Achievement, Athlete, Athletic Performance, Sports
Conditions
Brief summary
This quasi-experimental study was designed to evaluate whether a structured, four-week psychological performance strategies training program could improve achievement motivation among licensed athletes. Fifty athletes were assigned to an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The experimental group received training twice weekly for four weeks, including goal setting, self-talk, emotional control, imagery, automaticity, action orientation, attention control, and relaxation. Achievement motivation was measured at baseline and after the intervention using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale.
Detailed description
Achievement motivation is a key determinant of athletic performance, yet few studies have systematically investigated structured psychological skills training in this area. This study aimed to examine the effect of a multi-component psychological performance strategies program on achievement motivation in athletes. A total of 50 licensed athletes from the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Aksaray University, voluntarily participated. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The experimental group received supervised psychological performance strategies training, consisting of eight modules delivered over four weeks (two sessions per week, 60 minutes each). Training content included: * Goal setting * Self-talk * Emotional control * Imagery * Automaticity * Taking action * Attention control and negative thinking management * Relaxation techniques The control group did not receive any intervention. Outcome assessment was performed using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale, administered at baseline and after the 4-week program.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPsychological Performance Strategies Training
A structured 4-week program of psychological performance strategies training delivered to licensed athletes. The program consisted of 8 sessions (twice per week, 60 minutes each) including modules on goal setting, self-talk, emotional control, imagery, automaticity, action orientation, attention control/negative thinking management, and relaxation techniques. Training was conducted in a supervised group format by qualified instructors.
Sponsors
Ladislav Batalik
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Licensed athletes enrolled at the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Aksaray University * Age ≥18 years * Voluntary agreement to participate and provide informed consent * No prior participation in psychological performance strategy training
Exclusion criteria
* Previous exposure to structured sports psychology or psychological skills training programs * Presence of acute injury, illness, or medical condition preventing participation * Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation total score | Baseline (Week 0) to Post-intervention (Week 4) | Mean change in the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale (40 items, 5-point Likert; minimum = 1, maximum = 5; higher scores indicate greater achievement motivation) from baseline to post-intervention. Scores assessed in both arms; between-group comparison based on change scores. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Percent change in Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation total score | Baseline (Week 0) to Post-intervention (Week 4) | Percent change = \[(Post-test - Pre-test) / Pre-test\] × 100; calculated using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale (40 items, 5-point Likert; minimum = 1, maximum = 5; higher scores indicate greater achievement motivation). |
| Post-intervention Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation total score | Post-intervention (Week 4) | Group comparison of Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale total score at Week 4 (40 items, 5-point Likert; minimum = 1, maximum = 5; higher scores indicate greater achievement motivation). Baseline score considered in analysis as appropriate. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed