Cognitive coping strategies and motivational profiles of ultra-endurance athletes

摘要

Mental skills have been shown to be effective in helping endurance athletes cope with the challenges of their sport. The purpose of this research was to examine ultraendurance triathlete’s cognitive coping strategies, while also exploring their motivational profiles.ududUsing a phenomenological qualitative research methodology, guided by a grounded theoretical approach, 10 elite deca-ironmen, 8 male and 2 female, took part in interviews and completed two questionnaires, Motivations of Marathoners Scales ('Masters, Ogles & Jolton, 1993) and Athletes Skill and Coping Inventory-28, (Smith, Schultz, Smoll & Ptacek, 1995). The researcher was provided the profitable opportunity for gathenng extensive and informative material by living and working with the participants during the deca-ironman 2002 world championships, for a duration of seventeen days. Text units (sentences or phrases) were descriptively coded into meaningful themes and categories. Both constant comparison and deviant case analysis (Strauss & Corbin, 1998, Basics of Qualitative Research Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory California Sage) guarded against narrow and premature interpretation of data.ududQualities required to complete the deca-ironman emerged from the data, these include a strong mental focus, intrinsic motivation, high levels of self-efficacy and the ability to withstand pam and boredom while overcoming fatigue. Deca-ironmen use cognitive coping strategies used in mainstream sporting disciplines, such as goal setting and self-deception to overcome adversities presented m ultra-endurance, along with certain strategies that are unique to this group, for example meditation. Unique motivations emerged both in the pilot and mam studies demonstrating some ultraendurance athletes are motivated by a unique motivational climate, where athletes persevere due to external pressures placed by dedications made to either chanties or individuals.ududSome qualities are inherent in the individual but others have to be developed through participation in high-level endurance events. Training in these unique strategies will assist m better performance. It is hoped findings from this research will assist future ultra-endurance athletes to improve personal performance levels.