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Behavioral Sciences
Special Issues
Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport
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Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2024) | Viewed by 9692

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Yair Galily

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ivecher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya 4610101, Israel
Interests: psychology; new media; sports and society; social psychology
Prof. Dr. Gershon Tenenbaum

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ivecher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya 4610101, Israel
Interests: emotions and sport performance; sport psychology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the realm of professional sport, emotions and cognition play pivotal roles in performance excellence. Athletes at the highest level must navigate intense pressure, handle stress, and manage their emotions effectively. Emotions such as confidence, motivation, and anxiety can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Moreover, elite athletes must possess exceptional cognitive skills, including focus, decision making, adaptability, and strategic thinking, to outperform their competitors. Understanding and optimizing the emotional and cognitive aspects of elite sport is not only crucial for achieving peak performance but also for addressing the unique mental challenges that come with the pursuit of excellence in the world of sports. Recent research has also highlighted the equally significant role of physical activity and sport in shaping emotional and cognitive well-being. Thus, this Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between physical activity, sport, emotions, and cognitive processes.

We invite scholars from various disciplines to contribute original research articles, reviews, and theoretical papers with which to comprehensively explore this multifaceted relationship.

We welcome contributions from across diverse academic backgrounds or from any relevant field. We encourage original research articles presenting empirical findings, literature reviews summarizing the current state of knowledge, and theoretical papers that propose novel frameworks as well as hypotheses.

Topics related to the emotional and cognitive aspects of physical activity and sport are welcome, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Emotional regulation: Investigating how physical activity and sport contribute to emotional regulation, stress reduction, and the management of mental health.
  • Cognitive function: Examining the impact of physical activity and sport on cognitive functions such as attention, memory, decision making, and executive functions.
  • Psychological well-being: Assessing the role of physical activity and sport in enhancing overall psychological well-being, self-esteem, and body image.
  • Social and emotional learning: Exploring how participation in team sports and group activities can foster social and emotional skills in individuals of all ages.
  • Exercise prescription: Discussing evidence-based recommendations for using physical activity and sport as interventions in clinical and educational settings to address emotional and cognitive challenges.
  • Neurobiological mechanisms: Investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of the relationship between physical activity and emotional/cognitive processes.
  • Technology and sport: Examining the impact of technology (e.g., wearables, virtual reality) on enhancing emotional and cognitive engagement in sport and physical activity.

Prof. Dr. Yair Galily
Prof. Dr. Gershon Tenenbaum
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • information processing
  • decision making
  • affection

