Abstract

The 1980 Skylon International Marathon provided an opportunity to examine selected psychosocial characteristics of 55 athletes randomly selected from a group of 180 participating in pre-race tests. Drawing upon a 1974 pilot project and related work in this field of study the following characteristics were investigated genetic/ethnic, family composition/sources of influence, perceptions of training and competition, and methods of coping with stress. Most marathoners are of Northern European heritage, from large families where boys outnumber girls, and occupy a high ordinal position among their siblings (early born). Eye color - a measure of neuromelanin which inhibits reactivity of the nervous systems - tends toward light blue. This indicates a genetic capacity to tolerate the pain usually experienced in distance running. These athletes attribute their sport success little to influence by others. Unlike middle distance runners (1.5 to 5 km), marathoners do not experience mor epain when behind in a race. Strategies and mechanisms adopted to cope with physiological and psychic stress in a race vary between association with body signals (sensing changes in respiration, muscle contraction) and dissociation from body functioning. Marathoners most often substituted cognitions of personal or race-related concerns. Verf.-Referat