Sports Psychology & Motivation Flashcards
7 cards from real CIC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sports Psychology & Motivation flashcards as text
Which of the following is a characteristic of the 'flow' state as described by Csikszentmihalyi?
Answer: A merging of action and awareness with loss of self-consciousness
Flow is characterized by complete absorption in the task, where action and awareness merge and self-consciousness disappears.
An interscholastic coach wants to help a sophomore cope with failure after a tough loss. The MOST effective psychological approach is to:
Answer: Help the athlete reframe the experience as a learning opportunity
Reframing failure as a growth opportunity supports resilience and adaptive coping, which are key components of mental toughness development.
Which factor is MOST likely to differentiate mentally tough athletes from others during high-pressure moments?
Answer: Ability to regulate emotions and maintain focus under adversity
Mental toughness is primarily defined by the capacity to regulate emotions and sustain focus when facing adversity, pressure, or distractions.
What does the concept of 'SMART' goal-setting stand for in sport psychology?
Answer: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound, providing clear direction and motivation for athletes.
A track coach uses process goals rather than outcome goals during the season. The PRIMARY benefit of this approach is:
Answer: Athletes control their effort and technique rather than uncontrollable results
Process goals focus athletes on controllable actions and technique, reducing anxiety about uncontrollable outcomes like opponents' performances.
When a coach praises a player's effort after a loss ('You worked incredibly hard today'), this aligns with which psychological principle?
Answer: Growth mindset promotion and effort attribution
Praising effort (rather than talent or outcome) reinforces a growth mindset, teaching athletes that ability improves through hard work.
An athlete experiences debilitating pre-competition nerves that persist despite breathing exercises. The coach should FIRST:
Answer: Refer the athlete to a certified sport psychology consultant
When anxiety persists beyond basic interventions, referral to a certified sport psychology consultant ensures the athlete receives qualified, individualized mental skills training.