Department of Physical Education, Ta.C., Islamic Azad university, Tabriz, Iran , amirdana@iau.ac.ir
Abstract: (80 Views)
Introduction: Self-talk in sport, as one of the most important psychological mechanisms, plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, focus, and athletic performance.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the psychometric challenges associated with measuring self-talk in sport and to analyze the available assessment tools.
Method: Based on an analytical review of the literature, a variety of instruments were investigated, including trait-based questionnaires (Self-Talk Questionnaire, Thought Occurrence Questionnaire for Sport, Self-Talk Scale, and Spontaneous Self-Talk Inventory), state- and context-based methods (thought diaries, experience sampling method), and verbal protocols.
Results: The findings indicated that each tool has specific psychometric strengths and limitations: questionnaires are efficient for between-subject comparisons and ease of administration but show limited sensitivity to situational and momentary fluctuations, whereas state-based tools demonstrate higher ecological validity in real contexts but present challenges in implementation and variable reliability.
Conclusion: The review of research gaps revealed conceptual inconsistencies, limited cross-cultural validity, neglect of the dynamic nature of self-talk, and restricted focus on specific dimensions, highlighting the need for future research directions. Developing multidimensional, combined, and context-sensitive tools, alongside leveraging modern technologies, can enhance the accurate and practical assessment of athlete self-talk and support performance improvement and psychological training.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the psychometric challenges associated with measuring self-talk in sport and to analyze the available assessment tools.
Method: Based on an analytical review of the literature, a variety of instruments were investigated, including trait-based questionnaires (Self-Talk Questionnaire, Thought Occurrence Questionnaire for Sport, Self-Talk Scale, and Spontaneous Self-Talk Inventory), state- and context-based methods (thought diaries, experience sampling method), and verbal protocols.
Results: The findings indicated that each tool has specific psychometric strengths and limitations: questionnaires are efficient for between-subject comparisons and ease of administration but show limited sensitivity to situational and momentary fluctuations, whereas state-based tools demonstrate higher ecological validity in real contexts but present challenges in implementation and variable reliability.
Conclusion: The review of research gaps revealed conceptual inconsistencies, limited cross-cultural validity, neglect of the dynamic nature of self-talk, and restricted focus on specific dimensions, highlighting the need for future research directions. Developing multidimensional, combined, and context-sensitive tools, alongside leveraging modern technologies, can enhance the accurate and practical assessment of athlete self-talk and support performance improvement and psychological training.
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