Pub Date : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103022
Ilse P. Peringa, A. Susan M. Niessen, Rob R. Meijer, Ruud J.R. den Hartigh
Understanding how coaches, scouts, and other decision-makers assess and select athletes has become an increasingly important focus in sport psychology. While athlete selection is often entrusted to “experienced experts,” experience related to a given sport does not necessarily translate into selection expertise. This short communication explains why experience often fails to foster expertise. Drawing on the broader judgment and decision-making literature, particularly Kahneman and Klein (2009), two key conditions are identified for expertise to develop through experience: (1) the availability of high-validity cues, and (2) sufficient learning opportunities, including timely, complete, and unambiguous feedback. We argue that these conditions are rarely present in athlete selection. Studies from the wider personnel selection literature similarly show limited benefits of experience. Although experience is likely not a reliable path to expertise in athlete selection, the application of empirically validated knowledge will improve selection decisions. We discuss how such knowledge can be acquired through systematic research and suggest that practitioners in the field of sports need to prioritize evidence-based approaches over accumulated experience.
{"title":"Why experience fails to foster expertise in athlete selection","authors":"Ilse P. Peringa, A. Susan M. Niessen, Rob R. Meijer, Ruud J.R. den Hartigh","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding how coaches, scouts, and other decision-makers assess and select athletes has become an increasingly important focus in sport psychology. While athlete selection is often entrusted to “experienced experts,” experience related to a given sport does not necessarily translate into selection expertise. This short communication explains why experience often fails to foster expertise. Drawing on the broader judgment and decision-making literature, particularly Kahneman and Klein (2009), two key conditions are identified for expertise to develop through experience: (1) the availability of high-validity cues, and (2) sufficient learning opportunities, including timely, complete, and unambiguous feedback. We argue that these conditions are rarely present in athlete selection. Studies from the wider personnel selection literature similarly show limited benefits of experience. Although experience is likely not a reliable path to expertise in athlete selection, the application of empirically validated knowledge will improve selection decisions. We discuss how such knowledge can be acquired through systematic research and suggest that practitioners in the field of sports need to prioritize evidence-based approaches over accumulated experience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 103022"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145514614","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 : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103024
Christine M. Habeeb , Sarah A. Stephen , Pete Coffee
We provide a brief commentary to accompany Eys and Beauchamp's (2025) work, (Re)conceptualizing cohesion: A theoretical realignment and roadmap for future research. We emphasize and extend the conceptual advances offered in the paper around four focal areas: the revised definition of cohesion (Propositions 1–2), the repositioning of individual attractions within a social identity framework (Proposition 3), the roles of task and outcome interdependence (Propositions 4, 5, 7) and teamwork processes (Proposition 6). Building on these propositions, we contribute to their conversation on theoretical refinement and methodological rigor. Specifically, we highlight cohesion theory can be further strengthened with dedicated research on social cohesion and more precisely placing (group) goals within cohesion theory. As mentioned by the authors, there is a need to conduct targeted studies in individual-sport contexts and utilize multilevel modeling to capture nested team dynamics in any group setting. We further consider that framing interdependence as a subjective, dynamic state offers novel insights into its relationship with cohesion. To enhance knowledge about cohesion and teamwork, we suggest measuring observable teamwork behaviors in combination with survey-based methods. We offer this commentary to enrich the paper's conceptual foundation and support the evolution of cohesion research in the coming 40 years.
{"title":"Cohesion at 40: A commentary on (re)conceptualizing cohesion through identity, interdependence, and teamwork in sport and exercise","authors":"Christine M. Habeeb , Sarah A. Stephen , Pete Coffee","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We provide a brief commentary to accompany Eys and Beauchamp's (2025) work, <em>(Re)conceptualizing cohesion: A theoretical realignment and roadmap for future research</em>. We emphasize and extend the conceptual advances offered in the paper around four focal areas: the revised definition of cohesion (Propositions 1–2), the repositioning of individual attractions within a social identity framework (Proposition 3), the roles of task and outcome interdependence (Propositions 4, 5, 7) and teamwork processes (Proposition 6). Building on these propositions, we contribute to their conversation on theoretical refinement and methodological rigor. Specifically, we highlight cohesion theory can be further strengthened with dedicated research on social cohesion and more precisely placing (group) goals within cohesion theory. As mentioned by the authors, there is a need to conduct targeted studies in individual-sport contexts and utilize multilevel modeling to capture nested team dynamics in any group setting. We further consider that framing interdependence as a subjective, dynamic state offers novel insights into its relationship with cohesion. To enhance knowledge about cohesion and teamwork, we suggest measuring observable teamwork behaviors in combination with survey-based methods. We offer this commentary to enrich the paper's conceptual foundation and support the evolution of cohesion research in the coming 40 years.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 103024"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515303","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 : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103027
John B. Garcia , Zachary Yukio Kerr , Emily M. Kyaw , Jimikaye B. Courtney
Purpose
This study investigated the bidirectional within- and between-person associations between daily PA participation and anxiety.
