FIG Psychology and Mental Conditioning 3

Question 1

Gymnast burnout is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Increased intrinsic motivation and enjoyment

Answer

Emotional and physical exhaustion

Answer

Depersonalization toward the sport

Answer

Reduced sense of personal accomplishment

Question 2

The SMART goal-setting framework used in gymnastics coaching stands for goals that are:

Accepted Answer

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound

Answer

Strategic, Motivating, Ambitious, Rewarding, and Trackable

Answer

Simple, Meaningful, Attainable, Reviewed, and Tailored

Answer

Structured, Monitored, Action-based, Refined, and Timed

Question 3

A gymnastics coach creates a 'mastery climate' by:

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing effort, learning, and individual improvement over winning

Answer

Posting public rankings after every training session

Answer

Praising only athletes who achieve top scores

Answer

Rewarding gymnasts who outperform teammates

Question 4

Self-determination theory (SDT) identifies three core psychological needs essential for sustained athletic motivation:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness

Answer

Strength, flexibility, and endurance

Answer

Goal setting, imagery, and self-talk

Answer

Arousal, focus, and relaxation

Question 5

Which post-error mental strategy is most effective for helping a gymnast refocus during a multi-event competition?

Accepted Answer

Using a reset cue word and brief refocusing routine before the next apparatus

Answer

Immediately attempting the failed element repeatedly without rest

Answer

Reducing competitive effort to avoid further mistakes

Answer

Seeking detailed coaching feedback between each apparatus

Question 6

Which psychological phenomenon describes a gymnast's tendency to persist through setbacks based on the belief that abilities can be developed through effort?

Accepted Answer

Growth mindset

Answer

Fixed mindset

Answer

Self-handicapping

Answer

Outcome orientation

Question 7

A FIG-certified coach recognizes signs of pre-competition anxiety in a gymnast. Which intervention addresses both the cognitive and somatic components of anxiety most effectively?

Accepted Answer

Combining imagery rehearsal with diaphragmatic breathing and positive self-talk

Answer

Increasing practice repetitions on the day of competition

Answer

Advising the gymnast to ignore their feelings and focus only on the score

Answer

Reducing the difficulty of the competition routine without discussion