Self-presentation concerns may contribute towards the understanding of athletes' affect when trialling for a new sports team

Abstract

A vignette-based experimental manipulation was used to examine the impact of self-presentation concerns on athletes’ affect and cognitive appraisal. Others’ reactions were described, so as to emphasize or de-emphasize self-presentation concerns. Athletes given cause to believe that they were generating unfavourable impressions experienced more negative affect and reported more threat-based appraisal. Athletes exposed to information de-emphasizing self-presentation concerns experienced more positive affect and reported more of a challenge-based appraisal. The findings indicate a potential opportunity (e.g., de-emphasising self-presentation concerns, providing a supportive interpersonal environment) that others (e.g., coaches and teammates) could act on to improve athlete experiences during sports trials.