Pre- and post-performance emotions in gymnastics competitions

Abstract

Thestudyinvestigatedtherelationshipbetweenemotionalstatesexperienced before and after performance events during gymnastics competitions within the frameworkoftheIndividualZonesofOptimalFunctioning(IZOF)modelandthe directional perception approach. Intensity, functional impact, and hedonic tone of emotionswereassessedretrospectivelyin10Italianhigh-levelgymnastsbeforeand after two, three, or four events throughout a competition. Three levels of performance (poor, average, and good) were derived from retrospective self-ratings to enable intra-individual analyses. Findings showed that when gymnasts’ emotional level was near to their optimal zones, a good performance was observed and emotional intensity was perceived to be more facilitative and pleasant. Conversely, when gymnasts’ emotional level was near to their dysfunctional zones, a poor performance was observed and emotional level was perceived to be more debilitative and unpleasant. Gymnasts also experienced optimal-pleasant emotions after good performances, and dysfunctional-unpleasant emotions after poor performances. Effective coping strategies were generally associated with good performance and optimal-pleasantemotions,whereasperformancedifficultiestendedtoberelatedto poorperformanceanddysfunctional-unpleasantemotions.