Date of Award

5-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Abstract

Psychological skills training is becoming increasingly popular among coaches and elite athletes. However, the research available in this area continues to be lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of using a self-guided psychological skills training program to improve wrestler mental skills during competitive season. The wrestler's mental strength was evaluated before and after the program using the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28.

The experimental group consisted of 27 male collegiate wrestlers. The control group had 21 male collegiate wrestlers. The experimental group was given a handout every week for 15- weeks. The handouts dealt with multiple psychological skills important to performance.

Following the analyses, there were found to be statistically significant findings for the intervention group on the athlete assessment of the subscales related to confidence achieverment and motivation (7.74±2.52 vs. 8.44±2.04, p<.01) and goal setting and mental preparation (6.33±2.68 vs. 7.1 8±2.46, p<.05). There were also found to be statistically significant findings for the coaches· assessment related to freedom from worry (7.14± 1.63 vs. 8.22±2.00, p<.01). Statistically significant findings for the intervention group for athletic trainer assessment regarding coachability (11.66±1 .00 vs. 11.03±1.62, p<.05), goal setting and mental preparation (8.81±1.86 vs. 7.1 4± 1.85, p<.001), and pretest to posttes1. cumulative scores (64.11±6.68 vs. 60.77±8.1 8, p<.05) were also identified. This study provides a foundation for future research. Implementation of psychological skills training programs can be an effective way to improve athletes' performance.

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