Intensity, idiosyncratic content and functional impact of performance-related emotions in athletes

The aims of this study were: (a) to assess the possibility of applying in athletes an idiographic scaling procedure within the IZOF-emotion model framework; (b) to determine the effects of differences in intensity on idiosyncratic emotions and bodily-somatic symptoms by competitive standard; (c) to establish the effects of differences in intensity, direction and hedonic tone on competitive trait anxiety and self-confidence by competitive standard; and (d) to verify whether intensity, direction and hedonic tone of competitive trait anxiety and self-confidence would predict idiosyncratic affect intensity. Elite and non-elite Italian athletes (n = 374) were asked to identify beneficial/detrimental and positive/negative emotions and bodily-somatic symptoms related to performance. They were also asked to respond to a modified version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, rating items in intensity, direction and hedonic tone. The results supported incorporating affect-related bodily-somatic symptom descriptors in the idiosyncratic assessment of emotions. Compared with non-elite performers, elite athletes reported: (a) higher intensity scores of idiosyncratic facilitating-positiveemotions and bodily-somatic symptoms; (b) lower cognitive and somatic anxiety and higher self-confidence; and (c) higher directional and hedonic tone. Finally, trait anxiety and self-confidence revealed a low predictive power on idiosyncratic emotion and bodily-somatic symptoms.