FEPSAC Position Statement: Athletes' dual careers in the European context.

The aim of this FEPSAC Position Statement is to summarize current knowledge about athletes' dual careers (DCs) in the European context and propose recommendations for future DC research, practice, and policy. Inspired by the European Union's Guidelines on Dual Careers of Athletes (European Commission, 2012), researchers, practitioners, and policy makers collaborated over the last decade to create the European DC discourse as a context-informed and negotiated body of DC knowledge. In this paper, we proceed from analyzing this body of knowledge using recent review papers and European DC psychological research projects to formulating seven postulates summarizing DC research findings on factors influencing athletes in their striving for DC excellence. These factors include (1) context, (2) pathways and transitions, (3) challenges, (4) resources and coping, (5) support and empowerment, (6) student-athletes' mental health, and (7) DC development environments. In the final section, we acknowledge the contributions of European DC discourse in serving athletes in their pursuit of DC excellence and European DC culture. We also provide a critical discussion on DC knowledge gaps and, on behalf of FEPSAC, offer recommendations for DC research, practice, and policy in Europe.

Perfectionistic Environments and Irrational Beliefs on the Transition to Elite Athletic Performance: A Longitudinal Study.

This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate talented athletes' levels of perfectionism, irrational beliefs, and motivations with regard to their athletic careers. A total of 390 athletes from U14, U16, and junior categories (MageT1 = 15.42) answered shortened versions of the Sport-MPS2, iPBI, and BRSQ during two consecutive seasons, along with questions referring to their current and predicted prioritization of sports and education. Participants reported high levels of perfectionistic strivings and medium to low levels of socially prescribed perfectionism and concern over mistakes decreasing from T1 to T2. A decrease was also found for demandingness and awfulizing, but increased levels were found for depreciation in T2. Participants report very high intrinsic motivation with low levels of external regulation and amotivation, but intrinsic motivation decreased from season to season. This general profile varied depending upon future expectancies toward dedication to sports and education. Those who foresaw a prioritized dedication to sports presented significantly higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism, perfectionistic strivings, and intrinsic motivation, while those who considered that sports would not be prioritized in the following 5 years reported higher levels of demandingness, awfulizing, depreciation, and amotivation. Additionally, while current levels of motivation (T2) seemed to be predicted mainly by previous motivation levels (T1), significant predictive capacity was also detected for socially prescribed perfectionism positively predicting external regulations and amotivation, perfectionistic strivings negatively predicting amotivation, and depreciation negatively predicting intrinsic motivation and positively predicting both extrinsic regulation and amotivation. We discuss the potential perils of developing extremely demanding environments, as they could potentially result in poor motivational profiles of athletes in their talent development stage during the junior to senior transition.

Del césped al banquillo: trayectorias de futbolistas semiprofesionales en su transición de jugar a entrenar / From pitch to bench: Trajectories of semi-professional soccer players in their transition from playing to coaching

El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar de manera retrospectiva el proceso de transición y las trayectorias de futbolistas semiprofesionales hacia el rol de entrenador/a. Se realizaron nueve entrevistas semiestructuradas con entrenadores/as de fútbol. Con el propósito de dar una visión global del proceso de transición, el guion de entrevista y el posterior análisis temático tuvieron en cuenta los seis niveles de desarrollo del modelo holístico de carrera deportiva (Wylleman et al., 2013). Los resultados muestran la existencia de tres etapas en esta transición: (a) el sueño se aleja, (b) la llamada, (c) el banquillo; y un tema central más estructural el cuál aparece a lo largo de las tres etapas: (d) trayectoria multidimensional. Los y las participantes siguen modelos de trayectoria poco llamativas, pero seguras y adaptativas, en cuanto a tener otras opciones profesionales o dedicarse a otras esferas vitales como la familia. Hacer visibles estas trayectorias podrá ayudar a que clubes, sindicatos, federaciones e instituciones políticas puedan proporcionar los recursos formativos necesarios para facilitar la compaginación en esta vía (AU)

The aim of this paper is to explore retrospectively the transition process and trajectories of semi-professional soccer players into the role of coach. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with soccer coaches. In order to provide a more global view of such transition process, the interview guide and the subsequent thematic analysis were based on the six levels of the holistic developmental career model (Wylleman et al., 2013). Our results show the existence of three stages in this transition: (a) the dream drifts away, (b) the call, (c) the bench; and a more structural central theme that appears throughout the three stages: (d) multidimensional trajectory. Participants follow trajectory that are unremarkable, but safe and adaptive, and report that it allows them to have more vocational options or to devote themselves to other spheres of life such as family. Making these trajectories visible may help clubs, unions, federations and political institutions to provide the necessary educational resources to facilitate reconciliation during this transition (AU)

Una intervención TREC para la recuperación de actividad física saludable en exdeportistas de élite / Uma intervenção REBT para a recuperação da atividade física saudável em ex-atletas de elite / A REBT intervention for the recovery of healthy physical activity in former elite athletes

