The reciprocal relationship between nonverbal behavior and sports performance in a cross-lagged panel model. (July 2021) - Buenemann, Stephanie
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of the present research is to investigate the relationship between nonverbal behavior (NVB) and sports performance in a longitudinal design using cross-lagged panel models (CLPMs). Method: In our study NVB and performance were measured at eight time points ( n 1 ) in 48 basketball matches ( n 2 ), resulting in N = 384 data points. Cross-lagged paths between NVB and performance were analyzed in multilevel models, with NVB at time point t-1 predicting performance at time point t and performance at time point t-1 predicting NVB at time point t. Performance was measured as the score difference between one team to the opposing team within a time point. NVB was rated on a scale from dominance to submissiveness by two blinded raters. Dependence of performance measures between time points was eliminated by two different approaches, resulting in two different measurements of performance. Results: Results indicate an effect of NVB at time point t-1 on performance at time point t for one of the methods of performance. Contrary to our hypothesis and evidence from previous findings, there was no effect of performance at time point t-1 on NVB at time point t for neither method of measuring performance. Conclusions: This study supports a positive relationship between NVB and sports performance, more so in the direction of NVB predicting performance. Highlights: Nonverbal behavior (NVB) and sports performance appear to be related. Relationship between NVB and performance is modeled in a cross-lagged panel model. Nonverbal behavior predicts later performance. Performance does not predict later nonverbal behavior. Results depend on the operationalization of sports performance.