Psychometric properties of Bull’s Mental Skills Questionnaire in a Turkish population

The purpose of this research was to examine the reliability and validity of Bull’s Mental Skills Questionnaire (BMSQ), measuring seven psychological skills resulting in a total scale score, within Turkey. The sample consisting of 163 males and 131 females, totaling 294 athletes, completed the 28 item BMSQ. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were undertaken. EFA results yielded a satisfactory seven-factor solution, the same as the English version. Cronbach alpha (α) reliability indices were as follows: concentration ability (0.71), anxiety and worry management (0.63), relaxation ability (0.69), imagery ability (0.73), self-confidence (0.72), motivation (0.64) and mental preparation (0.52). The BMSQ explained 62% of the total variance. Moreover, model fit indices calculated during CFA for the 28 item and 7 sub-dimensions model of BMSQ indicated an acceptable fit [Chi-Square (ꭓ²)=541.2, df=328, ꭓ²/df=1.65, Root Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA)=0.05, Comparative Fit Index (CFI)=0.95, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI)=0.90, Normed Fit Index (NFI)=0.89, and Non Normed Fit Index (NNFI)=0.90]. Thus, the original 7-factor solution was supported with the data collected from Turkish participants. Results demonstrated that the BMSQ is a valid and reliable instrument for the Turkish population.

Psychological Competencies and 100 Meter Runner Student Athletes’ Performance

This research aims to analyze the suitability of the theoretical model of the psychological competencies model b of the 100-meter runner student athletes with the empirical model. This study uses a quantitative approach. Total 65 (50 men and 15 women) 100-meter runner student athletes who participated in the national athletic championships. Instruments uses the Psychological Competency Scale and time records documentation data on the results of national championships. Data analyzed using partial least square (PLS). The results of the inner model test show a Q-square value of 0.919 (> 0.00). It means that there was suitability of the theoretical model of psychological competency of 100-meter runner student athletes’ with the empirical model. The R-square value of performance is 0.881. It means that the 100-meter runner student athletes’ performance were influenced by psychological competencies by 88,1%. These findings have implications for the selection and coaching of 100-meter runner student athletes. Further research needs to design mental skills training comprehensively based on psychological competencies.

Comparison of the Psychological Profile of Ankle Sprain Between Coper and Chronic Ankle Instability Individuals: Cross-sectional Study

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the psychological parameters in Coper individuals and people with chronic ankle instability (CAI).Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and comparative study. Sixty elite athletes, from multiple athletic disciplines, who have suffered from lateral ankle sprains at least once in the last two years, were selected as research subjects and were divided into two groups: Copers (n = 30) and CAI (n = 30). Classification of CAI, and coper groups were done by AJFAT, CAIT and FAAM self-report questionnaires. Athletes' psychological characteristics were measured using the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool (OMSAT-3). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and independent t-test were used to evaluate the differences between groups at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results showed there was a significant difference between the two groups in Goal setting, Self-confidence, Commitment, Relaxation, Fear control and Coping with stress, Focusing, Refocusing, and Mental practice (P <0.05). And Coper athletes scored higher than ankle instability athletes. But there were no significant differences between the two groups in the following parameters: Inactivation, Imagery, and Competition planning skills (P <0.05).Conclusion: The findings showed that athletes with CAI scored lower than Coper athletes on psychological exams. Given the importance of prioritizing the mental components of goal setting, imagery, relaxation, activation, and self-confidence, the design of the competition should be a priority for rehabilitation. Therefore, coaches and sports experts are recommended to focus and improve mental skills in athletes who suffer from sports injuries, to reduce the occurrence of repetitive sports injuries.

SIM: The Surgery Imagery Mindset and Preparing for Surgery

Discussed under various terms such as mental skills, mental rehearsal, cognitive training, and non-technical skills, psychological performance skills are gaining greater acceptance for their contributions to excellence in surgical performance. Mental imagery, specifically performance-enhancing mental imagery for surgeons, has received the greatest attention in the surgical literature. As part of the surgeon’s imagery mindset (SIM), this form of mental rehearsal contributes to optimal surgical performance for both developing and practicing surgeons. We discuss the nature of SIM and describe 5 basic guidelines for maximizing the application of performance-enhancing mental imagery in surgical contexts.

Mental Skills

This chapter considers issues in optimizing the impact and efficacy of mental skills training (MST). Balancing MST focus between performance, well-being, and character development is essential and requires data-driven case conceptualization. Effective professional judgment and decision-making underpins development of effective MST, enabling consideration of aspects such as timing, sequencing, and periodization, which determine the optimum “blend” of intervention techniques and delivery. Three interacting factors underpin effective application of MST. Relevant performer characteristics (e.g., gender, age, maturity) and special circumstances (injury, retirement) interact with practitioner characteristics such as level of experience, specific training, and preference/expertise with certain skills. Interactions are also influenced by cultural/contextual factors, from normative expectations of service delivery to contractual conditions and geographical locations (online/remote). The actual benefit of mental skills can only be realized when the provider both comprehends how to plan and deliver effectively and can navigate influential factors appropriately.

Optimizing Performance and Mental Skills With Mindfulness-Based Attention Training: Two Field Studies With Operational Units

ABSTRACT Introduction Mental skills such as focusing attention and managing emotions are essential for optimal performance in high-stress occupations. Studies with military samples have demonstrated that mindfulness training (MT) led to improved computer-based cognitive performance. Materials and Methods To examine the impact of MT on operational performance, mental skills, and psychological health, a short-form program, Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), was delivered to active duty soldiers as part of two randomized trials. Participants in study 1 (n = 121) and study 2 (n = 77) were randomized to one of three conditions: MT with proctored practice, MT with unproctored practice, or a waitlist control. Weekly 2-hour MBAT sessions were offered to participants in both MT conditions for 4 weeks. Beyond these sessions, participants also engaged in mindfulness practice that was proctored (within the occupational context) or unproctored (left up to the individual) for four subsequent weeks. Results Overall, the frequency of mindfulness practice was generally associated with better performance and improvements in mental skills. In study 1, those who practiced 3 or more days per week performed better on marksmanship under physical stress and reported fewer attentional lapses, less emotion regulation difficulties, greater mental toughness, and higher self-reported mindfulness compared to those who did not practice. In study 2, the frequency of mindfulness practice was associated with fewer attentional lapses and emotion regulation difficulties. Conclusions Consistent with prior findings, results suggest that regular engagement in MT practice may help to optimize operational performance and improve mental skills in military cohorts.

Component-based structural equation modeling for the assessment of psycho-social aspects and performance of athletes

Recent studies have pointed out the effect of personality traits on athletes’ performance and success; however, fewer analyses have focused the relation among these features and specific athletic behaviors, skills, and strategies to enhance performance. To fill this void, the present paper provides evidence on what personality traits mostly affect athletes’ mental skills and, in turn, their effect on the performance of a sample of elite swimmers. The main findings were obtained by exploiting a component-based structural equation modeling which allows to analyze the relationships among some psychological constructs, measuring personality traits and mental skills, and a construct measuring sports performance. The partial least squares path modeling was employed, as it is the most recognized method among the component-based approaches. The introduced method simultaneously encompasses latent and emergent variables. Rather than focusing only on objective behaviors or game/race outcomes, such an approach evaluates variables not directly observable related to sport performance, such as cognition and affect, considering measurement error and measurement invariance, as well as the validity and reliability of the obtained latent constructs. The obtained results could be an asset to design strategies and interventions both for coaches and swimmers establishing an innovative use of statistical methods for maximizing athletes’ performance and well-being.