The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between cohesion and its antecedents (match participations, field position and length of team membership). 173 players of Greek amateur leagues participated in the study. They completed the Greek version of the 18-item Group Environment Questionnaire, and also improvised scales for the other variables in the end of the season 2009-2010. The Cronbach alphas of the Group Environment Questionnaire were satisfied for both task and social cohesion. The MANOVA analyses indicated the existence of statistical significant differences on perceptions of cohesion among players with different number of participations, and length of team membership. However, the MANOVA analysis showed that there were not statistical significant differences on perceptions of cohesion among players of different field position. Specifically, players with less participations perceived lower task and social cohesion than players with more participations. Furthermore, players who were members of their team for shorter period perceived lower social cohesion and higher task cohesion than players who were members for longer. Although the no significant results regarding the relationship between cohesion and field position, some trends showed that goalkeepers and attackers perceived the highest cohesion.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the coach’s coaching and athletic experience on the four dimensions of Coaching Efficacy Scale (CES). Methods: The initial sample comprised 289 Greek male coaches, aged 39-6+6.9 years, from five different team sports (basketball, volleyball, football, handball, waterpolo). Combining the coaches’ high or low level of athletic and coaching experience, they were divided into four levels of experience profile. All coaches answered the Greek version of the 24-item questionnaire of Coaching Efficacy Scale during the final stages of the competition year of 2008-2009. Results: The MANOVA model revealed a significant effect of coaching and athletic experience on the dimensions of motivation, strategy and technique. Motivation is influenced only by athletic experience, while the presence of either coaching or athletic experience is sufficient to improve the efficacy of strategy. Conversely, the efficacy of technique can be significantly improved only if the coach has both adequate coaching and athletic experience. Finally the dimension of character building is not influenced by either the coaching or athletic experience. Conclusion: In conclusion, the three dimensions of CES (motivation, strategy and technique) are moderated by the coaches’ experience profile, with coaching and athletic experience acting specifically on each of the three dimensions.

The present study describes the development and validation of an instrument designed to examine athletes’ selective attention returning to competition following a musculoskeletal injury - the Attention Questionnaire of Rehabilitated Athletes Returning to Competition (AQ-RARC). Using a sample of 186 rehabilitated athletes, exploratory factor analysis revealed a 10-item model that examines functional attention and distraction attention. Confirmatory factor analysis further supported the factorial validity of the AQ-RARC with another sample of 184 rehabilitated athletes. The two subscales have good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The concurrent and discriminant validity of the new instrument were confirmed by examining correlations between the AQ-RARC with other constructs. It is concluded that the AQ-RARC is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used for clinical and research purposes. © 2012 Taylor and Francis.

Re-injury worry is an important construct in competitive sport that may influence performance and increase the risk of re-injury. However, there are currently no available instruments to measure the causes of re-injury worry. The purpose of this study was to develop the Causes of Re-Injury Worry Questionnaire (CR-IWQ). The study was conducted in three independent research phases to investigate the following: (a) the content relevance, (b) the factor structure and the factorial validity, (c) the concurrent validity, (d) the discriminant validity, and (e) the test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients; ICC), and the internal consistency of the instrument. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was chosen to examine the factor structure of the CR-IWQ. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine further the factorial validity of the instrument. A number of valid constructs were used to assess the concurrent and discriminant validity of the CR-IWQ. The reliability of the new instrument was examined using Pearson r (ICC) and Cronbach . Three hundred and seventy athletes with an acute musculoskeletal sport injury in the last year participated in the study. EFA revealed a 12-item model, representing two factors (Re-injury worry due to rehabilitation and Re-injury worry due to opponent’s ability). CFA supported the two-factor model of the CR-IWQ. The concurrent and discriminant validity of the CR-IWQ was confirmed by examining correlations between the CR-IWQ with other constructs. The ICCs and the Cronbach indices of the CR-IWQ were acceptable. We have demonstrated that the CR-IWQ is a good psychometric instrument that can be used for clinical and research purposes. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Test of Performance Strategies-Competition scale (TOPS-CS; Thomas et al., 1999) in Greek athletic population. The TOPS-CS was designed to assess eight psychological strategies used by athletes in competition (activation, automaticity, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery, negative thinking, relaxation and self-talk). In order to evaluate the psychometric properties of the inventory, two different research studies were conducted in two different age groups (n1=382 athletes, aged 16 to 20 years and n2=343 athletes, aged 12 to 15 years). Furthermore, 263 athletes, (aged 16 to 20 years) completed the TOPS-CS, purposing to perform confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the first study supported the initial factorial structure of the TOPS-CS for athletes aged 16-20 years. Reliability analysis also provided adequate evidence for the internal consistency and stability of the scale for Greek athletes of this age. However, for athletes aged 12 to 15 years, the validity and reliability of the inventory were questionable and further research is required. © Editorial Committee of Journal of Human Kinetics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate possible differences in eating disorder symptomatology between a group of athletes and a group of university students as well as to investigate the risk factors for developing of eating disorders symptomatology in females. METHOD: The EAT-26, BDI, STAI and SPAS (trait) questionnaires were administered to 60 adult athletes (27 female and 33 male) and 60 non-athlete university students (40 female and 20 male). Each subject was asked to indicate on a series of 12 male and 12 female human figures those that they considered as the ideal male and female body, and the figure that in their mind resembled most their own body. