Psychological Momentum: Coaching Perspectives on the Phenomenon in Team Sport
Loading...
Authors
Demian, Andre Y.
Issue Date
2011
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the perceptions of psychological momentum (PM) from the perspective of coaches in team sports. Given that the vast majority of research on PM has focused on quantitative studies designed to test conceptual theories about PM (Cornelius, Silva, Conroy, & Petersen, 1997; Taylor & Demick, 1994; Vallerand, Colavecchio, & Pelletier, 1988), there exists a need for qualitative studies that further advance the conceptualization of PM as a phenomenon in team sports (Crust & Nesti, 2006). Participants in the current study included nine team sport coaches who had coached a minimum often years, their ages ranged from 38 to 62, and consisted of eight males and one female coach. Participants also constituted a group of coaches from the team sports of basketball (5), soccer (3), and volleyball (1). Data was collected via semi-structured interviews conducted by the researcher, which were transcribed and analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach (Strauss & Corbin, 2008). Participants described a range of experiences with PM including strategies to manage it, situational and personal dimensions that influence it, and reflections on its value and implications for coaches, teams, and athletes. Findings identified elements of PM that were deemed to have performance implications for coaches. The findings are discussed in relation to applied implications for athletes, coaches, and sport psychology practitioners working in team sport contexts.