Traditional Sporting Games as an emotional induction procedure

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Experimental Psychology

Background:

• Emotional induction research often uses static methods.
• Naturalistic methods involving movement and interaction are needed.
• Traditional Sporting Games (TSG) offer a dynamic approach to emotional induction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if different roles in TSG induce distinct emotional states.
• To explore the impact of ambivalent interactions on emotions.
• To assess the suitability of TSG for studying emotional conditions.

Main Methods:

• Three studies utilized paradoxical TSG (Sitting Ball Game, Four Corners Game, Pitcher's Game).
• Participants completed mood assessments (PANAS) before and after playing.
• Retrospective emotional states were measured using Self-Assessment Manikin, PANAS, and Games and Emotion Scale-II.

Main Results:

• Game roles consistently induced differential emotional states, with less positive and more negative emotions.
• Active roles allowing "catching" elicited more positive emotions.
• Active roles with higher risk of being caught led to more negative emotions.
• Significant interactions were found between pre-game mood and role played.

Conclusions:

• TSG are a valid and ecologically sound method for inducing emotional states.
• This naturalistic approach enhances the study of emotional conditions.
• Role-playing within TSG significantly impacts emotional experiences.