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each subject. RESULTS: Male athletes scored higher in the oral control dimension of EAT-26 than male non athletes. Female athletes also perceived their body as leaner than female non-athletes did (P=0.003), although there was no statistically significant difference between the BMI of the two groups. A subgroup of women (n=7, 10.4%) who had disordered eating attitudes (EAT >20) chose leaner ideal female figures and also scored higher on the BDI, STAI trait and SPAS questionnaires. Younger age (P=0.04), being an athlete (P=0.03) and SPAS score (P=0.02) were found in logistic regression analysis to influence significantly the risk of development for developing disordered. CONCLUSIONS: There were only minor differences in eating disorder measurements between athletes and non-athletes. A small group of young women who are preoccupied with their physical appearance and are involved in athletic activities appears to run a greater risk for developing disordered. Copyright © Athens Medical Society.

The purpose of the present study was to describe the development and validation of the Self-Talk Questionnaire (S-TQ), designed to measure two functions of self-talk strategies, namely the motivational function and the cognitive function, used by athletes to enhance their sport performances. The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase targeted item selection and content relevance. The second phase set out to test the factor structure of the instrument. The aim of the third phase was focused on further examination of the psychometric properties of the instrument. The results of an exploratory factor analysis provided adequate support for the instrument. The S-TQ consists of 11 items, representing two factors (motivational and cognitive). A confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit to the data. The factors were internally consistent, the correlations with external criteria were significant, and test-retest reliability values were very good. Examining the relationships between the S-TQ and similar constructs supported convergent validity. Discriminant validity was supported by correlations between the S-TQ and a different construct. The S-TQ appears to be a promising psychometric instrument that can be used in research and psychological intervention programs.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the temporally patterned changes in intensity and direction of competitive state anxiety prior to and during competition as well as correlations among intensity and direction on the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2D subscale scores. 99 athletes completed the inventory one day before and an hour before the competition, based on how they felt during that time, and 30 min. after the competition with reference to how they felt during the competition. Analysis indicated different temporal patterning in subscale scores prior to competition. Correlations were medium (.40) for Intensity and Direction dimensions. Significant differences were noted between scores of those classified as Facilitators and Debilitators on the Intensity dimension. The results support the multidimensional nature of competitive anxiety, Moreover, additional information lies in directional interpretation of competitive anxiety and self-confidence. © Perceptual and Motor Skills 2006.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the temporally patterned changes in intensity and direction of competitive state anxiety prior to and during competition as well as correlations among intensity and direction on the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2D subscale scores. 99 athletes completed the inventory one day before and an hour before the competition, based on how they felt during that time, and 30 min. after the competition with reference to how they felt during the competition. Analysis indicated different temporal patterning in subscale scores prior to competition. Correlations were medium (.40) for Intensity and Direction dimensions. Significant differences were noted between scores of those classified as Facilitators and Debilitators on the Intensity dimension. The results support the multidimensional nature of competitive anxiety, Moreover, additional information lies in directional interpretation of competitive anxiety and self-confidence. © Perceptual and Motor Skills 2006.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the temporally patterned changes in intensity and direction of competitive state anxiety prior to and during competition as well as correlations among intensity and direction on the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2D subscale scores. 99 athletes completed the inventory one day before and an hour before the competition, based on how they felt during that time, and 30 min. after the competition with reference to how they felt during the competition. Analysis indicated different temporal patterning in subscale scores prior to competition. Correlations were medium (.40) for Intensity and Direction dimensions. Significant differences were noted between scores of those classified as Facilitators and Debilitators on the Intensity dimension. The results support the multidimensional nature of competitive anxiety, Moreover, additional information lies in directional interpretation of competitive anxiety and self-confidence. © Perceptual and Motor Skills 2006.

