Preparing to compete: A season-long investigation with collegiate wrestlers

Citation

Eklund R (1996) Preparing to compete: A season-long investigation with collegiate wrestlers. Sport Psychologist, 10 (2), pp. 111-131. http://journals.humankinetics.com/tsp-back-issues/TSPVolume10Issue2June/PreparingtoCompeteASeasonLongInvestigationWithCollegiateWrestlers

Abstract
In order to extend Gould, Eklund, and Jackson's (1992a) investigation with 1988 U.S. Olympic wrestlers, Eklund (1994) reported results from a season long investigation of cognition during performance among collegiate wrestlers. This manuscript expands the account of that season-long investigation by reporting pre-competitive cognition and affect-the psychological experience immediately prior to match performance-associated with performance. Qualitative data were collected from 6 NCAA Division I wrestlers via in-depth retrospective interviews regarding all-time best and worst performances within 2'days of 38 season matches. Observable patterns in the organization and content of pre-competitive psychological experience were identified in high, moderate, and low quality performances and observations made regarding associations with the competitive psychological experience.

Journal
Sport Psychologist: Volume 10, Issue 2