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The interplay between self-talk and body posture on physical performance: Analyzing a moderated serial multiple
Javier Horcajo1, Rafael Mateos1, Kyran Tannion1
1Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise
|September 13, 2023
Summary
Positive self-talk enhances athletic performance more effectively when combined with an upright posture, according to self-validation theory. This research explored how body posture and self-talk interact to influence physical capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Sport Psychology
- Non-verbal Communication
- Self-Perception Theory
Background:
- Previous studies indicate non-verbal behaviors, like head movements, can influence self-talk's impact on physical performance.
- The role of body posture in modulating self-talk effects on athletic capabilities remains underexplored.
- Self-Validation Theory provides a framework for understanding how non-verbal cues interact with cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between body posture (upright vs. slumped) and self-talk (positive vs. negative) on physical performance.
- To test a moderated serial multiple mediation model explaining the mechanisms underlying this interaction.
- To examine the role of perceived self-statement validity and self-efficacy as mediators.
Main Methods:
- Studies 1 and 2 involved manipulating self-talk and body posture in athletes performing physical tests (soccer dribbling, push-ups).
- Study 3 employed a moderated serial multiple mediation model with manipulated body posture and measured self-statement validity.
- Participants included athletes such as soccer players and individuals performing pull-up tests.
Main Results:
- Positive self-talk significantly improved physical performance more in the upright (validating) posture than in the slumped (invalidating) posture.
- The proposed moderated serial multiple mediation model was supported.
- Perceived validity of self-statements and self-efficacy serially mediated the effects of body posture on performance.
Conclusions:
- Body posture acts as a crucial moderator in the self-talk-performance relationship, consistent with Self-Validation Theory.
- The findings highlight the importance of the perceived validity of self-statements and self-efficacy in this process.
- Results offer practical implications for optimizing athletic performance through integrated self-talk and posture strategies.
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