Aunque buena parte de las personas exdeportistas de élite mantienen niveles de actividad física saludable después de la retirada, aquellas que no lo hacen exponen su salud a un riesgo mayor que la población general según han mostrado estudios anteriores.El propósito de este trabajo fue diseñar e implementar una intervención en Terapia Racional Emotiva Conductual de tres sesiones de 45 minutos basadas en la funcionalización de creencias,para que ocho exdeportistas de élite sedentarios recuperaran la práctica de actividad física saludable. Siguiendo un diseño de caso único ideográfico con línea base múltiple escalonada entre participantes, se recopiló información sobre sus motivaciones y creencias disfuncionales antes y después de la intervención mediante entrevistas semi-estructuradas y un cuestionario en línea. La intervención fue eficaz para que siete de las ocho participantes recuperaran la práctica de actividad física saludable. Además, la validación social permitió a las exdeportistas expresar su opinión acerca de la experiencia de intervención, la cual fue valorada positivamente por ayudarles a: (a) identificar las consecuencias cognitivas, emocionales y conductuales, (b) establecer objetivos realistas, (c) reinterpretar el concepto de actividad física, (d) desarrollar un diálogo interno más funcional, y (e) transferir los conocimientos adquiridos a otras situaciones cotidianas.Para fomentar un cambio y una adherencia a hábitos saludables resulta clave que, además de los aspectos motivacionales, las profesionales incidamos en los aspectos cognitivos, y estas intervenciones son potencialmente efectivas para lograrlo. (AU)

Although many former elite athletes maintain healthy levels of physical activity after retirement, those who do not, put their health at greater risk than the general population as previous studies have shown.The purpose of this study was to design and implement a Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy intervention consisting of three 45-minute sessions aimed at the functionalization of beliefs, so that eight sedentary former elite athletes would recover the practice of healthy physical activity. Using an idiographic single-case, staggered multiple-baseline across participants research design, we collected information, before and after the intervention, regarding their motivations and dysfunctional beliefs through semi-structured interviews and an online questionnaire. The intervention was effective to re-engage seven of the eight participants to healthy physical activity. In addition, social validation allowed former elite athletes to express their opinion about the intervention experience, which was positively valued for helping them to (a) identify the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences, (b) establish realistic goals, (c) reinterpret the concept of physical activity, (d) develop a more functional internal dialogue, and (e) transfer the knowledge acquired to other everyday situations. To promote change and adherence to healthy habits, it is key that, in addition to motivational aspects, professionals focus on cognitive aspects, and these interventionsare potentially effective in achieving this. (AU)

Embora muitos ex-atletas de elite mantenham níveis saudáveis de atividade física após a aposentadoria, aqueles que não colocam sua saúde em maior risco do que a população em geral, conforme estudos anteriores mostraram. O objetivo deste trabalho foi delinear e implementar uma intervenção em Terapia Racional Emotiva Comportamental de três sessões de 45 minutos baseadas na funcionalização de crenças, para que oito ex-atletas sedentários de elite recuperassem a prática de atividade física saudável. Seguindo um projeto de caso único ideográfico com base em várias camadas entre os participantes, as informações sobre suas motivações e crenças disfuncionais foram coletadas antes e depois da intervenção por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e um questionário online. A intervenção foi eficaz em restaurar sete dos oito participantes à atividade física saudável. Além disso, a validação social permitiu que ex-atletas expressassem sua opinião sobre a experiência da intervenção, a qual foi positivamente valorizada por ajudá-los a (a) identificar as consequências cognitivas, emocionais e comportamentais, (b) estabelecer objetivos realistas, (c) reinterpretar os conceitos de atividade física; (d) desenvolver um diálogo interno mais funcional; e (e) transferir os conhecimentos adquiridos para outras situações cotidianas. Para promover a mudança e adesão a hábitos saudáveis, é fundamental que, além dos aspetos motivacionais, nós, profissionais, influenciamos os aspetos cognitivos, e essas intervenções são potencialmente eficazes para isso. (AU)

Measurement invariance of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnaire-coach in youth sport.

The purpose of this study was to test the measurement invariance (across five languages, two time points, and two experimental conditions) of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnaire-coach (EDMCQ-C; Appleton et al., 2016) when completed by 9256 young sport participants (M age = 11.53 years, SD = 1.39 years; 13.5% female). Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the validity of a 2-factor (empowering and disempowering) model running a multiple group analysis without any equality constraint (configural invariance) followed by measurement invariance of factor loadings and thresholds (scalar invariance). Findings provided support for partial invariance across languages and scalar invariance across time and experimental groups. The factors were interpretable across the analyses, and items loaded as intended by theory except for item 15. This study provides further evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the EDMCQ-C and suggests this scale (minus item 15) can be used to provide meaningful latent mean comparisons (Marsh et al., 2013) of empowering and disempowering coach-created climates across athletes speaking the five targeted languages, across time, and across experimental groups.

Effects of the COVID-19 Health Crisis on Sports Practice, Life Quality, and Emotional Status in Spanish High-Performance Athletes.

Spain is one of the many countries highly affected by the COVID-19 crisis, establishing very restrictive measures with a complete lockdown for more than 3 months. This situation forced the complete closure of sport practice and national or international competitions, leading to a negative impact on physical and psychological health of high-performance athletes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (a) to determine the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis on Spanish high-performance athletes in terms of sports practice, life quality, and emotional state and (b) to identify the profile with the greatest difficulties during and after the lockdown. A sample of 130 high-performance athletes aged between 18 and 34 years (67 women and 63 men) participated in this study (83.1% achieved a medal in National-International elite competitions; 86.9% were considered student-athletes). Measures included socio-demographic data through a 5-dimension ad hoc survey: physical activity and exercise using an adapted version from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); health status and limitations using an adapted version of SF-12 Health Questionnaire; Perceived stress (Short-PSS); and Mood States (29-item POMS). All participants have shown a significant decrease pre-post-lockdown in both health and performance perception, especially in women, individual athletes, medalists, and student-athletes. Strong limitations of training, attention, and motivation as well as a moderate negative emotional state during lockdown were reported, in women, individual athletes, medalists, and student-athletes. Even with an improved emotional state and energy level in the post-lockdown period, moderate-to-high stress scores were reported by women and medalists. Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to the physical and psychological health of elite athletes on three profiles: team athletes (due to social distance), student-athletes (dual-career issues), and women athletes (prevalence of implicit gender inequalities in sport).

