Stress and sport performance: a PNEI multidisciplinary approach.

Stress control is essential for avoiding a state of anxiety in sport competitions, as this state may have negative effects on other psychological variables of athletes, decreasing their self-confidence and harming their attentional control. In the present contribution a distress intervention model developed from a PNEI perspective will be sketched out. Our theoretical-methodological proposal consists of the definition of an integrated protocol of psycho-biological assessment and intervention on the allostatic load and on the levels of distress/eustress detectable in the sport environment, in relation to the person's health/well-being condition and the impact of this condition on the quality of sport performance. This paradigm has the potential to explore both the psychological dimension of stress management and the psycho-educational and psycho-physical dimension, according to a truly integrated approach to the athlete's health and psychophysical well-being. Its multidisciplinary nature requires close cooperation between different professional figures, such as the mental coach, psychologist, nutritionist, osteopath, and physiotherapist, as well as biologists, physicians and kinesiologists, both in planning and in implementation and monitoring at all stages. The potential impact of the model on sport performance will be deeply discussed.

Episode of Situated Learning to Enhance Student Engagement and Promote Deep Learning: Preliminary Results in a High School Classroom.

Teaching is now experiencing a new centrality due to the fast socio-cultural transformations, the vertical growth of digital media and, therefore, the new ways children and young people learn. New paradigms and teaching methodologies are emerging to meet the new educational needs; among them, the "Episodes of Situated Learning" approach (EAS in Italian) was chosen for this study. This approach broadly refers to the "Flipped Class" model, in which the lesson structure reverses the traditional teaching/learning cycle with a positive outcome on engagement and learning. The present study aims to explore whether the EAS teaching methodology, according to literature about the Flipped Class model, has a positive outcome on student engagement, focusing on its emotional, cognitive and behavioral components. In particular, we hypothesize that the EAS teaching methodology changes teachers' behavior in classroom, increasing their movements and body expression during the lesson. Moreover, we expect higher levels of self-efficacy and positive emotions and lower levels of perceived anxiety in teachers, thus improving students' level of engagement. The research was conducted in a secondary school, in Milan, and includes a classroom of sixteen students and three teachers. We chose a quasi-experimental nested design, a mixed-method approach that combines the qualitative and quantitative collection and analysis of data, in order to reach, as far as possible, a holistic, effective and exhaustive representation of the studied phenomenon. Pre-post measures, including video-recording, systematic observation and questionnaires, of both students and teachers were collected during the 8 months of experimentation. This research project could foster positive outcomes for participants as well as the broader society, in which school dropout is increasing. Many authors positively associate low levels of students' engagement to high rates of school dropout; for this reason, working on improving teaching methodologies and students' engagement measurement, could be an effective way to enhance learning and opposing school dropout.

Negative social emotions and cognition: Shame, guilt and working memory impairments.

Negative emotions can have an impact on a variety of cognitive domains, including Working Memory (WM). The present work investigated whether shame and guilt modulate WM performance in a dual-task test both in a non-clinical and a clinical population. In Experiment 1, 76 non-clinical participants performed a dual-task before and after being randomly assigned to shame, guilt or neutral inductions elicited by the writing of autobiographical past experiences. Shame and guilt elicitations were related to impaired WM performances. In Experiment 2, 65 clinical inpatients with eating disorders were assigned to the same procedure. The negative relationship of self-conscious emotions and WM was confirmed. Taken together these results suggest that shame and guilt are related to impairments of WM in both clinical and non-clinical participants.

T-Pattern Analysis and Cognitive Load Manipulation to Detect Low-Stake Lies: An Exploratory Study.