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

19 pages, 304 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Participation in Extracurricular Arts and Sports Activities and Adolescents’ Social and Emotional Skills: An Empirical Analysis Based on the OECD Social and Emotional Skills Survey
by Weihao Wang, Wenye Li and Jijun Yao
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070541 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 658
Abstract
In light of the ‘double reduction’ policy, which affords adolescents increased time for extracurricular pursuits, the strategic organization of these activities’ form and content is imperative. Prior research has established a robust correlation between adolescent participation in extracurricular arts and sports and the [...] Read more.
In light of the ‘double reduction’ policy, which affords adolescents increased time for extracurricular pursuits, the strategic organization of these activities’ form and content is imperative. Prior research has established a robust correlation between adolescent participation in extracurricular arts and sports and the enhancement in their social and emotional skills. Nevertheless, the relationship between extracurricular arts and sports activities and the various dimensions of social and emotional skills, as well as the connection between participation in different types of these activities and the enhancement in social and emotional skills, requires further investigation. Utilizing the Theory of Multiple Intelligence and data from the OECD-SSES2019 Suzhou (China) student survey, this study employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and coarsened exact matching (CEM) methodologies to address these gaps. In China, participation in extracurricular arts and sports activities is significantly positively associated with various dimensions of social and emotional skills, with a synergistic effect observed between these activities in enhancing these skills. Additionally, this study finds age-related heterogeneity in the relationship between participation in extracurricular arts and sports activities and the improvement in social and emotional skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport)
13 pages, 819 KiB  
Article
The Mediating and Moderating Role of Social–Emotional Skills in the Relationship between Sports Participation and Test Anxiety
by Kun Wang and Jiali Qian
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060512 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 746
Abstract
Purpose: Test anxiety is a prevalent issue among adolescents, prompting a need for effective coping mechanisms. Participation in sports, which is gaining recognition for its crucial role in alleviating test anxiety, may be effective due to its association with social–emotional skills. Moreover, students [...] Read more.
Purpose: Test anxiety is a prevalent issue among adolescents, prompting a need for effective coping mechanisms. Participation in sports, which is gaining recognition for its crucial role in alleviating test anxiety, may be effective due to its association with social–emotional skills. Moreover, students with diverse levels of social–emotional skills not only experience enjoyment in sports differently but also perceive test anxiety uniquely, leading to varying interpretations of the relationships between them. Due to the lack of direct evidence, therefore, this study aimed to explore the intricate relationships among sports participation, test anxiety, and social–emotional skills. Methods: Utilizing OECD data from 61,010 participants across 10 locations, all variable measurements were collected through the Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES). Results: The results indicated that social–emotional skills mediated and moderated the relationship between sports participation and test anxiety. However, only lower- and medium-level social–emotional skills significantly weakened the negative correlation between sports participation and test anxiety. Conclusion: Social–emotional skills serve a dual function in the relationship between sports participation and test anxiety. Not only do they elucidate why sports participation can alleviate test anxiety, but they also act as regulators, moderating the extent of this alleviation. These findings provide valuable insights for educational interventions, underscoring the importance of sports participation and the cultivation of social–emotional skills in mitigating test anxiety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport)
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16 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
Empowering Movement: Enhancing Young Adults’ Physical Activity through Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention
by Dalit Lev-Arey, Tomer Gutman and Orr Levental
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14020130 - 10 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1786
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a combined Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention, the ”Running Minds” program, in promoting physical activity (PA) among young adults. Methods: The intervention, consisting of eight sessions, targeted motivational and [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a combined Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention, the ”Running Minds” program, in promoting physical activity (PA) among young adults. Methods: The intervention, consisting of eight sessions, targeted motivational and psychological barriers to PA. It intertwined SDT’s core components (autonomy, competence, relatedness) with ACT’s emphasis on mindfulness and value-driven actions. This study used a qualitative approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants aged 20–35, conducted post-intervention. Results: Our reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews revealed five key themes: alignment with personal values, rewarding experience of the sessions, fulfillment of social connectedness, enhancement of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and observable behavioral changes. These findings highlight the importance of aligning exercise with personal values and the role of supportive social environments in sustaining PA. Conclusions: The integration of SDT and ACT in the “Running Minds” program appears to be a viable approach for enhancing motivation and adherence to PA among young adults. This study offers valuable insights for future PA interventions, underscoring the need for strategies that consider psychological and social dimensions. Limitations and Future Research: Despite the promising results, limitations include potential recall bias and the short duration of the study. Further research, especially focusing on more diverse groups and employing longitudinal designs, is recommended to broaden and substantiate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport)
15 pages, 362 KiB  
Article
Coaches’ Mind Games: Harnessing Technical Fouls for Psychological Momentum in Basketball
by Gershon Tenenbaum, Ady Vigodsky and Assaf Lev
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13110904 - 2 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1134
Abstract
This study explored the emotional and cognitive dimensions associated with technical fouls (TFs) in basketball coaching. Using in-depth interviews with Israeli first-division basketball coaches, we aimed to uncover the emotional and cognitive intricacies involved in TFs. Through rigorous thematic content analysis, we delved [...] Read more.
This study explored the emotional and cognitive dimensions associated with technical fouls (TFs) in basketball coaching. Using in-depth interviews with Israeli first-division basketball coaches, we aimed to uncover the emotional and cognitive intricacies involved in TFs. Through rigorous thematic content analysis, we delved into coaches’ ability to perceive and manipulate psychological momentum on the court. We revealed that coaches intentionally use TFs as strategic tools. TFs were employed to elicit specific emotional responses and cognitive shifts in players, affecting their emotional states, arousal levels, motivation, and overall team performance. However, coaches approached TFs with caution due to the associated emotional and cognitive risks. They carefully weighed potential benefits against unforeseen consequences in their decision-making. Furthermore, our research highlighted coaches’ belief in the immediate positive impact of TFs on referee decisions, underscoring the interplay between emotional influence and strategic advantage. Nevertheless, this advantage was perceived as short-lived, emphasizing that TFs are a two-edged sword with unpredictable outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport)
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Review