Where Did All the Sport Go? Negative Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Life-Spheres and Mental Health of Spanish Young Athletes.

During the 2020, the pandemic caused by the massive spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in a global crisis. In Spain, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a lockdown for almost 100 days and forced the sudden stop of sport practices and competitions. This interruption had a negative impact on high-level athletes' mental health. However, its impact on young athletes, who are intrinsically developing a high-demanding dual career, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed at (1) describing and characterizing the general impact that COVID-19 lockdown had on Spanish young athletes' life-spheres and mental health, and (2) identifying different profiles of athletes regarding life-conditions and sport-related variables. A sample of 544 young athletes (M = 15.9; SD = 1.51) participated in this study. Measures included life-conditions and sport-related information along with the Holistic Monitoring Questionnaire (HMQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). After the screening and description of the data, profiles were defined using a two-level cluster analysis using HMQ and GHQ-12 subscales. We explored differences in demographic and sports information between profiles using MANOVA and subsequent ANOVA. Results suggest a general negative impact of COVID-19 on young athletes' life-spheres and mental health, but with three different clusters regarding the degree of such impact. Cluster 1 grouped the 54.78% of the sample and exhibited a low negative impact of COVID-19 lockdown on life-spheres and few mental health issues. Cluster 2 grouped a 29.96% of the participants who reported a medium negative impact on life-spheres and moderate mental health issues. Cluster 3 represented 15.26% of the sample including participants who showed a high negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown with high mental health issues. The paradigmatic participant in this third group would be a female student-athlete from a medium or low socioeconomic status with high academic demands and poor or inexistent training conditions during lockdown. Current findings emphasize the need to pay attention to young athletes' mental health and suggest possible influencing contextual variables. We suggest some applied recommendations aimed at helping clubs and sports institutions to mitigate the negative effects of such difficult circumstances on athletes' mental health.

Motivaciones hacia la actividad física de adolescentes, adultos mayores y exdeportistas de élite: Un análisis cualitativo / Motivations toward Physical Activity of Adolescents, Older Adults and Former Elite Athletes: A Qualitative Analysis / Motivações para a atividade física em adolescentes, idosos e ex-atletas de elite: Uma análise qualitativa

Resumen Objetivo. Explorar las similitudes y diferencias de los tipos de motivación hacia la práctica de actividad física (AF) de adolescentes, adultos mayores y exdeportistas de élite, desde la Teoría de la Autodeterminación, para la creación de programas de AF. Método. La recolección de los datos se llevó a cabo mediante grupos focales: tres con adolescentes, dos con adultos mayores y uno con exdeportistas. En total, participaron 17 adolescentes, 14 adultos mayores y cuatro exdeportistas. Se realizó un análisis temático. Resultados. Para cada grupo se encontró un conjunto de factores de motivación autónoma, controlada y amotivacionales hacia la práctica de AF. En común, en los tres grupos estudiados, se identificaron la diversión, la socialización y la salud como factores de motivación hacia la práctica de AF. Conclusión. Las orientaciones para la creación de programas de AF para adolescentes se centraron en la individualización de sus objetivos y la percepción en la libertad de elección relacionada con cada AF. En adultos mayores, el enfoque fue hacia nuevas experiencias, considerando de forma significativa el perfil del monitor. Para el grupo de exdeportistas se propone que el punto de partida sea la reconceptualización de la práctica de AF después de la carrera deportiva.

Abstract Objective. To explore the similarities and differences between the types of motivation towards the practice of physical activity (PA) in different populations (adolescents, older adults and former elite athletes) for the creation of PA programs that reflect the particularities of those populations. Method. The qualitative data collection was carried out through focus groups; three groups with adolescents, two with older adults and one with former elite athletes. In total, 17 adolescents, 14 older adults and four former elite athletes participated in this study. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results. The results are shown based on autonomous, controlled motivation and amotivation towards the practice of physical activity for each group. Fun, socialization and health have been identified as motivating factors towards the PA practice common in the three groups studied. Conclusion. Orientations are proposed for the creation of PA programs. For adolescents, the proposal would include the individualization of their objectives and the perception of the freedom of choice in relation to the PA. For the group of older adults, it is important to offer new experiences, taking into account the profile of the monitor. For the group of former elite athletes, the proposed starting point would be the reconceptualization of the PA practice after the athletic career.

Resumo Escopo. Explorar as similitudes e as diferencias dos tipos de motivação para a prática física (AF) de adolescentes, idosos, e ex-atletas de elite, desde a Teoria da Autodeterminação, para a criação de programas de AF. Metodologia. A recolecção de dados foi feita em grupos focais: três com adolescentes, dois com idosos e um com ex-atletas. Foi realizada uma análise temática. Resultados. Para cada grupo foi encontrado um conjunto de fatores de motivação autónoma, controlada e amotivacionais para a prática de AF. Em comum, nos três grupos estudados, foram identificadas a diversão, a socialização e a saúde como fatores de motivação para a prática de AF. Conclusão. As orientações para a criação de programas de AF para adolescentes estiveram centradas na individualização dos seus escopos e a percepção na liberdade de eleição relacionada com cada AF. Nos idosos, o enfoque foi para as novas experiências, considerando de forma significativa o perfil do monitor. Para o grupo de ex-atletas se propõe que o ponto de partida seja a reconceptualização da prática de AF depois da carreira esportiva.

