University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PSY 105 | General Psychology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

249

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J. I.

SELF-REGULATION IN COMPETITIVE SPORTS Introduction  Self-regulation plays a crucial role in competitive sports, allowing athletes to overcome challenges and maintain their focus and motivation.  This chapter provides an overview of self-regulation in psychology and its specific application in sport psychology. Definition of Self-Regulation  Self-regulation involves providing psychological resources for activities where motivation alone may not be sufficient to succeed.  Self-regulation encompasses various processes, including emotion management, concentration, motivation, self-confidence, and mental preparation.  Individuals differ in their self-regulation abilities, which should be considered when designing psychological interventions. Types of Self-Regulation  Self-regulation encompasses different types, including self-control, action control, will, and volitional processes.  Self-control involves changing one's actions or emotional states.  Action control refers to regulating cognitive processes and emotions to achieve a goal.  Self-regulation involves recognizing and evaluating problem situations and using resources (skills, strategies) to address them. Self-Regulation in Competitive Sports  Self-regulation is crucial for athletes facing challenges, such as maintaining concentration during high-pressure situations.  Emotion regulation is a form of self-regulation that aims to align emotional states with desired outcomes.  Effective self-regulation depends on recognizing problems, accessing resources, and employing strategies consciously or unconsciously. Components of Self-Regulation  Three essential prerequisites for self-regulation: 1. Having a clear target state or goal. 2. Access to one's self to organize psychological processes. 3. Possessing knowledge about resources for coping with critical situations, which can be implicit or explicit.  Self-regulation processes ensure goal-oriented actions are maintained despite obstacles, impulse control is exercised, and actions are adjusted appropriately. Functions of Self-Regulation  Three basic functions of self-regulation: 1. Maintaining an action. 2. Inhibiting competing action tendencies or inadequate action initiation. 3. Removing execution inhibition under favorable conditions. Origins of the Psychological Concept of Self-Regulation  Self-regulation has roots in psychology, with early experiments on delay of gratification demonstrating the ability to control impulses.  Mischel's marshmallow test showed that individuals who could delay immediate rewards for greater rewards demonstrated better social competence and academic success.  The ability to delay gratification is considered a fundamental aspect of selfregulation. Conclusion  Self-regulation is essential for athletes to overcome challenges, maintain focus, and achieve their goals in competitive sports.  It encompasses various processes and functions, and its development and application in sport psychology continue to evolve.