C1.2.2 Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (HL)

A self-fulfilling prophecy is that beliefs and feelings can influence an outcome (if you think you can, you can)

• Self-perception of confidence leads to actions of persistence and a higher likelihood of success

• Being successful improves confidence, confidence increases motivation, motivation increases effort and persistence, effort and persistence increase the probability of success

  • The opposite is also true… low self-confidence leads to a low likelihood of success

Self-confidence can: arouse positive emotions; help concentration; help set challenging goals; increase effort; help strategise; maintain the momentum of athleticism

Learned helplessness

Learned helplessness is a developed condition where actions have no effect on outcomes. Nothing can be done to change an outcome

• Poor confidence can be a result of mistakes or losses and causes a feeling of no control. This is a disposition, or feeling, that can be changed

• Can be overcome through setting task goals (mastering a skill) rather than ego goals (being better than someone else)

• Feedback from coaches should emphasise how to perform a skill correctly and encourage rather than point out flaws and make sexuces to make someome feel better