Deception has evolved to become a fundamental aspect of human interaction. Despite the prolonged efforts in many disciplines, there has been no definite finding of a univocally "deceptive" signal. This work proposes an approach to deception detection combining cognitive load manipulation and T-pattern methodology with the objective of: (a) testing the efficacy of dual task-procedure in enhancing differences between truth tellers and liars in a low-stakes situation; (b) exploring the efficacy of T-pattern methodology in discriminating truthful reports from deceitful ones in a low-stakes situation; (c) setting the experimental design and procedure for following research. We manipulated cognitive load to enhance differences between truth tellers and liars, because of the low-stakes lies involved in our experiment. We conducted an experimental study with a convenience sample of 40 students. We carried out a first analysis on the behaviors' frequencies coded through the observation software, using SPSS (22). The aim was to describe shape and characteristics of behavior's distributions and explore differences between groups. Datasets were then analyzed with Theme 6.0 software which detects repeated patterns (T-patterns) of coded events (non-verbal behaviors) that regularly or irregularly occur within a period of observation. A descriptive analysis on T-pattern frequencies was carried out to explore differences between groups. An in-depth analysis on more complex patterns was performed to get qualitative information on the behavior structure expressed by the participants. Results show that the dual-task procedure enhances differences observed between liars and truth tellers with T-pattern methodology; moreover, T-pattern detection reveals a higher variety and complexity of behavior in truth tellers than in liars. These findings support the combination of cognitive load manipulation and T-pattern methodology for deception detection in low-stakes situations, suggesting the testing of directional hypothesis on a larger probabilistic sample of population.

How to merge observational and physiological data? A case study of motor skills patterns and heart rate in exercise programs for adult women / ¿Cómo combinar datos observacionales y fisiológicos? Un estudio de caso de patrones de habilidades motoras y frecuencia cardíaca en programas de ejercicio para mujeres adultas

The present study analyzes individual and group heart rate responses in exercising adult women. The specific aim was to compare responses during routine workout sessions within a community exercise program with responses during a purpose-designed workout session targeting diverse motor skills. Sixty-seven adult women with a mean ± SD age of 65.1 ± 11.7 years participated in the study. Two representative sessions were analyzed: a standard workout session the women took at the local community center and an ad hoc session designed to build on a variety of motor skills and capabilities. Observational methodology was used to collect categorical data on motor skill performance during each session using the OSMOS-in context observation instrument. Continuous heart rate data were recorded for all participants during each session. A combined analysis of categorical and continuous data was undertaken using Hidden Markov Models. The results show that the session targeting a greater diversity of motor skills not only met the cardiovascular fitness recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine, but resulted in greater individual variability and greater synchrony between participants than the routine session (AU)

El presente estudio analiza las respuestas individuales y de grupo de la frecuencia cardiaca de mujeres adultas mientras realizan actividad física. El interés de este estudio recae en comparar como estas respuestas varían entre sesiones de ejercicio rutinario y sesiones que incluyen variedad de habilidades motrices. Participaron 67 mujeres adultas (edad 65.1 ± 11.7) usuarias de programas de actividad física municipales. Analizamos dos sesiones representativas: una estándar de los propios programas de actividad física que realizan y otra diseñada ad hoc con variedad de diversos tipos de habilidades y capacidades motrices. Utilizamos la metodología observacional para obtener datos categóricos de las habilidades motrices realizadas en cada sesión a partir del instrumento de observación OSMOS-in context. Los datos continuos obtenidos de la frecuencia cardíaca individual de cada participante se midieron mediante monitorización en cada sesión. El análisis conjunto de ambos tipos de datos, categóricos y continuos, se realizó mediante la aplicación de Cadenas Ocultas de Markov (HMM). Los resultados obtenidos consideramos que son bastante relevantes puesto que indican que la sesión que aporta mayor riqueza motriz no solo muestra una mayor adecuación cardíaca a la intensidad del ejercicio (según las recomendaciones del American College of Sports Medicine) sino una mayor variabilidad individual, incluso una mayor sincronización entre todas las participantes con respecto a la sesión estándar propia de los programas de actividad física que realizan asiduamente (AU)

How Game Location Affects Soccer Performance: T-Pattern Analysis of Attack Actions in Home and Away Matches.