Methods
A convenience sample of overweight/obese adults (N = 91; Mean age: 30.7 ± 6.5) were recruited from a university in the southeastern U.S. Participants completed a 21-day intensive longitudinal study, wearing the activPAL4 continuously and completing two daily surveys. Participants reported momentary anxiety using three items from the PROMIS during the morning and evening surveys, and self-reported leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and strength training during the evening survey. Multi-level dynamic structural equation models with Bayesian estimation examined the within- and between-person associations between anxiety and PA (device-measured MVPA, leisure-time MVPA, strength training).
Results
When examining associations between daily PA and evening anxiety, a between-person association indicated that participants with higher average leisure-time MVPA reported lower average evening anxiety (b = -1.60, 95 % Credibility Interval [CrI]: 2.63, −0.54). When examining associations between morning anxiety and PA, a between-person association indicated that greater average morning anxiety was associated with less time spent in leisure-time MVPA (IRR = 0.87, 95 % CrI: 0.79, 0.96). There were no significant within-person associations between daily PA and evening anxiety or morning anxiety and PA. Conclusions: Although the findings do not support a bidirectional association between anxiety and PA, they suggest that greater average time spent in leisure-time MVPA may reduce average anxiety and may support greater leisure-time MVPA engagement. Our results highlight the potential for leisure-time MVPA to serve as an adjunctive therapy alongside traditional treatment approaches to support lower overall anxiety levels.
{"title":"Investigating bidirectional within- and between-person associations between daily anxiety and physical activity participation","authors":"John B. Garcia , Zachary Yukio Kerr , Emily M. Kyaw , Jimikaye B. Courtney","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study investigated the bidirectional within- and between-person associations between daily PA participation and anxiety.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A convenience sample of overweight/obese adults (N = 91; Mean age: 30.7 ± 6.5) were recruited from a university in the southeastern U.S. Participants completed a 21-day intensive longitudinal study, wearing the activPAL4 continuously and completing two daily surveys. Participants reported momentary anxiety using three items from the PROMIS during the morning and evening surveys, and self-reported leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and strength training during the evening survey. Multi-level dynamic structural equation models with Bayesian estimation examined the within- and between-person associations between anxiety and PA (device-measured MVPA, leisure-time MVPA, strength training).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>When examining associations between daily PA and evening anxiety, a between-person association indicated that participants with higher average leisure-time MVPA reported lower average evening anxiety (<em>b</em> = -1.60, 95 % Credibility Interval [CrI]: 2.63, −0.54). When examining associations between morning anxiety and PA, a between-person association indicated that greater average morning anxiety was associated with less time spent in leisure-time MVPA (IRR = 0.87, 95 % CrI: 0.79, 0.96). There were no significant within-person associations between daily PA and evening anxiety or morning anxiety and PA. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Although the findings do not support a bidirectional association between anxiety and PA, they suggest that greater average time spent in leisure-time MVPA may reduce average anxiety and may support greater leisure-time MVPA engagement. Our results highlight the potential for leisure-time MVPA to serve as an adjunctive therapy alongside traditional treatment approaches to support lower overall anxiety levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 103027"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515310","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 : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103028
Kathryn E. Demos-McDermott , Katrina M. Oselinsky , Shira I. Dunsiger , David M. Williams , Rena R. Wing , Jessica L. Unick
Background
Automatic, affective processing of exercise can influence exercise behavior. Study 1 compared regular exercisers (≥150 min/wk) and non-exercisers (<30 min/wk) on affective responses, memory of these responses, and anticipated response to future exercise. Study 2 pilot-tested a brief intervention for non-exercisers to improve exercise-related affect and memory bias (i.e., discrepancy between remembered and experienced affect).
