Mental imagery in rowers during pre-competition periods : research article

Abstract

A sample of 16 rowers (eight male and eight female) participated in the study. The Sports Imagery Questionnaire was administered seven days, three days, 24 hours, and three hours prior to competition. The study aimed to investigate changes in the use of five types of imagery, over four time-periods preceding a competitive event using the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ). Results indicated no significant difference between sexes on all measures of mental imagery. Furthermore, results demonstrated that imagery use in all the five areas of imagery increased as the time to compete drew closer, with a greater use of motivational general imagery than cognitive imagery and motivational specific imagery. These results provide support for previous research in the area of imagery use, as well as extending previous knowledge on imagery use prior to a competition.


Keywords: Mental imagery, Rowing, Sport psychology


South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol.26(1) 2004: 1-7