An Exploration of Perceived Competence in Elite Athletes: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
An Exploration of Perceived Competence in Elite Athletes: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
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Issue Date
2008
Authors
Harwood, Jessie
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Abstract
This study explored the contributing factors of elite athlete's perceived competence in a single sport. Gaining an understanding of perceived competence from athletes who have had success in their sport can further facilitate others, such as coaches, athletes, and practitioners, in improving mental strength and sport performance from a psychological standpoint. Both athletes in this study were males in their mid-20's and had recently played soccer at the college and semi-professional level. The athletes were interviewed and the data analyzed using descriptive phenomenology (Giorgi, 1985). From this data, constituents emerged for each participant which were, having confidence in self, gaining confidence from others, using past experiences to conjure positive thoughts as a means to gain confidence when things were not going well, and feeling well prepared for any given situation during competition. Findings from this research support the importance of the mental side of sport and how elite athletes explain their success through a specific experience.