Methods
59 weight-loss seeking individuals with overweight/obesity (Age = 47.1 ± 10.3 years; BMI = 32.1 ± 3.3 kg/m2; 79.7 % Female; 91.5 % White) completed two sessions of moderate-intensity walking for 30 min. Participants reported anticipated affect prior to exercise and affective response before, during, and after exercise. On days 1, 3, and 7 following the exercise session, remembered affect was assessed to determine possible memory bias. In Study 2, the non-exercisers were randomly assigned to an affect-based intervention (n = 15) or comparator condition (n = 15) and completed a third exercise session.
Results
In Study 1, negative memory bias was present in both exercisers and non-exercisers, but was greater among non-exercisers (p = 0.04). For both groups, remembered affect more closely resembled post-exercise affect (versus ‘during’; p = 0.001). Exercisers anticipated feeling better during exercise compared to non-exercisers (p = 0.002), with a similar trend for anticipated ‘post-exercise’ affect (p = 0.073). In Study 2, non-exercisers receiving the affect-based intervention demonstrated significantly less memory bias (p = 0.04) and more positive affect post-exercise (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Both exercisers and non-exercisers experienced negative memory bias toward prior exercise, which was greater in non-exercisers. A pilot intervention to reduce negative memory bias and improve exercise-related affect among non-exercisers showed promise, warranting further study of these novel intervention targets.
{"title":"Memory of affective responses to physical activity (study 1) and a pilot intervention to reduce negative memory bias (study 2) in adults with overweight or obesity","authors":"Kathryn E. Demos-McDermott , Katrina M. Oselinsky , Shira I. Dunsiger , David M. Williams , Rena R. Wing , Jessica L. Unick","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Automatic, affective processing of exercise can influence exercise behavior. Study 1 compared regular exercisers (≥150 min/wk) and non-exercisers (<30 min/wk) on affective responses, memory of these responses, and anticipated response to future exercise. Study 2 pilot-tested a brief intervention for non-exercisers to improve exercise-related affect and memory bias (i.e., discrepancy between remembered and experienced affect).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>59 weight-loss seeking individuals with overweight/obesity (Age = 47.1 ± 10.3 years; BMI = 32.1 ± 3.3 kg/m<sup>2</sup>; 79.7 % Female; 91.5 % White) completed two sessions of moderate-intensity walking for 30 min. Participants reported anticipated affect prior to exercise and affective response before, during, and after exercise. On days 1, 3, and 7 following the exercise session, remembered affect was assessed to determine possible memory bias. In Study 2, the non-exercisers were randomly assigned to an affect-based intervention (n = 15) or comparator condition (n = 15) and completed a third exercise session.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In Study 1, negative memory bias was present in both exercisers and non-exercisers, but was greater among non-exercisers (p = 0.04). For both groups, remembered affect more closely resembled post-exercise affect (versus ‘during’; p = 0.001). Exercisers anticipated feeling better during exercise compared to non-exercisers (p = 0.002), with a similar trend for anticipated ‘post-exercise’ affect (p = 0.073). In Study 2, non-exercisers receiving the affect-based intervention demonstrated significantly less memory bias (p = 0.04) and more positive affect post-exercise (p = 0.05). <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Both exercisers and non-exercisers experienced negative memory bias toward prior exercise, which was greater in non-exercisers. A pilot intervention to reduce negative memory bias and improve exercise-related affect among non-exercisers showed promise, warranting further study of these novel intervention targets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 103028"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515355","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 : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103029
David W. Eccles , Heather Twedell , Brady S. DeCouto
Objectives
To better understand the concept of mental rest in professional athletes. Mental rest appears to be important for recovery and movement skill learning, yet there is limited understanding of this concept in the professional athlete context.
Design
A qualitative description study design was employed.
Method
Sixteen NFL athletes were interviewed about what mental rest means to them. A codebook thematic analysis was undertaken to examine the analytical generalizability to the professional athlete context of an extant model of mental rest proposed based on a study of college athletes (Eccles & Kazmier, 2019).
Results
The Eccles and Kazmier model offers considerable analytical generalizability to the professional athlete context. Consistent with the model, the process of resting mentally in professional athletes includes (a) sleep and (b) resting while awake, involving multiple resting experiences including a break from thinking about one's sport. Departures from the model were also observed. For example, in the original model, to achieve a break from thinking about one's sport, college athletes spent time on a rest day in public locations (e.g., restaurants) within which there were few cues to think about their sport (e.g., no teammates). In contrast, for recognizable professional athletes studied here, public locations often offered no escape from these cues due to uninvited questions from the public about their sport.