Experiencias del entorno deportivo de origen al asesorar a esgrimistas migrantes / Supporting Migrant Fencers in a Sporting Environment / Experiências do entorno esportivo de origem ao assessorar a esgrimistas migrantes

Resumen Objetivo. Explorar las experiencias de entrenadores y profesionales de la salud, al asesorar la transición cultural y la carrera deportiva transnacional de esgrimistas colombianos migrantes. Método. Se conformaron dos grupos focales en los que participaron nueve personas (seis hombres y tres mujeres), de un equipo multidisciplinario de alto rendimiento en esgrima: cinco entrenadores y cuatro profesionales de la salud. Los datos se analizaron por medio del análisis temático reflexivo. Resultados. Se evidencia que acompañar la transición cultural de esgrimistas migrantes impacta en el bienestar y las dinámicas de asesoramiento de entrenadores y profesionales de la salud. Se generaron dos temas centrales: (a) en guardia y (b) marchar y romper. En el primero comentaron haber experimentado sorpresa, dilemas y la sensación de pasar a un segundo plano respecto a su rol como asesores técnicos y de la salud. En el segundo, se evidenció el cambio en las dinámicas de asesoramiento (comunicación virtual) y el carácter reactivo de las relaciones a distancia. Conclusión. La migración en el deporte genera nuevos desafíos para el equipo multidisciplinario que acompaña y asesora a los deportistas, tanto mujeres como hombres. Se proponen recomendaciones prácticas para entrenadores y profesionales de la salud, basadas en la praxis cultural de la Psicología Cultural aplicada al deporte.

Abstract Objective. To explore the experiences of coaches and health science professionals while supporting the cultural transition and the transnational sports career of migrant Colombian fencers. Method. Two focus groups were conducted with the participation of nine people of the top-class, multidisciplinary team in fencing (men = 6 and women = 3), coaches (n = 5) and health sciences professionals (n = 4). A reflexive thematic analysis was performed. Results. Supporting the cultural transition of migrant fencers impacts the well-being and supporting dynamics of coaches and health professionals. Two main issues were generated: (a) En garde; and (b) Marche and retraite. Regarding En garde, participants expressed that they faced dilemmas, surprise and the feeling of fading into the background regarding their role as technical and health support providers. In Marche and retraite, the change in the counseling dynamics (e.g. virtual communication) and the reactive nature of distance relationships was clear. Conclusion. The sport migration create new challenges for the multidisciplinary team that supports and assists athletes' transnational careers. Hence, practical recommendations for coaches and health professionals based on the cultural praxis of Cultural Sport Psychology are suggested.

Resumo Escopo. Explorar as experiências de treinadores e profissionais da saúde, ao assessorar a transição cultural e a carreira esportiva de esgrimistas colombianos migrantes. Metodologia. Foram conformados dois grupos focais nos que participaram nove pessoas (seis homens e três mulheres), da equipe multidisciplinar de alto rendimento em esgrima: cinco treinadores e quatro profissionais da saúde. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise temática reflexiva. Resultados. Foi evidenciado que acompanhar a transição cultural de esgrimistas migrantes impacta no bem-estar e as dinâmicas de assessorar de treinadores e profissionais da saúde. Foram gerados dois temas centrais: (a) em guarda e (b) marchar e quebrar. No primeiro comentaram ter experimentado surpresa, dilemas e a sensação de passar a um segundo plano respeito a seu controle como assessores técnicos e da saúde. No segundo, foi evidenciada a mudança nas dinâmicas de assessorar (comunicação virtual) e o caráter reativo das relações a distancia. Conclusão. A migraçao esportiva gera novos desafios para a equipe multidisciplinar que acompanha e assessora aos atletas, tanto mulheres como homens. São propostas recomendações práticas para treinadores e profissionais da saúde, baseadas na práxis cultural da Psicologia Cultural ao esporte.

Can Multi-Item Measures and Single-Item Measures be Trusted to Assess Self-Determination Theory Constructs in the Elderly? / ¿Son fiables las Medidas Multi-Ítem y las Mono-Ítem Para Evaluar los Constructos de la Teoría de la Auto-Determinación en Personas Mayores?

