EXPLORING SELF-EFFICACY AS A MEDIATING MECHANISM IN THE SELF-TALK-PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP - A STUDY OF ELITE GOLF-PLAYERS

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the effects of instructional and motivational self-talk verbalized overtly or covertly on self-efficacy and performance in elite golf players; and (2) the preference of motivational and instructional self-talk and how this relates to performance in elite golf players. Participants were 30 elite golf-players, with a mean age of 17.38 (± 0.94) years. A mixed model repeated measures design was implemented. The self-talk overtness manipulation failed in the overt self-talk group, and baseline differences between the groups were detected. Consequently, the original design could not be implemented. With regards to performance, preference, and self-efficacy in the covert self-talk group no significant results were revealed, although there were potentially interesting patterns within the data. Content analysis of after performance debriefing interviews provided insights into participants‟ self-talk use and experimental experiences. The results are discussed in relation to theory, previous research, and methodological issues. Future research and applications are suggested.