Conclusion
The findings advance understanding of the constituents of mental rest in professional athletes and inform education about how athletes can obtain the mental rest needed to perform effectively and stay healthy.
{"title":"What does mental rest mean to professional athletes? A study of National Football League players","authors":"David W. Eccles , Heather Twedell , Brady S. DeCouto","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To better understand the concept of mental rest in professional athletes. Mental rest appears to be important for recovery and movement skill learning, yet there is limited understanding of this concept in the professional athlete context.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A qualitative description study design was employed.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Sixteen NFL athletes were interviewed about what mental rest means to them. A codebook thematic analysis was undertaken to examine the analytical generalizability to the professional athlete context of an extant model of mental rest proposed based on a study of college athletes (Eccles & Kazmier, 2019).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The Eccles and Kazmier model offers considerable analytical generalizability to the professional athlete context. Consistent with the model, the process of resting mentally in professional athletes includes (a) sleep and (b) resting while awake, involving multiple resting experiences including a break from thinking about one's sport. Departures from the model were also observed. For example, in the original model, to achieve a break from thinking about one's sport, college athletes spent time on a rest day in public locations (e.g., restaurants) within which there were few cues to think about their sport (e.g., no teammates). In contrast, for recognizable professional athletes studied here, public locations often offered no escape from these cues due to uninvited questions from the public about their sport.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings advance understanding of the constituents of mental rest in professional athletes and inform education about how athletes can obtain the mental rest needed to perform effectively and stay healthy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 103029"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515373","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 : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103013
K.J. Donnan , M.J. Bargh , L. Swettenham , S. Olthof , A. Whitehead
Research shows that mental fatigue (MF) can negatively impact physical performance. However, the effects of MF during football match-play are not well understood, particularly in women, and its impact on psychological factors is less known (e.g., attentional focus). This study explored the physical and psychological effects of MF in women's football during 7 vs. 7 small-sided games (SSGs). 14 Women's National League players (M age = 25.9 ± 5.9 years) participated. A counterbalanced cross-over design was implemented involving a MF (30-min social media use), and a control condition (30-min sitting with teammates with no phone access) prior to 3 × 7-min SSGs, interspersed with 2-min rest. GPS was used to monitor work output. Participants had microphones attached and were asked to ‘think aloud’ (TA) during SSGs; content analysis was used to examine players' attentional focus and communication. MF (visual analogue scale) and fatigue (BRUMS) increased pre-to post-MF (+1.95 ± 1.45, p < .001; +2.57 ± 3.33, p = .038) but in control (p = 1.00), and happiness (BRUMS) was lower in MF vs. control (−1.96 ±0 .68, p = .013). No differences were found between conditions for work output or RPE (ps > 0.05). Total TA was lower (p = .046) and there was less positive performance-related TA (p = .022) in MF (22.53 ± 13.11; 0.15 ± 0.38) vs. control (30.00 ± 17.84; 1.54 ± 2.11). There was more negative non-performance related communication (p = .031), and less joking with teammates (p = .020) with MF (0.85 ± 1.07; 1.69 ± 1.80) vs. control (0.08 ± 0.28; 4.39 ± 3.78). In sum, 30-min social media use was associated with reduced happiness, vigour and heightened perceptions of fatigue, and effected how able participants were to engage in TA, how positive their thoughts were, and how they communicated with teammates. Avoiding phone use prior to training and match-play may be worth considering. Further team-sport research could incorporate TA methods which the present study showed to be feasible, to understand more on players' cognitive processing in match-play.
