Integrating theories of self-control and motivation to advance endurance performance. Issue 1 (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Ian M.; Boat, Ruth; Murphy, Stephen L.
• Is Part Of: International review of sport and exercise psychology. Volume 13:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: Ego-depletion -- motivation -- self-regulation -- goal conflict -- self-determination; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 796.019
• DOI: 10.1080/1750984X.2018.1480050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-984X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Self-control is a burgeoning research topic within sport and motivational psychology. Following efforts to define and contextualize self-control, characteristics of self-control are considered that have important implications for sport performance. We describe and evaluate various theoretical perspectives on self-control, including limited resources, shifting priorities, and opportunity–costs. The research described includes sport-specific research but also studies that focus on general motivational principles that look beyond sport-specific phenomena. We propose that attentional – rather than limited resource – explanations of self-control have more value for athletic performance. Moreover, we integrate self-control ideas with descriptions of motivational phenomena to derive novel hypotheses concerning how self-control can be optimized during sport performance. We explain how minimizing desire–goal conflicts by fusing self-control processes and performance goals can delay aversive consequences of self-control that may impede performance. We also suggest that autonomous performance goals are an important motivational input that enhances the effectiveness of self-control processes by (1) reducing the salience of the desire to reduce performance-related discomfort, (2) increasing attentional resources towards optimal performance, and (3) optimizing monitoring and modification of self-control processes. These extensions to knowledge help map out empirical agenda that may drive theoretical advances and deepen understanding of how to improve self-control during performance.