Integrating theories of self-control and motivation to advance endurance performance

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Taylor, I.M., Boat, R. ORCID: 0000-0002-4897-8118 and Murphy, S.L., 2018. Integrating theories of self-control and motivation to advance endurance performance. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. ISSN 1750-984X

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1080/1750984x.2018.1480050

Abstract

Self-control is a burgeoning research topic within sport and motivational psychology. Following efforts to define and contextualize self-control, characteristics of self-control are considered that have important implications for sport performance. We describe and evaluate various theoretical perspectives on self-control, including limited resources, shifting priorities, and opportunity-costs. The research described includes sport-specific research but also studies that focus on general motivational principles that look beyond sport-specific phenomena. We propose that attentional, rather than limited resource, explanations of self-control have more value for athletic performance. Moreover, we integrate self-control ideas with descriptions of motivational phenomena to derive novel hypotheses concerning how self-control can be optimized during sport performance. We explain how minimizing desire-goal conflicts by fusing self-control processes and performance goals can delay aversive consequences of self-control that may impede performance. We also suggest that autonomous performance goals are an important motivational input that enhances the effectiveness of self-control processes by a) reducing the salience of the desire to reduce performance-related discomfort, b) increasing attentional resources towards optimal performance, and c) optimizing monitoring and modification of self-control processes. These extensions to knowledge help map out empirical agenda which may drive theoretical advances and deepen understanding of how to improve self-control during performance.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Creators:

Taylor, I.M., Boat, R. and Murphy, S.L.

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis

Date:

29 June 2018

ISSN:

1750-984X