{"title":"The multifaceted implications of mental fatigue on women's football players' performance in small-sided games","authors":"K.J. Donnan , M.J. Bargh , L. Swettenham , S. Olthof , A. Whitehead","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research shows that mental fatigue (MF) can negatively impact physical performance. However, the effects of MF during football match-play are not well understood, particularly in women, and its impact on psychological factors is less known (e.g., attentional focus). This study explored the physical and psychological effects of MF in women's football during 7 vs. 7 small-sided games (SSGs). 14 Women's National League players (<em>M</em> age = 25.9 ± 5.9 years) participated. A counterbalanced cross-over design was implemented involving a MF (30-min social media use), and a control condition (30-min sitting with teammates with no phone access) prior to 3 × 7-min SSGs, interspersed with 2-min rest. GPS was used to monitor work output. Participants had microphones attached and were asked to ‘think aloud’ (TA) during SSGs; content analysis was used to examine players' attentional focus and communication. MF (visual analogue scale) and fatigue (BRUMS) increased pre-to post-MF (+1.95 ± 1.45, <em>p</em> < .001; +2.57 ± 3.33, <em>p</em> = .038) but in control (<em>p</em> = 1.00), and happiness (BRUMS) was lower in MF vs. control (−1.96 ±0 .68, <em>p</em> = .013). No differences were found between conditions for work output or RPE (<em>ps</em> > 0.05). Total TA was lower (<em>p</em> = .046) and there was less positive performance-related TA (<em>p</em> = .022) in MF (22.53 ± 13.11; 0.15 ± 0.38) vs. control (30.00 ± 17.84; 1.54 ± 2.11). There was more negative non-performance related communication (<em>p</em> = .031), and less joking with teammates (<em>p</em> = .020) with MF (0.85 ± 1.07; 1.69 ± 1.80) vs. control (0.08 ± 0.28; 4.39 ± 3.78). In sum, 30-min social media use was associated with reduced happiness, vigour and heightened perceptions of fatigue, and effected how able participants were to engage in TA, how positive their thoughts were, and how they communicated with teammates. Avoiding phone use prior to training and match-play may be worth considering. Further team-sport research could incorporate TA methods which the present study showed to be feasible, to understand more on players' cognitive processing in match-play.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 103013"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515346","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 : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103023
Bettina Wollesen , Claudia Voelker-Rehage
Executive functions (EFs) which include inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, typically decline with age. This increases the risk of falls and reduces independence and quality of life. Traditional interventions such as aerobic training, resistance training, and coordination training have demonstrated general benefits for cognitive health, with some studies reporting modest improvements in EFs. However, the evidence is mixed, with the effect sizes varying depending on the type of training and the design of the study.
A growing body of research supports cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT) training, which combines physical and cognitive tasks. Among its variants, simultaneous CMDT, where both tasks are performed together, has shown the most promise. This method more effectively engages shared cognitive and motor resources and mirrors real-life multitasking demands. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses consistently suggest that simultaneous CMDT leads to greater improvements in EFs and dual-task performance than physical or cognitive training alone. It is also associated with enhanced mobility, reduced fall risk, and improved functional independence in older adults. The effectiveness of training depends on characteristics such as frequency, duration, and session length, though the role of intensity remains understudied.
In conclusion, while traditional physical training remains valuable, simultaneous CMDT stands out as a particularly effective and ecologically valid intervention for preserving executive and functional abilities in aging populations. There is also potential for its application to be expanded to age and clinical groups.
{"title":"Chronic exercise and executive functions in older adults – the treasury of combined cognitive and motor exercise","authors":"Bettina Wollesen , Claudia Voelker-Rehage","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Executive functions (EFs) which include inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, typically decline with age. This increases the risk of falls and reduces independence and quality of life. Traditional interventions such as aerobic training, resistance training, and coordination training have demonstrated general benefits for cognitive health, with some studies reporting modest improvements in EFs. However, the evidence is mixed, with the effect sizes varying depending on the type of training and the design of the study.</div><div>A growing body of research supports cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT) training, which combines physical and cognitive tasks. Among its variants, simultaneous CMDT, where both tasks are performed together, has shown the most promise. This method more effectively engages shared cognitive and motor resources and mirrors real-life multitasking demands. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses consistently suggest that simultaneous CMDT leads to greater improvements in EFs and dual-task performance than physical or cognitive training alone. It is also associated with enhanced mobility, reduced fall risk, and improved functional independence in older adults. The effectiveness of training depends on characteristics such as frequency, duration, and session length, though the role of intensity remains understudied.</div><div>In conclusion, while traditional physical training remains valuable, simultaneous CMDT stands out as a particularly effective and ecologically valid intervention for preserving executive and functional abilities in aging populations. There is also potential for its application to be expanded to age and clinical groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 103023"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145508698","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 : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103026
Alexis Ruffault
Sport injuries are not merely disruptions to performance; they are health events that, like chronic diseases, involve behavioral risk factors and significant psychological consequences. Despite extensive research on the psychology of sport injury, dominant models have yet to fully integrate theoretical frameworks from health psychology and clinical psychology. In this commentary, we argue that reconceptualizing sport injuries as health issues comparable to conditions like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes allows us to leverage well-established behavioral and clinical models to enhance prevention, rehabilitation, and psychological care. First, socio-cognitive theories of health behavior provide robust frameworks for understanding and modifying behaviors that reduce injury risk and improve rehabilitation adherence. Second, transdiagnostic models of psychopathology offer a more precise understanding of the emotional responses to injury, accounting for the shared psychological mechanisms that underlie a broad range of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related distress. By positioning sport injuries within the broader domain of health psychology, researchers and practitioners can better explain, predict, and intervene in the behavioral and psychological dimensions of injury.
