relative weighting: under time pressure and cognitive load, traditional statistics are more cognitively accessible and therefore more influential in shaping tactical choices. These findings suggest a potential behavioral–analytical gap between organizational analytics and on-field decision-making, pointing to possible implications for coaching, scouting, and performance management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 103081"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103069
Oliver Leis , Dylan R. Poulus , Michael G. Trotter , Faye Didymus , Laura D. Swettenham
Esports coaches are integral to the development, performance, and overall success of esports players. Sharing the same high-pressure environment, they are likely exposed to similar stressors that can affect not only their effectiveness as coaches but also their personal well-being. Despite their critical role, esports coaches often lack access to structured development programs and support systems. To inform future research enabling tailored intervention strategies for coaches, this study explored the stressors faced by esports coaches and the coping strategies they employ. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 12 male esports coaches, this study reports stressors associated with coaches navigating performance and interpersonal demands (e.g., underperforming players, player attitudes), organizational demands (e.g., organizational pressure), social exposure (e.g., social media comments), and boundaries of personal and professional life (e.g., work-life balance). Coaches discussed fostering a supportive environment, rest as a relational and professional practice, and managing focus, emotion, and meaning to cope with stressors. Findings demonstrate similarities with previous research on esports players and coaches in traditional sports, highlighting a combination of work-related and personal stressors. Esports coaches placed less emphasis on social stressors but highlighted the role of personal stressors. Insights underscore the need for research examining personal (e.g., gender) and situational factors (e.g., organizations), and practical interventions such as communication training and better support to reduce burnout and improve stress management. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these stressors can optimize coaches' well-being and professional development, leading to better support for players and improved performance.
{"title":"Stressors and coping among esports coaches","authors":"Oliver Leis , Dylan R. Poulus , Michael G. Trotter , Faye Didymus , Laura D. Swettenham","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Esports coaches are integral to the development, performance, and overall success of esports players. Sharing the same high-pressure environment, they are likely exposed to similar stressors that can affect not only their effectiveness as coaches but also their personal well-being. Despite their critical role, esports coaches often lack access to structured development programs and support systems. To inform future research enabling tailored intervention strategies for coaches, this study explored the stressors faced by esports coaches and the coping strategies they employ. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 12 male esports coaches, this study reports stressors associated with coaches navigating performance and interpersonal demands (e.g., underperforming players, player attitudes), organizational demands (e.g., organizational pressure), social exposure (e.g., social media comments), and boundaries of personal and professional life (e.g., work-life balance). Coaches discussed fostering a supportive environment, rest as a relational and professional practice, and managing focus, emotion, and meaning to cope with stressors. Findings demonstrate similarities with previous research on esports players and coaches in traditional sports, highlighting a combination of work-related and personal stressors. Esports coaches placed less emphasis on social stressors but highlighted the role of personal stressors. Insights underscore the need for research examining personal (e.g., gender) and situational factors (e.g., organizations), and practical interventions such as communication training and better support to reduce burnout and improve stress management. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these stressors can optimize coaches' well-being and professional development, leading to better support for players and improved performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 103069"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146042415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Combat sports athletes are exposed to higher rates of injury, often resulting in increased anxiety and decreased pre-event self-efficacy. Mindfulness may serve as a protective buffer against these psychological effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between athletic mindfulness and pre-event self-efficacy through competitive anxiety, as well as the moderating role of injury status among Taekwondo athletes.
Methods
Collegiate Taekwondo athletes (N = 105) completed measures of athletic mindfulness, competitive anxiety, pre-event self-efficacy, and injury status prior to a national competition. A moderated mediation model was tested using PROCESS Models 4 and 59.
Results
Athletic mindfulness significantly predicted pre-event self-efficacy through cognitive anxiety. Although injury status did not moderate the overall mediation pathway, it moderated the relationship between athletic mindfulness and cognitive anxiety.
Conclusions
These findings suggest a pathway through which mindfulness enhances pre-event self-efficacy by reducing cognitive anxiety among combat sports athletes. Regardless of its moderation of the mediation effect, injury status revealed that mindfulness exerted a stronger influence on reducing cognitive anxiety among injured athletes.