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18 pages, 5290 KiB  
Review
Relationship between Athletes’ Big Five Model of Personality and Athletic Performance: Meta-Analysis
by Ji-Hye Yang, Hye Jin Yang, Chulhwan Choi and Chul-Ho Bum
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14010071 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2166
Abstract
Academic interest in athletic performance is ongoing. To examine the correlation between athletic performance and athletes’ personality types, data extraction in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was completed in October 2021, and a meta-analysis was [...] Read more.
Academic interest in athletic performance is ongoing. To examine the correlation between athletic performance and athletes’ personality types, data extraction in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was completed in October 2021, and a meta-analysis was performed using 180 data from 18 selected papers using the “meta” package version 4.8-4 of R Studio 3.3.3. As a result, these selected studies proved to have reliable quality in proceeding with this study via quality assessment. The overall effect of personality on athletic performance (AP) was ESr = 0.124, p < 0.01. Furthermore, only conscientiousness (ESr = 0.178, p < 0.001) and extroversion (ESr = 0.145, p < 0.01), among the five personality types, showed statistically significant results, and these two personality types had a positive correlation with performance. In the publication bias test, this study found that (a) agreeableness had a publication bias; but, with an additional test using trim-and-fill, (b) the effect was not significant enough to be considered. In addition, the analysis of the moderating effects was conducted in four aspects, and all moderating effect analyses showed statistically significant differences between the groups, demonstrating the heterogeneity of this study. Therefore, this study found a significant relationship between personality and athletic performance and showed the importance of conscientiousness and extroversion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport)
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Other

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14 pages, 975 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Model of Goal-Directed Behavior in Sports Participation: A Meta-Analysis Comparing Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Eras in the Republic of Korea
by Jung-Sup Bae, Weisheng Chiu and Sang-Back Nam
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070556 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 873
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on sports participation worldwide, including in Republic of Korea. Due to the restrictions and safety measures implemented to prevent the spread of the virus, many individuals have had to alter their sports participation. Therefore, this [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on sports participation worldwide, including in Republic of Korea. Due to the restrictions and safety measures implemented to prevent the spread of the virus, many individuals have had to alter their sports participation. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis based on studies applying the Model of Goal-directed Behavior (MGB) in sports participation to compare the pre- and post-COVID-19 eras in Republic of Korea. By analyzing 18 selected studies involving 5772 Korean respondents, the study investigates the relationships between MGB variables and sports consumption behaviors pre- and post-COVID-19. This study found that all correlations with the MGB were significant, indicating the applicability of the MGB in understanding sports participation in Republic of Korea. Moreover, the moderating effect of COVID-19 was identified in the relationships between subjective norms and desire and between perceived behavioral control and desire. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing sports participation in Republic of Korea. Additionally, the study provides valuable insights for sports managers and policymakers in Republic of Korea to develop strategies and interventions that can promote and support sports participation during challenging times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport)
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10 pages, 205 KiB  
Commentary
From Sport Psychology to Action Philosophy: Immanuel Kant and the Case of Video Assistant Referees
by Yair Galily
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040291 - 1 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1167
Abstract
The implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) in 2018 has had a significant impact on the multi-billion-dollar soccer industry. As the most popular and watched sport globally, soccer’s financial stakes are high, with clubs, leagues, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans heavily invested in the [...] Read more.
The implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) in 2018 has had a significant impact on the multi-billion-dollar soccer industry. As the most popular and watched sport globally, soccer’s financial stakes are high, with clubs, leagues, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans heavily invested in the game. The ongoing debate surrounding the VAR system brings to light the intricate balance between preserving the authenticity of football (soccer) and harnessing technology to improve accuracy. It is crucial to strike the right equilibrium in order to uphold football’s metaphorical power and sustain the timeless joy it has brought to fans throughout generations. In this context, Immanuel Kant’s philosophy can offer valuable insights into the utilization of VARs in soccer. According to Kantian ethics, using VARs can be justified if it serves to enhance fairness and accuracy, aligning with the moral duties of referees. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the potential dehumanizing effects and the necessity of preserving the value of human judgment in the game. Therefore, this paper aims to explore in-depth the intricate dynamics that arise when technology is integrated into traditional practices, emphasizing the significance of critical reflection on the implications of such advancements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Cognitive Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport)
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