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Athletes and superstitious rituals
George G Pujalte1,2, Jeffrey P Nadwodny3,4, Adrianna D Clapp3
1Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA - pujalte.george@mayo.edu.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|March 21, 2024
Summary
Superstitious rituals in sports can boost athlete confidence and control. Exploring positive alternatives can help optimize performance and well-being for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Superstitious rituals are prevalent in athletic activities.
- These rituals are often linked to tradition and perfectionism.
- They can influence athletes' optimism, sense of control, and performance confidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the benefits and challenges of superstitious rituals in sports.
- To examine the impact of these rituals on individual athletes and teams.
- To identify positive alternative pathways for optimizing athletic performance and well-being.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on superstitious behaviors in sports psychology.
- Analysis of the psychological underpinnings of athletic rituals.
- Exploration of case studies and theoretical frameworks.
Main Results:
- Superstitious rituals can enhance perceived control and confidence.
- Potential negative impacts include reinforcing maladaptive behaviors.
- Positive alternatives can foster genuine skill development and resilience.
Conclusions:
- Athletes and coaches should be aware of the dual nature of superstitious rituals.
- Guiding athletes toward constructive expressions is crucial for peak performance.
- Focusing on controllable factors and positive coping mechanisms is key for well-being.
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