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

Burnout is marked by exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishment — intrinsic motivation typically decreases, not increases, in burned-out athletes.

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

SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) provide clear, actionable targets that enhance motivation and allow coaches to track athlete progress.

Question 3

A gymnastics coach creates a 'mastery climate' by:

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing effort, learning, and individual improvement over winning

Answer

A mastery climate focuses on personal growth, effort, and task mastery rather than social comparison, supporting intrinsic motivation and long-term athlete development.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness

Answer

SDT holds that motivation flourishes when athletes feel a sense of autonomy (control over choices), competence (skill mastery), and relatedness (connection with coach and teammates).

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

A practiced reset routine using a specific cue word rapidly clears the cognitive disruption caused by an error and restores present-moment focus before the next event.

FIG - International Gymnastics Federation Coach Certification Practice Test

FIG - International Gymnastics Federation Coach Certification Practice Test

FIG Psychology and Mental Conditioning 3