{"title":"The relationship between mindfulness, competitive anxiety, and self-efficacy in Taekwondo athletes with/without injury: The moderated mediation model","authors":"Jeffrey Yu , Jui-Ti Nien , Mu-Yen Chu , Yi-Zhen Yang , Yi-Chih Ko , Yun-Han Chen , Nai-Chi Chen , Yu-Kai Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Combat sports athletes are exposed to higher rates of injury, often resulting in increased anxiety and decreased pre-event self-efficacy. Mindfulness may serve as a protective buffer against these psychological effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between athletic mindfulness and pre-event self-efficacy through competitive anxiety, as well as the moderating role of injury status among Taekwondo athletes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Collegiate Taekwondo athletes (<em>N</em> = 105) completed measures of athletic mindfulness, competitive anxiety, pre-event self-efficacy, and injury status prior to a national competition. A moderated mediation model was tested using PROCESS Models 4 and 59.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Athletic mindfulness significantly predicted pre-event self-efficacy through cognitive anxiety. Although injury status did not moderate the overall mediation pathway, it moderated the relationship between athletic mindfulness and cognitive anxiety.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings suggest a pathway through which mindfulness enhances pre-event self-efficacy by reducing cognitive anxiety among combat sports athletes. Regardless of its moderation of the mediation effect, injury status revealed that mindfulness exerted a stronger influence on reducing cognitive anxiety among injured athletes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 103080"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146015537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103068
Stephanie A. Hooker , Lara J. LaCaille , Rick A. LaCaille , Jonathon Sikorski
Relatedness, or the extent to which individuals feel connected to others, is one of three basic psychological needs postulated by self-determination theory (SDT). In physical activity contexts, the extent to which relatedness satisfaction is important for maintaining physical activity is unclear, and measurement challenges have hindered progress in the field. Specifically, many individuals prefer solitary physical activity, yet existing instruments assessing relatedness in physical activity are predominantly designed for group-based exercise settings. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of a new measure of relatedness for physical activity contexts, the Physical Activity Relatedness Satisfaction Scale (PARSS). Participants (N = 696) were recruited through an undergraduate psychology subject pool and random selection of patients in a health system. In a cross-sectional survey, participants completed PARSS test items, measures of basic need satisfaction, behavioral regulation, and self-reported physical activity. Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlations to establish construct and criterion validity. The final measure included 6 items contributing to one latent factor. The measure was invariant to participants’ physical activity preferences and demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (α = .94) and evidence for construct and criterion validity (positive associations with other relatedness measures, autonomy and competence satisfaction, autonomous motivation and physical activity). The PARSS offers a reliable tool for observational studies exploring the relationship between relatedness satisfaction and physical activity, and for intervention research targeting relatedness as a mechanism for promoting physical activity behavior change.
{"title":"The Physical Activity Relatedness Satisfaction Scale: Assessing relatedness in those who prefer to be active alone and with others","authors":"Stephanie A. Hooker , Lara J. LaCaille , Rick A. LaCaille , Jonathon Sikorski","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103068","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Relatedness, or the extent to which individuals feel connected to others, is one of three basic psychological needs postulated by self-determination theory (SDT). In physical activity contexts, the extent to which relatedness satisfaction is important for maintaining physical activity is unclear, and measurement challenges have hindered progress in the field. Specifically, many individuals prefer solitary physical activity, yet existing instruments assessing relatedness in physical activity are predominantly designed for group-based exercise settings. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of a new measure of relatedness for physical activity contexts, the Physical Activity Relatedness Satisfaction Scale (PARSS). Participants (<em>N</em> = 696) were recruited through an undergraduate psychology subject pool and random selection of patients in a health system. In a cross-sectional survey, participants completed PARSS test items, measures of basic need satisfaction, behavioral regulation, and self-reported physical activity. Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlations to establish construct and criterion validity. The final measure included 6 items contributing to one latent factor. The measure was invariant to participants’ physical activity preferences and demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (α = .94) and evidence for construct and criterion validity (positive associations with other relatedness measures, autonomy and competence satisfaction, autonomous motivation and physical activity). The PARSS offers a reliable tool for observational studies exploring the relationship between relatedness satisfaction and physical activity, and for intervention research targeting relatedness as a mechanism for promoting physical activity behavior change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 103068"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103065
Rita de Oliveira, Yago Ramis, Zsanett Bondár
{"title":"FEPSAC Newsletter","authors":"Rita de Oliveira, Yago Ramis, Zsanett Bondár","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103065","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103065","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 103065"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103067
Izzy G. Wellings , Richard Ferguson , Ian M. Taylor
This study examined whether the desire to reduce effort, performance goal value and the conflict between the two motives predicted pace during endurance performance. Fifty participants (25 males, 25 females, Mage = 22.10 years; SD = 3.03 years) completed an incrementally difficult sub-maximal cycling task to establish the starting intensity for a subsequent 8 km time trial. Following a 30-min rest, the goal was to complete the time trial as fast as possible, with participants being able to alter their work rate (i.e., watts) throughout. The desire to reduce effort, performance goal value, and time elapsed were measured at baseline and after each km. Results were analysed using multilevel modelling. Within-person changes in performance goal value predicted pace in the expected direction consistently during the time trial. Within-person changes in desire to reduce effort and the desire-goal conflict became increasingly important predictors of pace as the time trial progressed. Potential time-lagged effects of the desire to reduce effort on pace were also observed. The results provide greater understanding of the dynamic relationship between the desire-goal conflict and endurance performance.
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