Does Technology Improve Athlete Engagement in Mental Techniques?

ESports, also known as competitive video gaming, has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. Several studies have been conducted that examined the potential cognitive benefits of playing video games, but few have examined the psychosocial factors needed to perform at the highest level of competitive video gaming. In this study, the researchers aimed to identify specific mental obstacles players face and any mental techniques gamers already utilize by conducting a qualitative content analysis. Interviews with five high-level competitive League of Legend players were conducted to shed light on their experiences. The interviews resulted in two high order themes. Those high order themes were the following: techniques used to achieve optimal performance and obstacles encountered by competitive gamers. The data collected can be used by a wide population in both the performance psychology field and the eSports realm, more specifically, future mental skills consultants working with League of Legends players, gamers themselves, and academics who wish to serve, improve, or study those involved in an emerging performance domain.

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An Exploration of Mental Skills Among Competitive League of Legend Players

International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations ◽

10.4018/ijgcms.2017040101 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 1-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Daniel Himmelstein ◽

Yitong Liu ◽

Jamie L. Shapiro

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

High Order ◽

Video Gaming ◽

Mental Skills ◽

Performance Psychology ◽

Cognitive Benefits ◽

High Level ◽

Mental Techniques ◽

League Of Legends ◽

Wide Population

ESports, also known as competitive video gaming, has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. Several studies have been conducted that examined the potential cognitive benefits of playing video games, but few have examined the psychosocial factors needed to perform at the highest level of competitive video gaming. In this study, the researchers aimed to identify specific mental obstacles players face and any mental techniques gamers already utilize by conducting a qualitative content analysis. Interviews with five high-level competitive League of Legend players were conducted to shed light on their experiences. The interviews resulted in two high order themes. Those high order themes were the following: techniques used to achieve optimal performance and obstacles encountered by competitive gamers. The data collected can be used by a wide population in both the performance psychology field and the eSports realm, more specifically, future mental skills consultants working with League of Legends players, gamers themselves, and academics who wish to serve, improve, or study those involved in an emerging performance domain.

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A Five-Step Approach to Mental Training Incorporating Biofeedback

The Sport Psychologist ◽

10.1123/tsp.11.4.440 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 440-453 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Boris Blumenstein ◽

Michael Bar-Eli ◽

Gershon Tenenbaum

Keyword(s):

Mental Training ◽

Mental Techniques

A five-step approach of mental training incorporating biofeedback (BFB) with videocassette recorder (VCR) is presented in this article. The technique consists of five stages, with flexible time-session limits that can be individualized. These are (a) introducing mental techniques, (b) determining and strengthening the appropriate BFB modality, (c) BFB training with simulated competitive stress, (d) transformation of the mental training to practice, and (e) realization of the technique in competitive situations. The technique and some findings are further discussed.

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Neural reuse in the social and emotional brain

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x10001020 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 33 (4) ◽

pp. 275-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mary Helen Immordino-Yang ◽

Joan Y. Chiao ◽

Alan P. Fiske

Keyword(s):

Cultural Transmission ◽

Neural Systems ◽

Social Brain ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Cultural Effects ◽

The Social ◽

Neural Reuse ◽

Mental Techniques ◽

Modes Of Thought

AbstractPresenting evidence from the social brain, we argue that neural reuse is a dynamic, socially organized process that is influenced ontogenetically and evolutionarily by the cultural transmission of mental techniques, values, and modes of thought. Anderson's theory should be broadened to accommodate cultural effects on the functioning of architecturally similar neural systems, and the implications of these differences for reuse.

