Endurance Performance in Sport: Psychological Theory and Interventions

by Carla Meijen (Editor)

Athletes participating at all levels of endurance performance can relate to the impact of psychological factors. Whether it is motivation, self-belief, feeling nervous before a race, exercise-induced pain, sticking to a pacing strategy, or thoughts around what to focus on, there are a vast number of psychological factors which can affect endurance performance. Bringing together experts in the field from around the world, this is the first text to provide a detailed overview of the psychology of endurance performance where there is a research and an applied focus looking at both main theoretical models as well as how interventions can support an athlete’s efficacy and well-being. The authors look at regulatory processes around pain, decision-making, self-belief, emotions, and meta-cognition, before examining a range of cognitive strategies, including the use of imagery, goals, self-talk, and mindfulness techniques. With a final section of the book outlining issues related to mental health that are relevant to endurance performance, the book shows that the future of research and application of psychological theory in endurance performance in sport is bright and thriving. Aimed at researchers, students, coaches, and athletes themselves, this is essential reading for anyone wishing to better understand how our minds experience endurance in performance arenas, and what psychological techniques can be used to make us more efficient.

234 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2019

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful selection of articles/various authors' contributions. Although I was looking for a scientific text on personality factors associated with endurance sports performance, the fact that this book provides insightful reviews of a variety of studies and focuses constantly on endurance runners, with up to date figures on recreational sporting events, provided valuable data I needed.

In terms of psychological determinants of endurance performance, it explores mental fatigue, exercise-induced pain, emotion, mood, self-efficacy and meta-cognitive strategies and goes through an extensive selection of literature in the field, also offering pertinent comments on the limitations of the existing body of research.