Thesis
The Use and Outcomes of Different Types of Nonspecific Goals in Sport
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University & University of Lincoln
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.356
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Goal-setting research in sport began in the mid-1980s and sought to assess the specificity and difficulty principles of goal-setting theory. Nevertheless, research to date has provided insufficient evidence supporting the idea that specific goals are most effective for enhancing sporting performance. Conversely, nonspecific goals, which contain some degree of uncertainty about the exact levels of performance required, are used by world-class athletes, improve sporting performance, and induce various positive psychological outcomes. Therefore, the primary aim of this thesis was to develop understanding of the use and outcomes of different types of nonspecific goals in sport. Chapter 1 introduces the research problem and states the primary aim, specific objectives, and chapters contained within the thesis. Chapter 2 introduces different types of nonspecific goals, critically reviews different theoretical perspectives of nonspecific goals, and current nonspecific goal research in sport. Chapter 3 justifies the philosophical and methodological underpinnings of the thesis, before discussing the specific methods used. Chapter 4 (Study 1 - Williamson et al., 2022) contains a systematic review and meta-analysis of the performance, psychological and psychophysiological effects of goal setting in sport. Chapter 5 (Study 2 - under review) comprises a qualitative exploration of athletes’ experiences with, and perceptions of, different types of nonspecific goals. Chapter 6 (Study 3) consists of a qualitative exploration of coaches’ experiences with, and perceptions of, different types of nonspecific goals. Chapter 7 (Study 4) encompasses a qualitative exploration of sport psychologists’ experiences with, and perceptions of, different types of nonspecific goals. Chapter 8 reviews the main findings of Chapters 4-7. Chapter 8 also triangulates findings from Chapters 5-7 to progress scientific and practical knowledge. Findings from this thesis suggest that nonspecific goals are commonly used in sport, and can improve sporting performance, reduce maladaptive psychological responses (e.g., perceptions of pressure), and lead to a range of positive psychological experiences (e.g., enjoyment and confidence). Conversely, nonspecific goals have the potential to lack clarity and measurability, and possibly limit motivational responses. Finally, findings highlight critical differences in the use and outcomes of different types of nonspecific goals. Taken together, this thesis highlights contextual factors, individual differences, targeted outcomes, communication, and positive relationships (among athletes, coaches, and sport psychologists) as key considerations for the use of different types of nonspecific goals in sport. In doing so, this thesis provides a basis for the use of nonspecific goals as an additional goal-setting strategy within sport psychology.
Details
- Title
- The Use and Outcomes of Different Types of Nonspecific Goals in Sport
- Creators
- Oliver Williamson
- Contributors
- Christian Swann (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityMatthew D. Bird (Supervisor) - University of LincolnKyle Bennett (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityPatricia C Jackman (Supervisor) - University of Lincoln
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University & University of Lincoln; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University & University of Lincoln
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- 304
- Identifiers
- 991013184413602368
- Copyright
- © O Williamson 2023
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Resource Type
- Thesis