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Associations Between Self-Control, Practice, and Skill Level in Sport Expertise Development
Rafael A B Tedesqui1, Bradley W Young1
1a University of Ottawa.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|January 28, 2017
Summary
Higher self-discipline and impulse control are linked to more practice and less quitting in athletes. These self-control traits may influence junior and senior athletes differently regarding practice engagement.
Area of Science:
- Sports Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Adolescent and Adult Development
Background:
- Self-control (SC) is a key psychological construct influencing various life domains.
- Understanding SC's role in athletic development is crucial for optimizing training and commitment.
- Previous research has not fully explored the multifaceted relationship between SC and athletic engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-control (SC) variables and practice habits, commitment threats, and skill development in athletes.
- To utilize the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) across a diverse range of sports and competitive levels.
- To differentiate findings between junior (12-17 years) and senior (18-43 years) athlete populations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 244 athletes (47% female) assessing SC using the BSCS and practice-related behaviors.
- Athletes reported weekly sport-specific practice hours and were categorized into skill groups (basic/intermediate, advanced, expert).
- Data were analyzed separately for junior and senior athlete cohorts.
Main Results:
- A two-factor model confirmed self-discipline and impulse control as core SC components within the BSCS.
- Higher self-discipline correlated with fewer thoughts of quitting across all age groups, and higher impulse control did so for seniors.
- Greater practice amounts were linked to higher self-discipline; impulse control was associated with more voluntary practice, particularly in seniors.
Conclusions:
- Self-discipline and impulse control appear to be dispositional traits influencing athletes' practice engagement and commitment maintenance.
- The relationship between SC dispositions and practice volume may differ between junior and senior athletes.
- Understanding these SC-practice dynamics can inform targeted interventions for athlete development and retention.
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