Goal-Setting Effects in Elite and Nonelite Boxers

Authors: O'Brien, Michael¹; Mellalieu, Stephen²; Hanton, Sheldon³

Source: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, Volume 21, Number 3, July 2009 , pp. 293-306(14)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Using a goal-setting model (Burton, Naylor, & Holliday, 2001), the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a goal-setting intervention upon performance as a function of skill level. A multiple-baseline across-individuals single subject design was employed with 3 elite and 3 nonelite male boxers aged between 15-17 years (M = 16; SD = 1). Self-generated performance behaviors, competition outcome, competitive anxiety intensity and direction, and self-confidence were measured across a competitive season (10-fight period). Retention was also examined following treatment withdrawal (2-fight period). During and after the goal program was completed, the elite participants displayed consistent improvements in targeted behaviors, more facilitative interpretations of anxiety symptoms, and greater self-confidence, whereas the nonelite revealed inconsistent patterns. Postintervention, five out of the six boxers showed improvement in the percentage of fights won. The results highlight the diverse effects of goal-setting for different populations, with social validation data suggesting potential mechanism via the goal-setting model employed and changes to attentional focus.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10413200903030894

Affiliations: 1: Coleg Gorseinon, 2: Swansea University, 3: University of Wales Institute Cardiff,

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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