The influence of game location on performance has been widely examined in sport contexts. Concerning soccer, game-location affects positively the secondary and tertiary level of performance; however, there are fewer evidences about its effect on game structure (primary level of performance). This study aimed to detect the effect of game location on a primary level of performance in soccer. In particular, the objective was to reveal the hidden structures underlying the attack actions, in both home and away matches played by a top club (Serie A 2012/2013-First Leg). The methodological approach was based on systematic observation, supported by digital recordings and T-pattern analysis. Data were analyzed with THEME 6.0 software. A quantitative analysis, with nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and descriptive statistics, was carried out to test the hypotheses. A qualitative analysis on complex patterns was performed to get in-depth information on the game structure. This study showed that game tactics were significantly different, with home matches characterized by a more structured and varied game than away matches. In particular, a higher number of different patterns, with a higher level of complexity and including more unique behaviors was detected in home matches than in the away ones. No significant differences were found in the number of events coded per game between the two conditions. THEME software, and the corresponding T-pattern detection algorithm, enhance research opportunities by going further than frequency-based analyses, making this method an effective tool in supporting sport performance analysis and training.

Shame proneness and eating disorders: a comparison between clinical and non-clinical samples.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between shame proneness, eating disorders outcomes and psychological aspects of patients with eating disorders (ED). METHODS: Sixty-six girls applying for inpatient treatment for ED and 110 female undergraduate students were assessed using the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 and the Shame Proneness Scale of the Test of Self-Conscious Affect. RESULTS: Shame proneness showed significant correlations with several ED components and psychological scales of EDI-3, with some variations across the subgroups. Shame proneness levels were significantly higher in the clinical group than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Shame proneness can be an important component for the development and the maintenance of ED due to a strong correlation not only with ED symptoms but also with psychological aspects of this disease, in both clinical and non-clinical samples.

T-pattern analysis in soccer games: relationship between time and attack actions / Detección de T-pattern en los partidos de fútbol: relación entre las acciones del equipo y de ataque / Análise T-pattern em jogos de futebol: relação entre as ações do tempo e de ataque

Sports performance consists of a multiple series of strategies that tend to follow one another. Performance analysis in team sports is usually focused on primary (fundamental skill execution), secondary (scoring) and tertiary (match result) outcomes. While there is general agreement over measuring secondary and tertiary outcomes, literature does not show a unanimous agreement over a unique measure of the primary level of performance. The aim of this study was to investigate primary performance outcomes through an analysis of temporal patterns. In particular, we were interested in verifying if changes in tertiary performance outcomes may be related to changes in primary ones. We selected three soccer matches played by a top club during the Serie A league over the 2012-2013 season in which there was a change in match result between first and second half (tertiary level of performance). The methodological approach was based on observational design, supported by digital recordings and computer analysis. Data were analyzed with theme 6 beta software, which detects the temporal and sequential structure of datasets, revealing repeated patterns that may regularly or irregularly occur within a period of observation (Tpatterns). Striking differences were found comparing first and second half temporal patterns, especially when the final match outcome showed an improvement of the first half ’s one. Our results suggest that theme software and T-pattern enhance research opportunities by identifying a useful tool to study the link between primary and tertiary level of performance, making this an effective research and support instrument for sports analysis (AU)

El rendimiento en el deporte viene condicionado por múltiples estrategias que tienden a sucederse entre sí. El análisis del rendimiento en los deportes de equipo se centra especialmente en resultados primarios (ejecución de competencias básicas), secundarios (marcadores al puntuar) y terciarios (resultados de los partidos). Mientras que existe un acuerdo general acerca de cómo medir los resultados secundarios y terciarios, la literatura no es tan unánime respecto a hallar una única medida relativa al nivel primario de rendimiento. El objetivo de este estudio es la investigación acerca de estos resultados primarios de rendimiento mediante un análisis de patrones temporales. En concreto, estamos interesados en verificar si los cambios en resultados terciarios están relacionados con los primarios. Seleccionamos tres partidos de fútbol que se jugaron en un club situado en muy buena posición durante la liga de la Serie A en la temporada 2012-2013, en la cual se produjeron cambios en el resultado entre la primera y segunda mitad de los partidos (nivel secundario de rendimiento). El planteamiento metodológico se ha basado en un diseño observacional, que se ha desplegado mediante el apoyo de registros digitales y análisis informatizados. Los datos se analizaron mediante el programa informático Theme 6 beta, que permite detectar la estructura temporal y secuencial de los datos, detectándose patrones repetidos que pueden ocurrir de forma regular o irregular en el período de observación (T-patterns). Se hallaron diferencias sorprendentes al comparar los patrones temporales de la primera y segunda mitad, y especialmente cuando el resultado final del partido mostraba una mejora del marcador respecto a la primera mitad. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el programa Theme aporta posibilidades de mejora en la investigación, convirtiéndose en un instrumento útil para estudiar la conexión existente entre los niveles primario y terciario de rendimiento, a la vez que se demuestra que es un importante apoyo para una investigación eficaz en el deporte

