Abstract
Self-modeling (SM) involves an observer viewing oneself on an edited video showing desired behaviors (Dowrick, & Dove, 1990). Researchers have explored the impact of SM in the motor learning context (Clark, & Ste-Marie, 2006) however few researchers have investigated SM in competition (Ste-Marie, Rymal, Vertes, & Martini, 2009). Also, the combination of SM and psychological skills training (PST) on competitive performance has yet to be explored. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether a SM video combined with PST could enhance competitive performance. Eighteen gymnasts were divided into two groups; SM+PST (n=10) and SM (n =8). The SM+PST took part in workshops one month prior to the competitions wherein links between SM and psychological skills were made. The SM group did not do the workshops. Gymnasts competed at four competitions; two received the SM video and two did not. For the video competitions, participants viewed their video three times prior to warm-up and once before competing. A significant main effect for time was obtained, F(1,16)=11.57, p < .05, indicating that gymnasts' performance increased later in the season. Although the scores later in the season were higher when they received a SM video (M = 12.60, SD = 0.89) than when they did not (M = 12.32, SD = 1.10), this was not significant. Also, no group differences were found (SM+PST, M = 12.45, SD = 1.21; SM, M = 12.13, SD = 0.90). The strengths, limitations and implications will be discussed.
