Abstract:  

Every athlete in the world will experience a situation where psychological momentum will ultimately modify their athletic performance.  Whether the effect of this momentum is positive or negative, all depends upon the situation as well as the individual athlete.  Does Self-efficacy and psychological momentum play an important role in a competitive athlete's life? Results show that these two ideas tend to positively correlate with one another in almost every single sports competition.  Within this paper several research studies are reviewed, compared and contrasted regarding how self-efficacy effects and correlates with  psychological momentum of athletes in today's competitive world.

There are several questions that athletes must ask themselves when mentally preparing for competition.  Some of the most important questions that one can ask, are questions regarding self-worth. Am I strong enough?  Am I fast enough?  Am I good enough?  Do I have what it takes to win?  All of these questions relate to the idea of self-worth, or rather self-efficacy.

Self-efficacy plays an important role in the athletic world.  For example, growing up in a sports driven society, children learn the definitions of confidence and self-worth at a very young age.  Many children grow up participating in sports and it is thought, that being involved in athletics teaches discipline, teamwork, dedication, the hardships of defeat, the glories of victory, and most importantly, self-worth as an athlete and an individual.  A study done by D. Montgomery, P. Provencher,  R. J. Vallerand, and  S. Perreault,  tested the relationship between psychological momentum and sport performance. This study is relevant to the idea of self-confidence and its impact on performance because it suggests that psychological momentum positively correlates with performance. Vallerand and colleagues (1998), stated that "Gaining momentum is usually thought of as a factor that can enhance performance while losing momentum can be said to have the reverse effect" (421).  This quote is useful in understanding how the idea of confidence can play a major role in athletic performance. This idea relates to every sporting event; it can be argued that the more confidence an athlete portrays, the better they will compete.  This however, is not the case in all situations but generally, when a strong sense of confidence and fixed mindset is present athletes will perform great achievements.  Motivation and momentum continues to drive athletes even when physical barriers are present.

When one thinks of motivation, normally the first thought  is something that gets an athlete "pumped-up"!  This is exactly what positive psychological momentum does to an athlete.  Although the effects of positive momentum tend to be very reinforcing, there is also negative momentum which tends to decrease performance. Montgomery and colleagues (1998) suggest that rapid shifts of the scoring pattern alters not only the athletes' perception of momentum but, coaches' and fans' as well (P. 421).  With that being said, it can be implied that momentum does not stay consistant throughout a sporting event or competition.  Any change in the game or competition can ultimately alter the mindset of the athletes involved. This thus creates a kind of roller coaster aspect for the competitor.  This little surge of extra "umph"  can allow athletes to excell in the world of athletic competition.  However, when things are not going as planned and it seems that there is no chance of victory, performance is definitely affected.  No athlete wants to be a disappointment to their coach, fans, teammates, or  themselves.  It's not only humiliating but it makes their sense of self-worth seem insignificant.

There are arguments revolved around the idea of anxiety and its impact on performance.  Vallerand and colleagues  (1998) discuss one of these arguments. It is suggested that physcological momentum may not always lead to an increase in performance if the athlete is too anxious (P. 422).  This is a very interesting fact that can definitely be agreed upon.  In several athletes and coaches experience, there have been times that even with a positive mentality, performance does not enhance.  There will always be defeats and losses; inevitably mishaps and uncontrollable situations in which everything feels like it is sinking beneath you, much like quicksand can occur.  However, there is a better chance of increasing performance if a positive momentum is attained along with the many factors that build up that positivity.   This idea can be agreed upon by the study done by J. Arruza and colleagues (2009).  Arruza states that "the ways in which people anticipate future demands and their capacity to deal with these demands as well as the processes in which they evaluate personal performance outcomes are all highly relevant to their motivational processes" (p. 305).

Both of the studies mentioned above show that if an athlete's perception of a certain situation or stress is positive then, the end result i.e. performance, will also be positive.  These research teams have produced an idea that coaches, fans, peers, and athletes can look to when faced with an unfavorable circumstance or situation.  Ultimately, psychological momentum can be controlled much like arousal levels.   

