Melinda Pellizzari *, Maurizio Bertollo ** and Claudio Robazza **
(*) Department of Clinical Sciences and Bioimaging, University of Chieti, Italy
(**) Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, University of Chieti, Italy
Citation
Pellizzari, M., Bertollo, M., Robazza, C. (2011). Pre- and post-performance emotions in gymnastics competitions. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 42(3), 278-302.
Abstract
The study investigated the relationship between emotional states experienced before and after performance events during gymnastics competitions within the framework of the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model and the directional perception approach. Intensity, functional impact, and hedonic tone of emotions were assessed retrospectively in 10 Italian high-level gymnasts before and after two, three, or four events throughout a competition. Three levels of performance (poor, average, and good) were derived from retrospective self-ratings to enable intra-individual analyses. Findings showed that when gymnasts’ emotional level was near to their optimal zones, a good performance was observed and emotional intensity was perceived to be more facilitative and pleasant. Conversely, when gymnasts’ emotional level was near to their dysfunctional zones, a poor performance was observed and emotional level was perceived to be more debilitative and unpleasant. Gymnasts also experienced optimal-pleasant emotions after good performances, and dysfunctional-unpleasant emotions after poor performances. Effective coping strategies were generally associated with good performance and optimal-pleasant emotions, whereas performance difficulties tended to be related to poor performance and dysfunctional-unpleasant emotions.
Keywords: coping strategies, directional perception approach, gymnastics, IZOF model