Self Confidence

Self-Confidence

  • Definition: Self-confidence is defined as the belief that you can successfully perform a desired behavior.

SPORT CONFIDENCE INVENTORY

  • The Sport Confidence Inventory is an assessment tool used to determine an athlete’s confidence levels during competition.

  • Instructions:

    • Read each question carefully and reflect on your confidence regarding each item as you competed during the past year or season.

    • Indicate the percentage of the time you believe you had too little, too much, or just the right degree of confidence.

    • Example Question (for pole vaulter):

    • Question: How confident are you each time you attempt to clear 17 feet (5.18 m)?

      • Responses:

      • Underconfident (%): 20

      • Confident (%): 70

      • Overconfident (%): 10

    • Note: The three answers must always add up to 100%. You can distribute this percentage as you see fit, either focusing all on one category, splitting between two, or, as in the example, dividing among all three categories.

Confidence Assessment Questions

  1. How confident are you with respect to your ability to execute the skills of your sport or exercise?

  2. How confident are you regarding your ability to make critical decisions during the contest?

  3. How confident are you in your ability to concentrate?

  4. How confident are you in your ability to perform under pressure?

  5. How confident are you in executing a successful strategy?

  6. How confident are you that you will put forth the effort needed to succeed?

  7. How confident are you in controlling your emotions during competition?

  8. How confident are you in your physical conditioning or training?

  9. How confident are you in relating successfully to your coaches?

  10. How confident are you in your ability to come back when behind?

  • The inventory is adapted by permission from ACEP, ACEP Sport Psychology, Level 2 (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1989), page 251.

Types of Self-Confidence

  • Trait Self-Confidence:

    • Definition: The degree of certainty individuals usually have about their ability to succeed.

  • State Self-Confidence:

    • Definition: The degree of certainty that individuals have at a particular moment about their ability to succeed.

Formula for Confidence

  • Confidence can be expressed with the formula:
    Confidence} = {Preparation} {Positive Thinking}

Levels of Confidence

  • Optimal Confidence: A balance where the athlete feels adequately prepared and confident.

  • Lack of Confidence: A situation where the athlete feels uncertain and insecure about their abilities.

  • Overconfidence: A state where the athlete overestimates their capabilities and may neglect preparation.

  • Performance Levels:

    • High Performance

    • Moderate Confidence

    • Low Confidence

    • Underconfident

    • Just Right

    • Overconfident

Model of Sport Confidence

  • The model encompasses various factors and consequences that affect sport confidence.

Factors Influencing Sport Confidence

  • Demographic and Personality Characteristics

  • Organizational Culture

  • Self-Regulation

Sources of Sport Confidence

  • Physical Skills and Training

  • Confidence in Decision-Making Skills

Constructs of Sport Confidence

  • Confidence in Physical Skills and Training

  • Confidence in Resiliency

Consequences of Sport Confidence

  • Affect (emotional responses)

  • Cognition (thought processes)

  • Behavior (actions in particular scenarios)

  • Social Climate (interactions with others)

Expectations and Performance

  • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy:

    • Definition: When we have an expectation about what a situation or a person is like, it influences our behavior, which can elicit the very behavior we were expecting.

Subtypes of Expectations:

  • Self Expectations and Performance: The impact personal beliefs about one’s capabilities have on actual performance.

  • Coaching Expectations and Athlete's Performance: How a coach’s beliefs about an athlete affect the athlete's actual performance.

Self-Efficacy

  • Definition: Self-efficacy is the perception of one's ability to perform a task successfully.

Sources of Self-Efficacy

  1. Performance Accomplishments: Success in previous performances builds confidence in future tasks.

  2. Vicarious Experiences: Observing others successfully perform a task increases belief in one's ability to do the same.

  3. Verbal Persuasion: Encouragement and positive affirmations from others can boost confidence.

  4. Imaginal Experiences: Visualizing successful performance enhances belief in one's capabilities.

  5. Physiological States: Physical feelings (like relaxation vs tension) can influence confidence.

  6. Emotional States: An individual’s emotional condition can affect their perceived efficacy in performing tasks.

Building Self-Confidence

  • Strategies to Build Confidence:

    • Focus on performance accomplishments

    • Act confident

    • Respond to mistakes with confidence

    • Think confidently

    • Use imagery

    • Set goals

    • Optimize physical conditioning and training

    • Foster positive relationships

    • Build team efficacy

Affirmation Card

  • Contents to Include:

    • List of sport strengths

    • Past successes in sport

    • Reasons for loving your sport

    • Greatest achievement outside of sports

    • Things you are grateful for

    • Items that elicit laughter

    • Favorite quotes, pictures of loved ones, happy memories, etc.