Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether any differences exist in the cognitive and behavioural strategies which male and female swimmers use in training and competition. Male (n=15) and female (n=15) members of an elite Victorian Swimming squad completed a standardised questionnaire which focused upon psychological factors affecting both their swimming training and competition. To analyse the data, the factors derived from the questionnaire were examined using t-tests and stepwise discriminant function analyses for male/female status. The factors which best distinguished between the two groups included use of imagery, thinking about competition, hours in other training and thinking about mistakes. Specifically, females as compared to males, reported using more visual imagery, thought more about competition and spent more hours in other types of training. Males reported that they thought more about mistakes made earlier in a meet than females. Suggestions for future research are provided. Verf.-Referat