BACKGROUND: Measuring complex constructs, such as those from self-determination theory models, is challenging in the elderly due to the response process, particularly in collective data gathering. In order to examine this construct in physical activity settings we aimed at determining whether single-item measures were as good as pre-existing multi-item measures. For that reason, we developed seven single-item measures targeting perceived interpersonal styles, basic needs satisfaction, and well-being. METHOD: We gathered evidence of validity and reliability for multi-item measures and single-item measures based on a sample of 128 elderly adults. Another sample of 62 elderly adults provided test-retest reliability for the single-item measures. RESULTS: Favourable evidence of the expected internal structure, concurrent validity, and reliability was obtained for competence- and relatedness-supportive styles, and for satisfaction of the basic psychological need of relatedness, fairly good evidence was obtained for subjective vitality, whereas mixed evidence was obtained for autonomy-supportive style and the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of autonomy and competence. CONCLUSIONS: Single-item measures proved to be psychometrically sound substitutes for their multi-item counterparts, but the autonomy constructs need to be reconsidered. Furthermore the response process and consequences of testing should play a prominent role when devising questionnaires for the elderly

ANTECEDENTES: medir constructos complejos como los de la Teoría de la auto-determinación es un reto en personas mayores debido al proceso de respuesta. Para examinar estos constructos en actividad física nuestro objetivo fue comparar si las medidas mono-ítem eran igual de óptimas que las medidas multi-ítem pre-existentes. Por ello, desarrollamos siete medidas mono-ítem relacionadas con el estilo interpersonal, la satisfacción de las necesidades básicas y la vitalidad. MÉTODO: obtuvimos evidencias de validez y fiabilidad para las medidas multi-ítem y las medidas mono-ítem en una muestra de 128 personas mayores. Con otra muestra de 62 personas examinamos la fiabilidad test-retest para las medidas mono-ítem. RESULTADOS: se obtuvo evidencia favorable relativa a la estructura interna, validez concurrente y fiabilidad para apoyo a la competencia y a la relación, y para satisfacción de la relación y vitalidad, mientras que para apoyo a la autonomía, satisfacción de la autonomía y de la competencia fue no conclusiva. CONCLUSIONES: las medidas mono-ítem se han comportado como buenos sustitutos psicométricos para sus medidas multi-ítem homólogas, pero es necesario reconsiderar los constructos de autonomía, y además el proceso de respuesta y las consecuencias de la evaluación deben desempeñar un papel preeminente cuando se crean cuestionarios para personas mayores

Can Multi-Item Measures and Single-Item Measures be Trusted to Assess Self-Determination Theory Constructs in the Elderly?

BACKGROUND: Measuring complex constructs, such as those from self-determination theory models, is challenging in the elderly due to the response process, particularly in collective data gathering. In order to examine this construct in physical activity settings we aimed at determining whether single-item measures were as good as pre-existing multi-item measures. For that reason, we developed seven single-item measures targeting perceived interpersonal styles, basic needs satisfaction, and well-being. METHOD: We gathered evidence of validity and reliability for multi-item measures and single-item measures based on a sample of 128 elderly adults. Another sample of 62 elderly adults provided test-retest reliability for the single-item measures. RESULTS: Favourable evidence of the expected internal structure, concurrent validity, and reliability was obtained for competence- and relatedness-supportive styles, and for satisfaction of the basic psychological need of relatedness, fairly good evidence was obtained for subjective vitality, whereas mixed evidence was obtained for autonomy-supportive style and the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of autonomy and competence. CONCLUSIONS: Single-item measures proved to be psychometrically sound substitutes for their multi-item counterparts, but the autonomy constructs need to be reconsidered. Furthermore the response process and consequences of testing should play a prominent role when devising questionnaires for the elderly.

"Somos escaladoras" Historias de vida de mujeres ciclistas en equipos internacionales / "We are climbers" Life stories of women cyclists in international teams

Recientemente, la psicología del deporte ha centrado su atención en la carrera de deportistas migrantes transnacionales, quienes transitan entre diversos contextos culturales y experimen-tan transiciones culturales. Sin embargo, son pocos los estudios sobre esta transición con mujeres deportistas. Por ello, mediante la metodología de historias de vida, este artículo explora las experiencias de dos mujeres ciclistas latinoamericanas al transitar hacia equipos profesionales internacionales. El análisis temático permitió construir cuatro temas: (a) "el sueño olímpico", (b) "enfrentándose a lo desconocido", (c) "redes que sostienen" y (d) "mujeres y escaladoras". Se identificó que uno de los motivos para migrar es ayudar a mejorar la calidad de vida de sus familias. Además, durante esta transición, las ciclistas relataron experimentar cambios en las dinámicas de comunicación con su familia y el papel significativo de sus parejas como fuentes de apoyo emocional. En la Discusión, proponemos estrategias para asesorar a ciclistas transnacionales latinoamericanas durante esta transición

Sport psychology has recently focused on understanding the experiences of migrant transnational elite athletes (i.e., athletes that move through different cultural contexts and face cultural transitions). However, few studies have explored the cultural transition in female athletes. The present study applied the life stories method to explore the experiences of two female Latin-American cyclists when they were transitioning to international professional teams. Thematic analysis allowed us to generate four themes: (a) "the Olympic dream", (b) "facing the unknown", (c) "supporting networks" and (d) "women and climbers". We identified that one of their main reasons to migrate was to improve their family's quality of life. In addition, during their cultural transitions, both cyclists experienced changes in the communication dynamics with their families and highlighted the key role that partners played in providing emotional support. In the Discussion, we provide strategies to support Latin-American transnational female cyclists during cultural transition

Niveles de ansiedad y estilos de afrontamiento en función de las características perceptivo-motoras del deporte / Anxiety levels and coping styles depending on the perceptual-motor skills of the sport / Níveis de ansiedade e estilos de coping, dependendo das habilidades percetivas-motoras do desporto

