Psychological Performance Strategies Training to Improve Achievement Motivation in Athletes

A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Effect of Psychological Performance Strategies Training on Achievement Motivation in Athletes

This quasi-experimental study was designed to evaluate whether a structured, four-week psychological performance strategies training program could improve achievement motivation among licensed athletes. Fifty athletes were assigned to an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The experimental group received training twice weekly for four weeks, including goal setting, self-talk, emotional control, imagery, automaticity, action orientation, attention control, and relaxation. Achievement motivation was measured at baseline and after the intervention using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale.

Achievement motivation is a key determinant of athletic performance, yet few studies have systematically investigated structured psychological skills training in this area. This study aimed to examine the effect of a multi-component psychological performance strategies program on achievement motivation in athletes.

A total of 50 licensed athletes from the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Aksaray University, voluntarily participated. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The experimental group received supervised psychological performance strategies training, consisting of eight modules delivered over four weeks (two sessions per week, 60 minutes each). Training content included:

• Goal setting
• Self-talk
• Emotional control
• Imagery
• Automaticity
• Taking action
• Attention control and negative thinking management
• Relaxation techniques

The control group did not receive any intervention. Outcome assessment was performed using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale, administered at baseline and after the 4-week program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Licensed athletes enrolled at the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Aksaray University
• Age ≥18 years
• Voluntary agreement to participate and provide informed consent
• No prior participation in psychological performance strategy training

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous exposure to structured sports psychology or psychological skills training programs
• Presence of acute injury, illness, or medical condition preventing participation
• Refusal or inability to provide informed consent