This study describes the adaptation of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC; Spielberger, Edwards, Lushene, Montuori, & Platzek, 1973) to the Greek population. It was hypothesized that the STAIC would be able to measure children’s state-trait anxiety levels. In the initial phase, a sample of 100 children, aged 9-12 years, was used in order to shape the final form of the inventory. In the final phase, two different samples (N= 875), aged 9-12 years, were used to test the validity and reliability of the inventory, using exploratory (Sample A; n = 425) and confirmatory (Sample B; n = 450) factor analyses. The results indicated that both scales possessed an acceptable internal consistency and, reliability. The factor analysis in the total of the items indicated three factors, that is "absence of state anxiety," "presence of state anxiety," and "trait anxiety." Also, confirmatory factor analysis (AMOS; Arbuckle, 1997) verified three factors. It is therefore concluded that the scales have a multifactorial structure and can be used among the Greek population to examine children’s state and trait anxiety levels.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among competitive worries, sport confidence, and performance of young athletes. Participants were 143 young swimmers aged 11 to 12 years. The athletes completed trait and state questionnaires (competitive worries and sport confidence) in noncompetitive and competitive conditions, respectively. The results indicated: (a) significant relationships among trait and state characteristics and between trait General Self-confidence and performance ratings in both races as well as between performance ratings in Races 1 and 2; (b) significant differences in state variables among athletes with moderate or high and low scores on the trait variables; (c) significant differences in performance among athletes with moderate or high and low scores on the trait General Self-confidence and trait Positive Thinking in Race 1 and on variables trait General Self-confidence, state General Self-confidence, and state Positive Thinking Race 2; and (d) trait General Self-confidence and trait Confidence in Unfavorable Situations were the most important predictors of young swimmers’ performances. These results may be useful in application to competitive sports for young athletes. They may help in psychodiagnostic procedures and may be used for both the content and the direction of individual programs for psychological preparation of young athletes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among competitive worries, sport confidence, and performance of young athletes. Participants were 143 young swimmers aged 11 to 12 years. The athletes completed trait and state questionnaires (competitive worries and sport confidence) in noncompetitive and competitive conditions, respectively. The results indicated: (a) significant relationships among trait and state characteristics and between trait General Self-confidence and performance ratings in both races as well as between performance ratings in Races 1 and 2; (b) significant differences in state variables among athletes with moderate or high and low scores on the trait variables; (c) significant differences in performance among athletes with moderate or high and low scores on the trait General Self-confidence and trait Positive Thinking in Race 1 and on variables trait General Self-confidence, state General Self-confidence, and state Positive Thinking Race 2; and (d) trait General Self-confidence and trait Confidence in Unfavorable Situations were the most important predictors of young swimmers’ performances. These results may be useful in application to competitive sports for young athletes. They may help in psychodiagnostic procedures and may be used for both the content and the direction of individual programs for psychological preparation of young athletes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among competitive worries, sport confidence, and performance of young athletes. Participants were 143 young swimmers aged 11 to 12 years. The athletes completed trait and state questionnaires (competitive worries and sport confidence) in noncompetitive and competitive conditions, respectively. The results indicated: (a) significant relationships among trait and state characteristics and between trait General Self-confidence and performance ratings in both races as well as between performance ratings in Races 1 and 2; (b) significant differences in state variables among athletes with moderate or high and low scores on the trait variables; (c) significant differences in performance among athletes with moderate or high and low scores on the trait General Self-confidence and trait Positive Thinking in Race 1 and on variables trait General Self-confidence, state General Self-confidence, and state Positive Thinking Race 2; and (d) trait General Self-confidence and trait Confidence in Unfavorable Situations were the most important predictors of young swimmers’ performances. These results may be useful in application to competitive sports for young athletes. They may help in psychodiagnostic procedures and may be used for both the content and the direction of individual programs for psychological preparation of young athletes.