Afrontar las propias emociones supone una de las demandas más importantes del deporte formativo, existiendo importantes diferencias en función de las características del deporte practicado. Algunas de estas diferencias (e.g., deporte individual o de equipo) han sido extensamente estudiadas en la literatura previa. En cambio, otras características como el tipo de habilidades perceptivo-motoras (i.e., deportes de habilidad abierta o cerrada) han recibido escasa atención. Centrándonos en esta distinción, el objetivo de este estudio fue el de explorar las posibles diferencias en los niveles de ansiedad rasgo competitiva y los estilos de afrontamiento en función de si el deporte practicado requiere de habilidades abiertas o cerradas. Para ello, un total de 804 deportistas (M = 15.59; DE = 1.97) que practicaban deportes de habilidad abierta (n = 593) y cerrada (n = 211) completaron medidas de ansiedad competitiva y afrontamiento. Tras realizarse un análisis de invariancia para comprobar la comparabilidad de los grupos, se efectuaron un total de cinco modelos de regresión para las subescalas de ansiedad competitiva y afrontamiento. Además del tipo de deporte, se incluyeron el género y edad como variables predictoras de los modelos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran mayores niveles de ansiedad somática para el grupo de habilidad cerrada y mayores niveles de ansiedad cognitiva (i.e., preocupación y desconcentración) para el grupo de habilidad abierta. Por su parte, el afrontamiento mostró valores equivalentes entre ambos grupos respecto al uso del estilo de afrontamiento orientado a la tarea, y un mayor uso del estilo de afrontamiento orientado a la resignación en los deportes de habilidad abierta. En conjunto, los resultados observados constituyen respuestas psicológicas coherentes con la mayor inmediatez de rendimiento exigida en los deportes de habilidad cerrada y con la menor previsibilidad de los deportes de habilidad abierta

Coping with emotions represents one of the most important demands of youth sport, yet existing important differences depending on the characteristics of each sport. Some of these characteristics (e.g., individual or team sport) have been comprehensively studied in previous literature. In contrast, other characteristics such as perceptive-motor skills required by each sport (i.e., open versus closed skill sports) have received less attention. Focusing on this specific characteristic, this study aimed to explore the possible differences in trait competitive anxiety levels and coping usage depending on whether practised sport required an opened or closed skill. Within this purpose, 804 athletes (M = 15.59; SD = 1.97) who practised an open (n = 593) and closed (n = 211) skill sports participated in this study. Participants completed competitive anxiety and coping measures. Once invariance analysis showed the equivalence among groups, we made a regression analysis for each competitive anxiety and coping subscale. We also included gender and age as predictive variables of the models. Results showed higher somatic anxiety levels in open skills sports and higher levels of cognitive anxiety (i.e., worry and concentration disruption) in closed skill sports. Regarding coping, results suggested equivalent levels of task-oriented coping usage; and higher disengagement-oriented coping usage in open skills sports. These results are coherent with the performance immediacy requested in closed skill sports, and the low predictability of open skill sports

Enfrentar as emoções representa uma das demandas mais importantes do desporto juvenil, mas existem diferenças, na função das características do deporto praticado. Algumas dessas características (por exemplo, desporto individual ou em equipa) foram amplamente estudadas na literatura anterior. Em contraste, outras características desportivas, como habilidades percetivas-motoras requeridas (i.e., desportos abertos contra fechados) receberam menos atenção. Com foco nessa característica específica, este estudo teve como objetivo explorar as possíveis diferenças nos níveis de ansiedade competitiva e no uso de estratégias de coping, dependendo se o desporto praticado exige habilidades abertas ou fechadas. Nesse sentido, um total de 804 desportistas (M = 15,59; DE = 1,97) praticam desportos de habilidade aberta (n = 593) e fechada (n = 211), participaram deste estudo. Os participantes completaram medidas de ansiedade competitiva e coping. Uma vez que a análise de invariância mostrou a comparabilidade entre os grupos, fizemos um modelo de regressão para competitiva de ansiedade e coping. Além disso, ou desporto, inclua o género e idade como variáveis preditivas dos modelos preditivos. Os resultados obtidos mostraram níveis mais altos de ansiedade somática em desportos de habilidades abertas e níveis mais altos de ansiedade cognitiva (i.e., preocupação e desconcentração) para o grupo de habilidades fechadas. As escalas de coping mostram valores iguais para ambos os grupos, como o estilo de coping orientado a tarefas, e um prefeito usa o coping orientado a resignação nos desportos de habilidade aberta. No conjunto, os resultados observados constituem as questões psicológicas coerentes com o desempenho imediato, exigindo o retorno dos desportos de habilidades fechadas e com a menor previsibilidade dos desportos de habilidades abertas

La actividad física y el deporte saludable en exdeportistas de élite / Former elite athletes' current sport and physical activity / Atividade física e esporte saudável em ex-atletas de elite

