Self-talk effectiveness and attention. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hatzigeorgiadis, Antonis; Galanis, Evangelos
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 16(2017)
• Page Start: 138
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.05.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Highlights: Self-talk interventions enhance sport performance. Self-talk strategies can regulate attentional focus and improve attentional performance. Self-talk can counter the aversive effects of distraction and ego depletion. Attention is a potential mechanism explaining the effectiveness of self-talk. Abstract : Self-talk interventions in sport have been receiving increased research attention in recent years. The findings have provided robust support that self-talk strategies enhance sport performance. Identifying the mechanisms that explain the beneficial effects of self-talk is important for developing a comprehensive self-talk theory and informing practice. Among the mechanisms proposed to explaining the effectiveness of self-talk, is its attentional effects. This article reviews the literature considering the effects of self-talk on attention. The findings suggest that self-talk can help enhancing attentional focus and attentional performance, but also help countering the aversive effects of distraction and ego depletion. The present evidence suggests that attention is a potential key mechanism in the self-talk performance relationship.