Effects of Motivational and Instructional Self-Talk on Performance and Stress in Soccer Forwards

Beijing Sport University36 enrolled

Overview

This study investigates the effects of different types of self-talk on performance and stress regulation in soccer forwards. Self-talk is a psychological technique in which athletes use specific verbal cues to guide their thoughts and actions during training and competition. Two commonly used forms are motivational self-talk, which focuses on confidence and effort, and instructional self-talk, which focuses on technical and tactical cues. Thirty-six male soccer forwards of different competitive levels participated in this study. Players were randomly assigned to a motivational self-talk group, an instructional self-talk group, or a control group. The intervention lasted six weeks. Before and after the intervention, participants completed assessments of soccer-specific technical skills, physical performance, and match tactical behavior. Psychological measures of self-efficacy and biological indicators of stress (salivary cortisol) were also collected. The purpose of this study is to determine whether different self-talk strategies produce different effects depending on players' competitive level and task demands. The findings are expected to provide practical guidance for the use of psychological training strategies in soccer and other team sports.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Psychological Self-talk Interventions in Soccer Performance

Interventions

Motivational Self-Talk TrainingBEHAVIORAL

Participants received structured motivational self-talk training aimed at enhancing confidence, effort, and persistence during soccer training and match-related tasks. Individualized motivational cue words and phrases were developed and practiced under guidance, and participants were instructed to apply these cues consistently throughout the six-week intervention period.

Instructional Self-Talk TrainingBEHAVIORAL

Participants were instructed to apply task-specific instructional self-talk cues to guide technical execution and tactical decision-making during soccer training over a six-week intervention period.

No Self-Talk (Usual Training Control)BEHAVIORAL

Participants in the control group continued their regular soccer training and match preparation without receiving any form of structured self-talk instruction. No motivational or instructional self-talk strategies were introduced during the intervention period.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria * Male university football players aged 18-25 years * Full-time university students regularly engaged in organized football training and competition * At least two years of systematic football training experience * In good general health at the time of enrollment * No musculoskeletal injuries or medical conditions affecting football performance within the previous 6 months * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing * Able to understand study procedures and complete soccer-specific performance and decision-making tasks * Provided written informed consent prior to participation Exclusion Criteria * History of neurological, psychiatric, or cognitive disorders that could influence decision-making or reaction time * Current participation in structured psychological skills training programs (e.g., self-talk training, imagery, mindfulness training) outside routine football practice during the study period * Use of medications or substances known to affect cognitive function * Presence of any medical condition or injury contraindicating participation in football training or testing * Failure to comply with the intervention protocol or outcome assessments

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Match-Based Technical and Tactical Performance

Match-based technical and tactical performance was assessed during regular soccer match play using standardized match analysis procedures. This outcome represents players' overall technical and tactical performance exhibited in a real match context over the intervention period.