Belief in Self-Talk and Dynamic Balance Performance

Abstract

The literature on self-talk is primarily related to its use and effect on athletic performance (Hardy & Hall, 2005). Noticeably missing is research related to the user’s belief in self-talk. The purpose of the present study was two-fold. The first purpose was to examine the relationship between one’s belief in self-talk and performance. The second purpose was to examine the influence of positive and negative self-talk on performance. Undergraduate students (N = 125) performed a stabilometer balance task and then completed two questionnaires. One questionnaire assessed the type of self-talk used and the other assessed belief in self-talk. Results indicated that belief in self-talk was not significantly correlated with performance; however, those who used positive self-talk performed significantly better than those who used negative/mixed self-talk. These results suggested that the type of self-talk used (i.e., positive or negative) was more important than one’s belief in self-talk. Results supported previous literature indicating that techniques designed to produce positive self-talk should be included in psychological skills training programs.