Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Entry Number
91
Start Date
4-16-2026 10:30 AM
End Date
4-16-2026 10:45 AM
School
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Keywords
Self-talk, coaching style, perceived performance, competitive anxiety, coach-athlete relationship, Division III athlete
Abstract
The present study examined how internal self-talk and external coaching styles influence the experiences of varsity collegiate athletes. Using a sample that consisted of 57 Division III varsity student-athletes from a small liberal arts college, the study researched the unique "pay-to-play" environment where athletes compete without athletic scholarships. Participants completed surveys measuring positive and negative self-talk, need supportive, need indifferent and need thwarting coaching styles, perceived performance, competitive anxiety, and the coach-athlete relationship. The present study found that positive self-talk is significantly correlated with an increase in perceived performance, whereas negative self-talk was associated with increased feelings of competitive anxiety. Furthermore, a need supportive coaching style was found to impact both perceived performance and the coach-athlete relationship positively. Findings from this research help provide coaches and athletes with tools to optimize performance and minimize stressors.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Alisha Marciano
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Dr. Alisha Marciano
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Effects of Perceived Coaching-Style and Self-Talk on Perceived Performance, Coach-Athlete Relationship, and Competitive Anxiety
Room 232, Schewel Hall
The present study examined how internal self-talk and external coaching styles influence the experiences of varsity collegiate athletes. Using a sample that consisted of 57 Division III varsity student-athletes from a small liberal arts college, the study researched the unique "pay-to-play" environment where athletes compete without athletic scholarships. Participants completed surveys measuring positive and negative self-talk, need supportive, need indifferent and need thwarting coaching styles, perceived performance, competitive anxiety, and the coach-athlete relationship. The present study found that positive self-talk is significantly correlated with an increase in perceived performance, whereas negative self-talk was associated with increased feelings of competitive anxiety. Furthermore, a need supportive coaching style was found to impact both perceived performance and the coach-athlete relationship positively. Findings from this research help provide coaches and athletes with tools to optimize performance and minimize stressors.