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The aims of this study were to investigate the short and long-term effects of a physical activity intervention on basic psychological needs (BPN); and to examine whether autonomy, competence, and relatedness mediated the relationship between the intervention and depressive symptoms in adults. A 16-week randomized controlled trial was conducted, combining online and in-person activities. The intervention involved two weekly sessions, each lasting 90 min, comprising theoretical (44 %) and practical (56 %) components designed to promote physical activity (PA). Each session employed strategies aimed at satisfying BPN (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) to support behavior change. BPN and depressive symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were applied for both per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, while structural equation modeling was conducted using ITT data only. A total of 78 individuals participated, equally allocated to either an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG), with comparable distributions of sex, age, and severity of depressive symptoms at baseline. Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for autonomy (η2p = 0.031; p = 0.086), competence (η2p = 0.047; p = 0.100), and relatedness (η2p = 0.099; p = 0.017) in the PP analysis, favoring the IG, particularly at post-intervention. Additionally, ITT analysis revealed that both the overall needs score and the autonomy, competence, and relatedness subscales mediated the relationship between the treatment and depressive symptoms, considering the difference between post-intervention and baseline values. Although the intervention did not significantly improve BPN in the ITT analysis, these needs functioned as mediators, contributing to the reduction of depressive symptoms in adults with elevated symptomatology.
Trial registration
Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR-7466htj, April 17, 2023. Retrospectively registered.
本研究的目的是探讨体育活动干预对基本心理需求（BPN）的短期和长期影响；并检验自主性、能力和相关性是否介导干预与成人抑郁症状之间的关系。进行了一项为期16周的随机对照试验，结合了在线和面对面的活动。干预包括每周两次，每次持续90分钟，包括旨在促进身体活动（PA）的理论（44%）和实践（56%）部分。每次会议都采用旨在满足BPN（自主性、能力和相关性）的策略来支持行为改变。在基线、干预后和6个月的随访中，使用有效的问卷对BPN和抑郁症状进行评估。每个方案（PP）和意向治疗（ITT）分析均采用广义估计方程，而结构方程模型仅使用ITT数据进行。共有78人参与，平均分配到干预组（IG）或对照组（CG），在性别、年龄和基线抑郁症状严重程度上具有可比性分布。在PP分析中，在自主性（η2p = 0.031; p = 0.086）、能力（η2p = 0.047; p = 0.100）和亲缘性（η2p = 0.099; p = 0.017）方面观察到显著的群体时间交互作用，有利于IG，特别是在干预后。此外，ITT分析显示，考虑到干预后与基线值之间的差异，总体需求评分和自主性、能力和相关性分量表都介导了治疗与抑郁症状之间的关系。虽然在ITT分析中，干预并没有显著改善BPN，但这些需求起到了中介作用，有助于减轻症状升高的成年人的抑郁症状。试验注册：巴西临床试验注册中心（ReBEC）： RBR-7466htj， 20123年4月。回顾注册。
{"title":"Short and long-term effects of a self-determination theory-based physical activity intervention on basic psychological needs and their mediating role in adults with depressive symptoms","authors":"Cecília Bertuol, Willen Remon Tozetto, Antônio Cleilson Nobre Bandeira, Deborah Kazimoto Alves, Patrine Vargas, Thiago Sousa Matias, Giovani Firpo Del Duca","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aims of this study were to investigate the short and long-term effects of a physical activity intervention on basic psychological needs (BPN); and to examine whether autonomy, competence, and relatedness mediated the relationship between the intervention and depressive symptoms in adults. A 16-week randomized controlled trial was conducted, combining online and in-person activities. The intervention involved two weekly sessions, each lasting 90 min, comprising theoretical (44 %) and practical (56 %) components designed to promote physical activity (PA). Each session employed strategies aimed at satisfying BPN (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) to support behavior change. BPN and depressive symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were applied for both per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, while structural equation modeling was conducted using ITT data only. A total of 78 individuals participated, equally allocated to either an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG), with comparable distributions of sex, age, and severity of depressive symptoms at baseline. Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for autonomy (η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.031; p = 0.086), competence (η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.047; p = 0.100), and relatedness (η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.099; p = 0.017) in the PP analysis, favoring the IG, particularly at post-intervention. Additionally, ITT analysis revealed that both the overall needs score and the autonomy, competence, and relatedness subscales mediated the relationship between the treatment and depressive symptoms, considering the difference between post-intervention and baseline values. Although the intervention did not significantly improve BPN in the ITT analysis, these needs functioned as mediators, contributing to the reduction of depressive symptoms in adults with elevated symptomatology.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR-7466htj, April 17, 2023. Retrospectively registered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 103020"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145491333","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 : 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103019
