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Modelling the process of falling behind and its psychophysiological consequences
Andreas Venhorst1, Dominic Micklewright2, Timothy D Noakes1
1Department of Human Biology, Division of Exercise Science & Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|October 21, 2017
Summary
Falling behind an opponent triggers a negative emotional state (valence deterioration), leading to an action crisis and increased cortisol. This psychophysiological response ultimately impairs athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Psychology
- Exercise Physiology
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
Background:
- Investigated psychophysiological responses to falling behind a performance-matched opponent.
- Hypothesized a temporal sequence: falling behind -> valence deterioration -> action crisis -> distress response -> performance decrement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesized cause-effect relationships using structural equation modeling.
- To determine the extent to which observed data fit the proposed temporal model.
Main Methods:
- Applied structural equation modeling (SEM) with a five-step procedure.
- Modeled interrelationships between key variables in a hypothesized temporal order.
Main Results:
- Confirmed significant linear relationships between all hypothesized predictor and outcome variables.
- Valence deterioration significantly mediated the relationship between falling behind and action crisis (35% explained variance).
- All relationships remained significant after controlling for performance, training, and perceived strain; model fit was excellent.
Conclusions:
- Confirmed hypothesized debilitative psychophysiological processes in response to falling behind.
- Valence deterioration mediated the fall behind-action crisis link; action crisis predicted increased cortisol.
- Cortisol concentrations predicted performance decrement, highlighting the role of affective and cognitive factors in goal-directed behavior.
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