O rendimento no desporto está condicionado por múltiplas estratégias que tendem a suceder-se entre si. A análise do rendimento nos desportos de equipa centra-se especialmente nos resultados primários (execução de competências básicas), secundários (pontuação), terciários (resultados dos jogos). Embora exista um consenso geral acerca de como medir os resultados secundários e terciários, a literatura não é tão unanime no que concerne a uma única medida relativa ao nível primário de rendimento. O objectivo deste estudo é a investigação acerca destes resultados primários de rendimento através da análise de padrões temporais. Em concreto, estamos interessados em verificar se as mudanças nos resultados terciários estão relacionadas com os primários. Seleccionámos três jogos de futebol de um clube em muito boa posição classificativa durante a liga Serie A na temporada de 2012-2013, no qual se produziram alterações entre no resultado entre a primeira e a segunda metade dos jogos (nível secundário de rendimento). O planeamento metodológico baseou-se num delineamento observacional, que se levou a cabo com o apoio de registos digitais e de análises informatizadas. Os dados foram analisados através do programa informático Theme 6 beta, que permite detectar a estructura temporal e sequencial dos dados, detectando-se padrões repetidos que podem ocorrer de forma regular ou irregular no período de observação (T-patterns). Foram verificadas diferenças surpreendentes ao comparar os padrões temporais da primeira e segunda parte, e especialmente quando o resultado final do jogo revelava uma melhoria do marcador relativamente à primeira parte. Os nossos resultados sugerem que o programa Theme permite possibilidades de melhoria na investigação, convertendo-se num instrumento útil para estudar a conexão existente entre os níveis primário e terciário de rendimento, demonstrando de igual modo que é um importante suporte para a investigação no contexto desportivo

Detecting regularities in soccer dynamics: a T-pattern approach / Detección de regularidades en la dinámica del fútbol: un enfoque desde los t-pattern

The dynamics of play during professional soccer matches are complex phenomena that traditional approaches to the quantification of team sports are not fully able to identify. The aim of this study was to detect such dynamics through an analysis of temporal patterns. In particular, the objective was to reveal the hidden yet stable structures which underlie the interactive situations that determine the attack actions of play in soccer. The methodological approach is based on observational design, supported by digital recordings and computer analysis. Data were analyzed with Theme 6 beta software, which detects the temporal and sequential structure of data sets, revealing repeated patterns that may regularly or irregularly occur within a period of observation. Theme detected many temporal patterns (T-patterns) in the soccer matches analyzed. Striking differences were found when won and lost matches were compared. The number of pattern occurrences and the number of different T-patterns detected was greater for lost matches and lower for the won matches, whereas the number of events coded was similar. Theme software and T-pattern enhance research opportunities by moving further than frequency-based analysis of performance, making this method an effective research and support tool for sports analysis. Our results indicate a need for further investigation upon the possible links between temporal structure detection and human observations in soccer performance. This approach could assist both soccer teams’ staff and coaches in obtaining a greater understanding of game dynamics, providing information that current methods may overlook or not detect at all

