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Success in chess mediated by mental molds
Pedro Hernández Hernández1, Heriberto Rodríguez Mateo
1Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain. phernan@ull.es
Psicothema
|February 14, 2007
Summary
Cognitive-affective strategies, or "Molds of the Mind," significantly impact chess success. Successful young players utilize realistic, emotion-regulating mental molds, unlike less successful peers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology of Sport
- Cognitive Science
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Cognitive-affective strategies (Molds of the Mind) are known to influence well-being, relationships, and academic achievement.
- Chess success is typically attributed to technical and cognitive skills, with less emphasis on psychological strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of cognitive-affective strategies on the success of young chess players.
- To determine if "Molds of the Mind" differentiate between high and low-achieving adolescent chess players.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-three chess players (ages 9-16) in sports competitions were divided into high and low success groups.
- Participants completed the MOLDES questionnaire to assess their "Molds of the Mind" (cognitive-affective strategies).
Main Results:
- Highly successful chess players exhibited more realistic, positive, and emotion-regulating "Mental Molds."
- Less successful players demonstrated evasive, magical, defensive, and inoperative "Mental Molds."
Conclusions:
- Cognitive-affective strategies play a crucial role in chess performance among young players.
- Developing realistic and emotionally regulated "Molds of the Mind" is key for enhancing chess success in adolescents.
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