The relationship between imagery and physical self-efficacy in athletes

The world’s greatest athletes have very well-developed imagery skills.
They use imagery every day to improve skills during training, to prepare for
competitions, to adjust in technical performance and to image success,
thereby strengthening their confidence and beliefs for higher achievements.
Previous research has shown that the use of imagery for athletes has helped
to achieve the desired goals. Physical self-efficacy has received a lot of
attention in sports, and it is associated with the use of imagery. High
physical self-efficiency means that athlete enjoys sports-related activities
and has a constant desire for improvement and development. The aim of this
study is to examine the relationship between athlete’s imagery abilities and
physical self-efficacy. It was assumed that athletes who have a higher
physical self-efficacy level would have higher imagery abilities than those
who have lower physical self-efficacy level. The study included 69 athletes
from various kinds of sports (female and male). The following research
methods were used: research and analysis of literature sources, Sport
Imagery Ability Questionnaire (SIAQ), Self-Efficacy to Regulate Exercise
scale (SERES), mathematical statistical methods. Study findings suggest
that athletes who have higher physical self-efficacy use imagery more and
have better imagery abilities than athletes who have lower physical selfefficacy level.