Modelling mood states in athletic performance

Abstract

Because moods are transitory emotional states that can be influenced by a range of personality and environmental factors, the notion that elite athletes will always tend to produce a so‐called iceberg profile of mood, and that less successful performers will not, is open to question. Evidence for such a claim is based principally upon descriptive studies. The present experiment used the POMS inventory as a predictor of cross‐country running performance among a group of experienced male athletes. Race times from two competitive events were plotted against each of six mood factors. Using data from race 1, a multiple‐regression model ‐ incorporating the interdependence of tension, anger and depression ‐was able to predict rank order of finishing positions for race 2 with acceptable accuracy (r _s = 0.74, P <0.01). The present approach differs from the traditional model of mood research in sport in that it provides a prescriptive, rather than a descriptive, focus. Although the model that has been developed appears promising, it is likely that in sports where demands on athletes are very different from those made upon cross‐country runners, an alternative model may be required.