An investigation of imagery training for the experienced athlete
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Authors
Bade, Robert
Issue Date
1989
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Imagery (Psychology) , Athletes--Psychology , Physical education and training
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study examined the potential benefits of imagery rehearsal for the experienced athlete. Research and current theoretical frameworks are discussed in terms of increasing the ideal mental states that experienced athletes need to perform successfully. Specifically, relaxation exercises prior to imagery training and the implementation of a successful outcome component in the imagery rehearsal appear to provide an experienced athlete with the proper attention, arousal, and confidence levels needed for a successful athletic performance. Based upon these findings, a two week study was conducted with experienced bowlers. Imagery training consisted of relaxation exercises and imagery rehearsal
of a past, specific highly successful bowling performance. Results indicated no significant performance gains. The absence of significant results may be attributed to the short duration of the study. In addition, the possible effects of imagery training on maintaining the ideal mental states among athletes who are performing successfully and considerations for assessing these mental states in the development of future imagery training methods are discussed in terms of the results.