El propósito de este trabajo es doble. Por un lado, pretende describir los aspectos motivacionales y beneficios que obtienen los exdeportistas de élite que se mantienen físicamente activos después de la retirada y las barreras que perciben los exdeportistas físicamente inactivos, comparando los niveles de actividad física que reportan ambos grupos. Por otro lado, probar las relaciones entre los diferentes tipos de motivos y regulaciones conductuales que pueden predecir la práctica de actividad física saludable y deporte recreativo de los exdeportistas de élite. Se realizó un estudio transversal. Participaron 317 exdeportistas de élite (Medad = 36.5, DS = 7.18 años) completaron un cuestionario en línea que evaluaba motivos, regulaciones conductuales, cantidad de ejercicio, estados de cambio, beneficios y barreras. Respecto a la regulación conductual, los exdeportistas mostraron altos niveles de motivación intrínseca y regulación identificada y bajos de regulación extrínseca y amotivación. Los beneficios principales de practicar actividad física saludable y deporte recreativo fueron la diversión, la revitalización y la buena salud. Los exdeportistas físicamente inactivos (12.9%) detectaron como barreras principales los conflictos con otras actividades, su forma física actual y el hecho de haber perdido acceso a recursos e instalaciones. Los exdeportistas físicamente activos mostraron un perfil con niveles más altos de motivos intrínsecos, regulación interna y actividad física que los inactivos. Por su parte, los inactivos reportaron niveles significativamente más altos de motivos extrínsecos y amotivación. Proponemos que para promover actividad física saludable y deporte recreativo en la población de exdeportistas inactivos los programas de promoción deberían enfatizar la buena salud, el reconocimiento social y la competición, motivos todos ellos que predicen positivamente la regulación intrínseca y la actividad física autoinformada

The purpose of this study is twofold: (a) to describe the motivational aspects and gains obtained by physically active former elite athletes andthe barriers experienced by inactive former elite athletes comparing their reported exercise amount, and (b)to testwhether the different motivationswould predict their reported exercise amount. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 317 former athletes (Mage = 36.5, SD = 7.18 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing motivation, self-reported exercise and sport practice, stages of change, gains, and barriers. The main gains reported by former athletes were enjoyment, revitalization and positive health. Physically inactive former athletes (12.9%) spotted as the main barriers conflict with other activities, current physical fitness and lost accessto facilities and resources. To promote healthy physical activity in the physically inactive population of former elite athletes, policy makers and physical activity organizers should emphasize positive health, social recognition and competition motives, which positively predict intrinsic regulation and vigorous physical activity

O objetivo deste artigo é duplo: (a) descrever os aspectos motivacionais e benefícios obtidos por exdeportistas elite é fisicamente ativo e barreiras percebidas por fisicamente inativos, e (b) a testar um modelo motivacional que pode prever prática de atividade física nesta população. Um estudo transversal foi realizado. Havia 317 ex-atletas de elite (Medad = 36,5, DS = 7,18 anos). Eles preencheram um questionário on-line de motivações, quantidade de exercício, estados de mudança, benefícios e barreiras. Os principais benefícios foram diversão, revitalização eboa saúde. As principais barreiras para os inativos (12,9%) foram os conflitos com outras atividades, sua forma física atual e o fato de ter perdido acesso a recursos e instalações. Para promover a atividade física saudável na população de ex-atletas inativos, os programas de promoção devem enfatizar a boa saúde, o reconhecimento social e a competição, que preveem positivamente a regulação intrínseca e a atividade física

Goal-directed self-talk used to self-regulate in male basketball competitions.

This study examined how goal-directed self-talk may help basketball players to self-regulate in stereotypical competitive situations: seconds before a challenging game, while clearly winning or clearly losing, and at the close of a tight game. Participants were recruited in groups of three to four, until preliminary inspection of the data indicated that data saturation was reached. In the end, 34 basketball players voluntarily took part in individual interviews, writing up to three self-instructions they had used in each of the four competitive situations to self-regulate. Content analyses revealed that self-talk in competitive basketball situations serves cognitive functions (e.g., regulating cognition and behaviour), motivational functions (e.g., promoting mastery goals) and emotion and activation-regulating functions (e.g., creating activated states). More specifically, the results also indicated that athletes' self-talk may serve functions specific to the psychological demands experienced in each situation. It is argued that knowing how athletes counsel themselves, could prove important for applied sport psychologists to design psychological skill training.

El lado positivo del arbitraje: Percepción de apoyo organizacional, motivación y compromiso / The Positive Side of Refereeing: Perception of Organisational Support, Motivation and Commitment / To Lado Positivo da Arbitragem: Percepção do Apoio Organizacional, Motivação e Compromisso

Partiendo de la Teoría de la Autodeterminación, el objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar si la percepción de los árbitros sobre un entorno de apoyo organizacional favorece el compromiso y si el tipo de motivación (i.e., autónoma o controlada) tiene un papel mediador en esta relación. En el estudio participaron 385 árbitros de fútbol en etapas de formación federados en Cataluña (M edad = 20.03) que fueron encuestados acerca del grado de apoyo organizacional percibido, así como de sus motivos de vinculación con el arbitraje y del compromiso para seguir arbitrando. Se realizó un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales cuyos resultados apoyaron un modelo de mediación parcial dónde el apoyo organizacional percibido predecía positivamente el compromiso vía la motivación autónoma (Beta = 0.558, p < 0.001) y negativamente vía la motivación controlada (Beta = -0.137, p < 0.001). Se encontró un efecto directo del apoyo sobre el compromiso y un efecto indirecto del apoyo sobre el compromiso a través de la motivación autónoma. Los resultados aportaron evidencias acerca de la influencia de un entorno de apoyo por parte del comité técnico de árbitros para favorecer la motivación autodeterminada del colectivo y su compromiso con el arbitraje

Framed on Self Determination Theory, the aim of this paper is to evaluate if the referees’ perception of organizational support favours the commitment and if the type of motivation (i.e., autonomous or controlled) has a mediating role in this relationship. The study involved 385 Catalan licensed soccer referees in early stages (M age = 20.03) who were surveyed about the degree of perceived organizational support, as well as the reasons for participating in refereeing and their commitment. Structural equation modeling was performed, the results supported a partial mediation model where perceived organizational support positively predicted commitment via autonomous motivation (Beta = 0.558, p < 0.001) and negatively via controlled motivation (Beta = -0.137, p < 0.001). There was a direct effect of perceived organizational support on commitment and an indirect effect through autonomous motivation. The results provided evidence about the influence of a supportive environment on self-determined motivation and commitment

