ERIC Number: ED207948
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1981-Apr
Pages: 29
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Cognitive Somatic Behavioral Interventions for Maximizing Gymnastic Performance.
Ravizza, Kenneth; Rotella, Robert
Psychological training programs developed and implemented for gymnasts of a wide range of age and varying ability levels are examined. The programs utilized strategies based on cognitive-behavioral intervention. The approach contends that mental training plays a crucial role in maximizing performance for most gymnasts. The object of the training is to make athletes increasingly aware of interaction between their minds and bodies and to become skilled at self-management. Early emphasis is placed on increasing awareness, sensitivity, and recognition of anxiety, arousal, and tension in response to potentially stressful situations. Cognitive and somatic skills are taught, including thought stoppage, counter arguments, self-talk, imagery, relaxation, breath control, and concentration improvement techniques. A description is given of methods by which an indepth perspective may be obtained on how gymnasts manifest anxiety, and how they attempt to cope with it. A discussion is given on stress management and confidence development through relaxation training. (JD)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (Boston, MA, April 13, 1981).