Date of Award

8-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

School of Sport, Recreation, & Exercise Sciences

First Advisor

Paul Wright

Second Advisor

Cynthia Schroeder

Third Advisor

Kathryn Tessmer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of developing and implementing an in-season Psychological Skills Training (PST) program to increase performance, mood state, and self-efficacy mental skills for elite cyclists. Additionally, the goal of the study was to develop a success profile for elite cyclists after completing a PST program. A collegiate cycling team formed the treatment group (N=25), who received a 12-week in-season PST program, and a similar demographical control group (N=28) received no mental skills training. Sports psychology instruments using pre- and posttest included the Sports Emotional Reaction Profile (SERP), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ASCI-28). Profile of Mood States, and the Athlete identity Measurement Scale. Participation among elite cyclists in a 12-week long psychological skills in-season training program has shown to positively correlate self-efficacy toward psychological skills and emotional states. Based on USA-Cycling race results and parameters measured in the ASCl-28, a predictive success model was created using a linear regression analysis to filter highly correlative variables using other psychometric instruments (p<.01 ). High scores in confidence, self-discipline, and tension control on the SERP were highly predictive of success (p<.001).

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