Com base na Teoria de Auto-Determinação, o objectivo deste estudo é avaliar se a percepção de árbitros em um ambiente de suporte organizacional promove compromisso e se o tipo de motivação (i.e., independente ou controlada) tem um papel mediador neste relacionamento. O estudo envolveu 385 árbitros de futebol em fases de treinamento Federated na Catalunha (M idade = 20.03), que foram questionados sobre o grau de apoio organizacional percebido, bem como as suas razões para a ligação com a arbitragem e compromisso de continuar a arbitragem. Uma análise de equações estruturais cujos resultados suportado um modelo de mediação parcial onde o suporte organizacional percebido previu positivamente acoplamento através de motivação autónoma (Beta = 0,558, p <0,001) e negativamente através da motivação controlada (Beta= -0,137, p foi realizada <0,001). apoiar um efeito direto sobre o compromisso e apoiar um efeito indireto sobre o compromisso através da motivação autônoma foi encontrado. Os resultados forneceram evidências sobre a influência de um ambiente de apoio pela comissão técnica de árbitros para favorecer motivação auto-determinada coletivo e compromisso com a arbitragem

Estudio de invariancia del autoconcepto social en practicantes de actividad física individual y colectiva / Study of social self-concept invariance in physical activity individual and collective practitioners / Estudo da invariância do autoconceito social em praticantes individuais e coletivos de atividade física Resumo

Este estudio tiene como objetivo explorar la invariancia configural, métrica y escalar en función del sexo y de la práctica de actividad física colectiva del AUSO de Fernández-Zabala et al. (2016) y comparar las puntuaciones obtenidas por los subgrupos. La muestra fue de 278 estudiantes universitarios (M = 21.16 años; DT = 19.238) divididos de forma equivalente en función del género y de la práctica de actividad física. Tras comprobar la invariancia estricta en ambos supuestos, los resultados demuestran que no existen diferencias significativas en ninguno de los factores en función del sexo, pero sí en función de la práctica de actividad física: aquellos estudiantes que realizan actividad física colectiva obtienen puntuaciones más elevadas en Responsabilidad Social y Competencia Social. Involucrarse en deportes colectivos ofrece oportunidades socializadoras que permiten a los participantes desarrollar competencias de interacción y facilita la comprensión de la estructura social existente por medio de la práctica de actividad física colectiva

This study aims to explore the configural, metric and scalar invariance according to gender and the practice of collective physical activity of the AUSO questionnaire of Fernández-Zabala et al. (2016); also to compare the scores obtained by the subgroups. The sample consisted of 278 university students (M = 21.16 years old, DT = 19,238) divided equally according to gender and physical activity practice. After verifying the strict invariance in both cases, the results show that there are no significant differences in any of the factors according to sex, but rather as a function of physical activity practice: those students who perform collective physical activity obtain higher scores in Social Responsibility and Social Competence. Involving in collective sports offers socializing opportunities that allow participants to develop interaction skills and facilitates understanding of the existing social structure through the practice of collective physical activity

Este estudo tem como objetivo explorar a invariância configural, métrica e escalar segundo gênero e a prática de atividade física coletiva do questionário AUSO de Fernández-Zabala et al. (2016); também comparar os escores obtidos pelos subgrupos. A amostra foi composta por 278 estudantes universitários (M = 21.16 anos, DT = 19.238) divididos igualmente de acordo com gênero e prática de atividade física. Após veri"car a invariância estrita em ambos os casos, os resultados mostram que não há diferenças signi"cativas em nenhum dos fatores segundo o sexo, mas sim em função da prática de atividade física: os estudantes que realizam atividade física coletiva obtêm pontuações mais altas em Responsabilidade Social. e Competência Social. Envolver-se em esportes coletivos oferece oportunidades de socialização que permitem aos participantes desenvolver habilidades de interação e facilita a compreensão da estrutura social existente através da prática de atividade física coletiva

The Mediating Role of Coping between Competitive Anxiety and Sport Commitment in Adolescent Athletes.

Framed in cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotions (Lazarus, 1999), this study aimed to test how coping mediated the relationship between competitive anxiety and sport commitment in a sample of adolescent athletes. Five-hundred adolescents (M = 16.42; SD = 1.54) participated in our study. Participants completed competitive anxiety, coping, and sport commitment measures. We defined the measurement model using confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling; and compared two different models of mediation (i.e., total and partial mediation) using structural equation modeling. Results favored partial mediation model where cognitive anxiety factors predicted sport commitment. Results from this model suggest direct and mediated structural relations between concepts. Somatic anxiety had a weak influence on sport commitment (total effects = 0.090 [-.131, .311]). Worry showed a positive influence on sport commitment (total effects = .375 [.262, .486]) through direct and mediated effects. Concentration disruption showed a negative impact on sport commitment (total effects = -.544 [-.724, -.363]) trough mediated effects only, showing a negative path on task-oriented coping and a positive path on disengagement-oriented coping. As a whole, our findings identify task coping efforts undertaken by adolescent athletes as a key element in the relationship between competitive anxiety and sport commitment. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the design of coping interventions in adolescents.