Research article - (2007)06, 180 - 187
The Relationship Between Imagery Type and Collective Efficacy in Elite and Non Elite Athletes
David A. Shearer1,, Rob Thomson2, Stephen D. Mellalieu1, Catherine R Shearer3
1Department of Sports Science, Swansea University, UK
2Department of Psychology, University of East London, UK
3Department of Sports Science, Sports Council for Wales, UK

David A. Shearer
✉ Department of Sports Science, University of Wales Swansea, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom.
Email: d.a.shearer@swansea.ac.uk
Received: 28-08-2006 -- Accepted: 09-02-2007
Published (online): 01-06-2007

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the relationship between imagery function and individual perceptions of collective efficacy as a function of skill level. Elite (n = 70) and non elite (n = 71) athletes from a number of interactive team sports completed the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ) and the Collective Efficacy Inventory (CEI). Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was then used to examine which SIQ sub-scales predicted individual perceptions of collective efficacy. For the elite sample, Motivational General-Mastery (MG-M) imagery accounted for approximately 17% of the variance in collective efficacy scores. No significant predictions were observed in the non elite sample. The findings suggest MG-M imagery as a potential technique to improve levels of collective efficacy although competitive level may moderate the effectiveness of such interventions.

Key words: Mental rehearsal, mental skills, team confidence, self efficacy, group dynamics

Key Points
  • As imagery is an individual intervention, an examination of individual perceptions of collective efficacy was most appropriate.
  • Elite athletes who use more MG-M imagery also have higher individual perceptions of collective efficacy.
  • For non-elite athletes, none of the imagery functions tested predicted individual perceptions of collective efficacy.
  • Performance accomplishments provided by MG-M imagery may increase individual perceptions of collective efficacy.
  • Future research should investigate further the effects of imagery intervention programmes on collective efficacy beliefs.








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