Mark Stevens , Gabrielle Guillermo-Tregoning , Alysia M. Robertson , Tegan Cruwys , Tamara Jones , Camille E. Short
The social identity approach to leadership argues that leaders' effectiveness rests on their success in creating, representing, advancing, and embedding a sense of shared identity among group members. However, it does not specify precisely how they can achieve this (i.e., through what behaviours). This gap extends to the exercise context, where research has shown that exercisers participate more frequently to the extent they perceive their leaders engage in identity leadership, yet little guidance exists regarding the specific behaviours that exercise leaders can use to demonstrate this leadership style. We aimed to address this through two studies. In Study 1, we used the Delphi method to identify behaviours that identity leadership experts (primarily from Europe, Australia, and North America and defined as researchers with at least one peer-reviewed identity leadership publication; N = 15) believed exercise class leaders could engage in to demonstrate their identity leadership and foster exercisers' future class attendance. Experts reached consensus on 16 behaviours that characterised identity leadership, and tended to perceive these behaviours would help foster exercisers’ future class attendance. In Study 2, we recruited 150 exercise class attendees from the United Kingdom. These participants rated the extent to which the behaviours derived in Study 1 would increase their likelihood of attending future classes and achieve the theoretical goals specified by identity leadership theory. All mean ratings were above the mid-point on the rating scales for both questions, suggesting we had identified a pool of identity leadership behaviours with potential applied benefit. Identity leadership behaviours rated particularly positively by exercisers included leaders modelling and demonstrating exercisers, following established rules and standards, and providing different forms of social support. Findings advance theoretical understanding, strengthen the foundation for further tests of identity leadership theory, and provide new insights into how its applied benefits could be unlocked.
{"title":"Identifying effective identity leadership behaviours for exercise leaders: Perspectives from identity leadership experts and exercisers","authors":"Mark Stevens , Gabrielle Guillermo-Tregoning , Alysia M. Robertson , Tegan Cruwys , Tamara Jones , Camille E. Short","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The social identity approach to leadership argues that leaders' effectiveness rests on their success in creating, representing, advancing, and embedding a sense of shared identity among group members. However, it does not specify precisely how they can achieve this (i.e., through what behaviours). This gap extends to the exercise context, where research has shown that exercisers participate more frequently to the extent they perceive their leaders engage in identity leadership, yet little guidance exists regarding the specific behaviours that exercise leaders can use to demonstrate this leadership style. We aimed to address this through two studies. In Study 1, we used the Delphi method to identify behaviours that identity leadership experts (primarily from Europe, Australia, and North America and defined as researchers with at least one peer-reviewed identity leadership publication; <em>N</em> = 15) believed exercise class leaders could engage in to demonstrate their identity leadership and foster exercisers' future class attendance. Experts reached consensus on 16 behaviours that characterised identity leadership, and tended to perceive these behaviours would help foster exercisers’ future class attendance. In Study 2, we recruited 150 exercise class attendees from the United Kingdom. These participants rated the extent to which the behaviours derived in Study 1 would increase their likelihood of attending future classes and achieve the theoretical goals specified by identity leadership theory. All mean ratings were above the mid-point on the rating scales for both questions, suggesting we had identified a pool of identity leadership behaviours with potential applied benefit. Identity leadership behaviours rated particularly positively by exercisers included leaders modelling and demonstrating exercisers, following established rules and standards, and providing different forms of social support. Findings advance theoretical understanding, strengthen the foundation for further tests of identity leadership theory, and provide new insights into how its applied benefits could be unlocked.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 103019"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465675","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}
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