La dinámica del juego en partidos de fútbol profesional es un fenómeno complejo que no ha estado resuelto de forma óptima a través de las vías tradicionales que han pretendido la cuantificación en deportes de equipo. El objetivo de este estudio es el de detectar la dinámica existente mediante un análisis de patrones temporales. Específicamente, se pretenden revelar las estructuras ocultas pero estables que subyacen a las situaciones interactivas que determinan las acciones de ataque en el fútbol. El planteamiento metodológico se basa en un diseño observacional, y con apoyo de registros digitales y análisis informatizados. Los datos se analizaron mediante el programa Theme 6 beta, el cual permite detectar la estructura temporal y secuencial de las series de datos, poniendo de manifiesto patrones que regular o irregularmente ocurren repetidamente en un período de observación. El Theme ha detectado muchos patrones temporales (T-patterns) en los partidos de fútbol analizados. Se hallaron notables diferencias entre los partidos ganados y perdidos. El número de distintos T-patterns detectados fue mayor para los partidos perdidos, y menor para los ganados, mientras que el número de eventos codificados fue similar. El programa Theme y los T-patterns mejoran las posibilidades investigadoras respecto a un análisis de rendimiento basado en la frecuencia, y hacen que esta metodología sea eficaz para la investigación y constituya un apoyo procedimental en el análisis del deporte. Nuestros resultados indican que se requieren posteriores investigaciones relativas a posibles conexiones entre la detección de estas estructuras temporales y las observaciones humanas respecto al rendimiento en el fútbol. Este planteamiento sería un apoyo tanto para los miembros de los equipos como para los entrenadores, permitiendo alcanzar una mejor comprensión de la dinámica del juego y aportando una información que no ofrecen los métodos tradicionales

A dinâmica do jogo em competições de futebol de competição é um fenómeno complexo que não é abordado de forma suficiente através das vias tradicionais que se pretendem na qualificação em desportos de equipa. O objectivo deste estudo é detectar a dinâmica existente mediante uma análise de padrões temporais. Especificamente, pretende-se revelar as estructuras ocultas mas estáveis subjacentes às situações interactivas que determinam as acções de ataque no futebol. O planeamento metodológico baseia-se no delineamento observacional, a registos digitais e a análises informatizadas. Os dados foram analisados mediante o programa Theme 6 beta, o qual permite detectar a estrutura temporal e sequencial das séries de dados, pondo em relevo padrões que regular ou irregularmente ocorrem repetidamente num período de observação. O Theme detectou vários padrões temporais (padrões- T) nos jogos de futebol analisados. Verificaram-se notáveis diferenças entre os jogos ganhos e perdidos. O número de distintos padrões-T detectados foi maior para os jogos perdidos, e menor para os ganhos, enquanto que o número de eventos codificados foi semelhante. O programa Theme e os padrões- T melhoram as possibilidades de investigação a respeito da análise de rendimento baseada na frequência, fazendo com que esta metodologia seja eficaz para a investigação e se constitua como um suporte procedimental na análise desportiva. Os resultados obtidos requerem posteriores investigações relativas às possíveis conexões entre a detecção destas estruturas temporais e as observações humanas relativas ao rendimento no futebol. Este planeamento seria um suporte tanto para os membros das equipas como para os treinadores, permitindo alcançar uma melhor compreensão da dinâmica de jogo e fornecendo informação que não se obtém através dos métodos tradicionais

Linguistic intergroup bias in political communication.

The Linguistic Intergroup Bias (LIB) illustrates the disposition to communicate positive in-group and negative out-group behaviors more abstractly than negative in-group and positive out-group behaviors. The present research examined the function of language in reinforcing this bias in political communication. To illustrate the LIB, the Linguistic Category Model (LCM) was used, including a nouns category. Because social stereotypes are usually conveyed by nominal terms, the aim was to observe the relationship between stereotypes and language in political communication. Moreover, we were interested in analyzing the psychological processes that drive the LIB. Therefore, we verified whether the LIB is more related to language abstractness than to agent-patient causality. Several political debates and interviews, which took place before the latest Italian provincial elections, were analyzed. Results suggested that the language politicians use in communicating about political groups are conceptualized as stereotypes rather than as trait-based categories. Moreover, it seems that the LIB could not be explained only at a lexical level. Social implications of the present findings in interpersonal relations and causal attribution were discussed.