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Health Promotion and Prevention in Higher Music Education: Results of a Longitudinal Study

Medical Problems of Performing Artists ◽

10.21091/mppa.2010.2012 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 54-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Mark F Zander ◽

Edgar Voltmer ◽

Claudia Spahn

Keyword(s):

Music Education ◽

Physical Health ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Prevention Program ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Mental Techniques ◽

University Training

OBJECTIVES: Music-related symptoms can already be found among student musicians during their years of university training. The goals of the present study were to ascertain the state and developmental course of the student musicians’ health and to test the effectiveness of a preventive curriculum given to student musicians during their first two semesters at university. METHODS: Within a longitudinal, observational study, we assessed students’ psychological and physical health during the first 2 years of university training. We compared data from the group of students who had followed the prevention program (intervention group, IG, n = 144) with data of a comparison group (CG, n = 103) of students who had not followed the program. Using standardized questionnaires, we measured physical and psychological symptoms as well as health behavior in a sequential plan (duration, 3.5 yrs). RESULTS: Student musicians (n = 247) showed elevated ratings in psychological and physical health in comparison with nonmusicians of the same age. These ratings decreased at the end of the students’ second year. The prevention program had a preventive effect on the students’ psychological health: while IG students remained stable in their performance and powers of concentration, CG students got worse in those same areas. However, the prevention program did not reduce physical symptoms. In comparison with their younger colleagues, upper-level students took more courses in body-oriented methods, relaxation, and mental techniques, which focus on preventive measures for musicians. CONCLUSION: At present, the study offers evidence supporting the use of the prevention curriculum for young musicians. In higher music education, preventive education has a positive impact on students’ performance and their attitude toward health. The preventive curriculum does not have an effect on preexisting physical symptoms, and those symptoms related to the student musicians’ activity should rather be treated in an additional therapeutic setting.

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Psychological ways of preparing to start by athletes; pre-performance language routines

Studies in Sport Humanities ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0012.6528 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

pp. 19-27

Author(s):

Joanna Kotek ◽

Józef Maciuszek

Keyword(s):

Structured Interviews ◽

Psychological Preparation ◽

Mental Preparation ◽

Performance Preparation ◽

Starting State ◽

Definition Of ◽

Mental Techniques

INTRODUCTION Article investigates direct psychological preparation to start by analysing techniques used by athletes to indicate an optimal starting state. Main goal was to differentiate pre-performance routines from sport mantras, understood as repetitive use of language, and to answer the question if the mantras have different effects on the process of preparation to start. The article is based on own research and literature. SUBJECTS AND PROCEDURE Research contains survey, covering the issue of mental techniques used by athletes before the start (146 respondents). 15 interviewees were chosen for semi-structured interviews about use of pre-performance mantras. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The outcome was the definition of sport mantra and description of variations of its use. Differences between this technique and other strategies of mental preparation to start were described. The results of the study address that and the characteristics of the mantas technique. It also provides clues for teaching pre-performance preparation.

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Use of mental techniques for competition and recovery in professional athletes

Wiener klinische Wochenschrift ◽

10.1007/s00508-016-0969-x ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (9-10) ◽

pp. 315-319 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Mohammad Keilani ◽

Timothy Hasenöhrl ◽

Immanuel Gartner ◽

Christoph Krall ◽

Johannes Fürnhammer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Professional Athletes ◽

Mental Techniques

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Mental Qualities and Employed Mental Techniques of Young Elite Team Sport Athletes

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology ◽

10.1123/jcsp.4.1.19 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 19-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Mark J.G. Holland ◽

Charlotte Woodcock ◽

Jennifer Cumming ◽

Joan L. Duda

Keyword(s):

Skills Training ◽

Team Sport ◽

Attentional Focus ◽

Male Youth ◽

Mental Skills Training ◽

Youth Athletes ◽

Personal Performance ◽

Action Taking ◽

Mental Techniques ◽

Rugby Players

Research on the psychological characteristics of elite performers has primarily focused on Olympic and World champions; however, the mental attributes of young developing and talented athletes have received less attention. Addressing this, the current study had two aims: (a) to examine the perceptions held by youth athletes regarding the mental qualities they need to facilitate their development and (b) to investigate the mental techniques used by these athletes. Forty-three male youth rugby players participated in a series of focus groups. Inductive content analysis revealed 11 categories of psychological qualities, including enjoyment, responsibility, adaptability, squad spirit, self-aware learner, determination, confidence, optimal performance state, game sense, attentional focus, and mental toughness. Techniques employed included personal performance strategies, refection on action, taking advantage of a supportive climate, and team-based strategies. Findings are discussed in relation to their implications for mental skills training program development and evaluation in the case of youth elite team sport athletes.

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