Vallerand and colleagues (1998) state that arousal tends to be a factor that increases positive psychological momentum (PM) (P. 422).  Cognition, perception, and the essence of competition also tend to be factors that effect PM.  The combination of these factors appear to be a great motivator within themselves.  When all of these factors are added to the competition and an athlete retains spirit/motivation there can be either an outcome of victory or defeat.  All of this is dependent upon the individual athlete.  Silva and colleagues (1992) suggest that shifting momentum correlates with the above findings.  Athletes have reported themselves as being hot and unstoppable, thus obtaining the essence of flow.  Their coaches then reinforce this momentum and in most cases the team hits a "roll" (P. 119).  This has been relevant with several teams.  When teams get on a roll and one or more players are hot,  most coaches use positive reinforcement to maintain the performance levels.  This then creates a more positive outlook and a confident team.  With the fans cheering, the coach smiling, and the players thriving on the attention and adrenaline, the momentum is bound to be positive and thus in most cases the performance will be better!  

Silva, Vallerand, and Arruza all approach psychological momentum and self-efficacy in the same manner.  Each of these studies' results considerably compare with one another.  This thus, according to Arruza (2009), allows coaches and sport psychologists to analyze and interpret data to determine the best course of action for their athletes.  Coaches can  develop certain tactics to improve and enhance positive momentum and self-efficacy, using such techniques as competition plans, individual and team goals, and personalized plans for their athletes  (p. 305).

In an earlier study, Iso-Ahola and Blanchard (1986) questioned whether individual competition success resulted in a more positive psychological momentum. Their results correlated with the above findings as well.  After performing observations the researchers determined that athletes that embraced a positive PM exerted more self-confidence, personal ability, respect for opponents, and a greater liklihood of winning the overall competition.  These traits tended to be relatively consistant throughout similar studies of athletes with positive PM (P.281).   Having these traits initiated a victory in most cases, it also predicted a second or even third victory to follow.  These wins can not just be concluded due to athletic ability alone.  The effect of self-efficacy and a positive psychological momentum also played a key part in the victories of these teams and athletes. 

Many of the studies discussed above have reinforced the idea that self-efficacy and a positive psychological momentum correlate with one another in a positive fashion, increasing performance levels.  There are only a few studies that argue  that a positive momentum and self-confidence does not predict or enhance the chance of a positive performance.  It can be deciphered from research data and results that most athletes who possess a strong positive momentum and a strong sense of self-worth will not only perform exceptionally but, will enjoy their participation in athletics as well.  The relationship between psychological momentum and self-efficacy can be said to enhance an athletes overall performance in competition.  This relationship tends to also improve performance levels in practice.  The reason behind this phenomenon is due to a higher level of self-esteem.  Once an athlete feels confident and comfortable with themselves, a more positive mindset and drive evolves.  This creates a cycle of positive reinforcement and enhanced performance levels.

When an athlete possesses a strong positive psychological momentum and an even greater level of self-efficacy, the questions regarding self-worth tend to disappear.  An athlete will no longer feel the need to question whether they are good enough, fast enough, or talented enough to compete.  Rather, there will be thoughts of I can do this,  I'm strong enough, I can win, and I'm not afraid of the competition.  These are the types of ideas and thoughts that an athlete wants to have and needs to have to be successful in athletic competition.  Incorporating these two psychological ideas will ultimately result in a satisfied, confident athlete with a can do attitude towards any tribulation.

References: 

Arruza, J., Telletxea, S., De Montes, L., Arribas, S., Balagué, G., Cecchini, J., et al. (2009). Understanding the relationship between perceived development of the competition plan and sport performance: mediating effects of self-efficacy and state depression. Perceptual And Motor Skills, 109(1), 304-314. Retrieved from MEDLINE database.

Iso-Ahola, S.E., & Blanchard, W.J. (1986).  Psychological Momentum and Competitive Sport Performance: A Field Study. Perceptional and Motor Skills, 62, 763-768. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.

 Moriarty, B., Douglas, G., Punch, K., & Hattie, J. (1995). The importance of self-efficacy as a mediating variable between learning environments and achievement. The British Journal Of Educational Psychology, 65 ( Pt 1)73-84. Retrieved from MEDLINE database.

Perreault, S., Vallerand, R., Montgomery, D., & Provencher, P. (1998). Coming from behind: on the effect of psychological momentum on sport performance. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 20(4), 421-436. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.

 Silva, J., A. Cornelius, & L. Finch. (1992). Psychological Momentum and Skill Performance:  A Laboratory Study. Journal of Sport & Exercise, 14, 119-133. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.

 Is Momentum Gained From Initial Competitive Success? (1986). Journal of Sport Psychology, 8(4), 281. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.