Chapter 14 - Imagery

What is imagery?

a form of simulation that involves recalling from memory pieces of information stored from experience and shaping those pieces into meaningful images

What is involved when doing imagery?

creating or recreating an experience in your mind

moods and emotions

What senses does imagery use?

visual, kinesthetic, auditory, tactile, and olfactory

Other terms for imagery

visualization, mental rehearsal, symbolic rehearsal, covert practice, and mental practice

Five characteristics of imagery

1. Modality

2. Perspective

3. Angle

4. Agency

5. Deliberation

Modality

five characteristics of imagery;

the senses used (e.g., auditory, visual, tactile, etc.)

Perspective

five characteristics of imagery;

first person (internal)

third person (external)

Angle

five characteristics of imagery;

the viewing angle

Agency

five characteristics of imagery;

the author or agent of the behavior being imagined

one’s self or another person

Deliberation

five characteristics of imagery;

the degree to which imagery is deliberate or spontaneous

Uses of imagery

• improve concentration

• enhance motivation

• build confidence

• control emotional responses

Do athletes use imagery more in competition or training?

athletes use imagery more in competition than in training and to enhance performance

When do athletes use imagery?

• athletes use imagery before, during, and after practice

• outside of practice

• before, during, or after competition

• injury rehabilitation

Why do athletes use imagery?

motivational functions

cognitive functions

Motivational Functions

Why do athletes use imagery;

motivational specific

motivational general

Cognitive Functions

Why do athletes use imagery;

cognitive specific

cognitive general

Motivational general

Motivational Functions;

arousal

ex: including relaxation by imaging a quiet place

Motivational specific

Motivational Functions;

goal-oriented responses

ex: imaging oneself winning an event and receiving a medal

Cognitive general

Cognitive Functions;

strategy

ex: imaging carrying out a strategy to win a competition

Cognitive specific

Cognitive Functions;

skills

ex: imaging performing on the parallel bars (in gymnastics) successfully

What do athletes image?

athletes image their surroundings via senses

internal vs external imagery perspective

Internal perspective

What do athletes image;

visualizing the execution of a skill from your own vantage point

External perspective

What do athletes image;

visualizing yourself from the perspective of an outside observer

Five Theories of Imagery

1. Psychoneuromuscular

2. Symbolic

3. Bioinformational

4. Triple Code

5. Psychological Explanations

Psychoneuromuscular Theory

Five Theories of Imagery;

programs muscles for action

facilitates the learning of motor skills

Symbolic Learning Theory

Five Theories of Imagery;

helps us understand movement patterns

functions as a coding system to help people understand and acquire movement patterns

Bioinformational Theory

Five Theories of Imagery;

images are made of stimulus and response propositions

Triple Code Model

Five Theories of Imagery;

comprises the image, somatic response, and meaning of the image

primary importance is placed on the psychophysiology of imagery and understanding the imagery parts

Psychological Explanations

Five Theories of Imagery;

develops and refines mental skills

reduces anxiety

Attention-arousal set theory, Psychological skills hypothesis

Attention-arousal set theory

Psychological Explanations;

imagery functions as a predatory set that assists in reaching optimal arousal

Psychological skills hypothesis

Psychological Explanations;

imagery enhances feelings of confidence, reduces anxiety levels, and increases concentration

Keys to Effective Imagery

Imagining Controllability —

controlling a performance

controlling a performance against a tough opponent

controlling your emotions

Imagery Training Program (ITP)

Developing an ITP

Developing Imagery Scripts

Frequency, Duration, and Intensity of Imagery Training

Developing an ITP

Imagery Training Program (ITP);

• practice in many settings

• aim for relaxed concentration

• set realistic expectations

• use vivid and controllable images

• be positive

Developing Imagery Scripts

Imagery Training Program (ITP);

Who: age, sport, competitive level

Where: training and competition environment

When: before, during, or after competition or training

Why: the goal of imagery

What: content of the image

Frequency, Duration, and Intensity of Imagery Training

Imagery Training Program (ITP);

• participate in three to four sessions per week

• sessions should be at least 15-30 minutes

• repetitions will vary with the length of the sport skill

• should be systematic