The Relationship Between Imagery Type and Collective Efficacy in Elite and Non Elite Athletes |
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| Authors: | David A. Shearer Rob Thomson Stephen D. Mellalieu Catherine R Shearer |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Sports Science, Swansea University, UK;2. Department of Psychology, University of East London, UK;3. Department of Sports Science, Sports Council for Wales, UK |
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| Abstract: | This study investigated the relationship between imagery function and individual perceptions of collective efficacy as a function of skill level. Elite (n = 70) and non elite (n = 71) athletes from a number of interactive team sports completed the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ) and the Collective Efficacy Inventory (CEI). Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was then used to examine which SIQ sub-scales predicted individual perceptions of collective efficacy. For the elite sample, Motivational General-Mastery (MG-M) imagery accounted for approximately 17% of the variance in collective efficacy scores. No significant predictions were observed in the non elite sample. The findings suggest MG-M imagery as a potential technique to improve levels of collective efficacy although competitive level may moderate the effectiveness of such interventions.Key points- As imagery is an individual intervention, an examination of individual perceptions of collective efficacy was most appropriate.
- Elite athletes who use more MG-M imagery also have higher individual perceptions of collective efficacy.
- For non-elite athletes, none of the imagery functions tested predicted individual perceptions of collective efficacy.
- Performance accomplishments provided by MG-M imagery may increase individual perceptions of collective efficacy.
- Future research should investigate further the effects of imagery intervention programmes on collective efficacy beliefs.
Key words: Mental rehearsal, mental skills, team confidence, self efficacy, group dynamics |
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