Abstract des Autors

The main purpose of this study was to explore the effects of goal orientation and perceived competence on cognitive interference during sport performance. The sample consisted of 182 snooker and tennis players. The Thought Occurrence Questionnaire (TOQ) was used to measure cognitive interference. The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) was used to assess athletes' goal orientation, while perceptions of competence were evaluated by a three-item scale. Multiple Group Path Analysis was conducted to test the structure of the relationship between the constructs. Results revealed that while task orientation was negatively associated with 'thoughts of escape', irrespective of levels of perceived competence, the relationship between ego orientation and 'thoughts of escape' was moderated by perceived competence. Congruent with theoretical predictions, in the low perceived competence group there was a positive relationship between ego orientation and 'thoughts of escape', while in the high competence group the association was not significant. Verf.-Referat