A self-determination approach to the understanding of the impact of physical activity on depressive symptoms.

The purpose was to test a new motivational sequence. It was hypothesized that more autonomous forms of motivation would predict the intensity of physical activity (PA), which in turn, would predict depressive symptoms. In order to evaluate self-determined motivation, the Self-Determination Index (SDI) was used. Because the reasons that can lead a person to engage in walking, moderate PA, or vigorous PA may be different, 3 independent self-determination indexes were measured (SDIWalking, SDIModerate, and SDIVigorous). It was also measured the metabolic equivalent of task values (METs) for walking, moderate, and vigorous PA, as well as the depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of 357 college students whose ages ranged from 18 to 29 years. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. The indices of fit showed that the revised model fits the data reasonably well: S-Bχ2(11)  = 14.83, p = .190; χ2 /df = 1.35; *comparative fit index = .99; *root mean square error of approximation = .03, 90% CI [.000, .068]; standardised root mean square residual = .03. It was found that vigorous PA is the only intensity that predicts depressive symptoms. In other words, SDIV-predicted vigorous PA (measured as METS V), which subsequently predicted less depressive symptoms (SDIV â†’ METS V â†’ Depressive symptoms). Further research should investigate the effects of vigorous PA on depressive symptoms.

Percepción de competencia, estado de ánimo y tolerancia al estrés en jóvenes deportistas de alto rendimiento / Perception of competence, mood state and stress tolerance in young high performance athletes

Este estudio aborda el papel que juega la competencia percibida en el estado de ánimo y la tolerancia al estrés de jóvenes deportistas orientados hacia el alto rendimiento. En este estudio participaron 30 jóvenes deportistas pertenecientes a 10 modalidades deportivas diferentes, considerados como promesas en sus respectivos deportes. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que altos valores de competencia percibida ofrecían altas correlaciones negativas con las dimensiones generadoras de estrés, así como positivas con las dimensiones recuperadoras de estrés. Asimismo, la competencia percibida mostraba una correlación elevada y negativa con la fatiga. Todo ello indica que la competencia percibida funciona como un elemento nuclear y mediador de variables psicológicas que juegan un papel importante en el rendimiento de los jóvenes deportistas (AU)

This study analyzed the role that perceived competence played in the mood state and the stress tolerance of young athletes. Thirty young athletes belonging to 10 different types of sports participated in this study. The results evidenced that high perceived competence had high negative correlations related to the dimension of stress generators, and positive correlations with the dimensions of stress recovery. Furthermore, perceived competence showed negative correlation with fatigue. These data indicates that perceived competence works as a nuclear element and mediator of psychological variables that play an important role in the performance of young athletes (AU)

Understanding the relationship between perceived development of the competition plan and sport performance: mediating effects of self-efficacy and state depression.

The effectiveness of competition plans on athletes' performance outcomes was assessed while accounting for the mediating influence of state depression and self-efficacy. Competition plans reflect an integrated and personalized plan that consists of a set of decision-making rules based on the principles of self-control and self-efficacy development that are tailored to the specific demands of an upcoming competition in a given sport and highly individualized to take into account the specific qualities of the athlete. The relationship between the development of a competition plan and athletes' evaluations of their competitive outcomes was of interest. 11 elite athletes participating in 104 competitions involving 7 different sports participated. Results support the beneficial effect of a well-developed competition plan in affecting athletes' perceived performance; the relationship was mediated by state depression and self-efficacy. Coaches and sport psychologists should devote increased attention to the development and refinement of athletes' precompetition performance plans while also considering participants' self-efficacy and mood characteristics.