Research Library

The Emerging Field of Emotion Regulation: An Integrative Review

The emerging field of emotion regulation studies how individuals influence which emotions they have, when they have them, and how they experience and express them. This review takes an evolutionary perspective and characterizes emotion in terms of response tendencies. Emotion regulation is defined and distinguished from coping, mood regulation, defense, and affect regulation. In the increasingly specialized discipline of psychology, the field of emotion regulation cuts across traditional boundaries and provides common ground. According to a process model of emotion regulation, emotion may be regulated at five points in the emotion generative process: (a) selection of the situation, (b) modification of the situation, (c) deployment of attention, (d) change of cognitions, and (e) modulation of responses. The field of emotion regulation promises new insights into age-old questions about how people manage their emotions.
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Emotion Regulation: Conceptual Foundations.

This chapter provides a conceptual foundation for answering questions as they arise in developmental and adult literatures relevant to emotion regulation. Because a discussion of emotion regulation presupposes an understanding of what emotion is, we first consider emotion in the context of the larger family of affective processes to which it belongs. Next, we distinguish emotion regulation from other major forms of self-regulation. This prepares the way for our presentation of the framework we use to organize the many different types of emotion regulation. Using this framework, we review findings from child developmental and adult literatures. In the last section, we highlight some of the biggest challenges--and opportunities--for those interested in emotion and emotion regulation.
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A machine learning approach for the classification of sports based on a coaches’ perspective of environmental, individual and task requirements: A sports profile analysis.

Exploring the nuances of various sports is essential for talent programs seeking to identify, develop, and transfer athletes effectively. A recent study analyzed 1247 coaches across 34 sports, employing sophisticated techniques to distinguish unique characteristics per sport. Their findings not only uncovered sport-specific profiles but also provided practical insights crucial for talent programs, coaches, and athletes seeking optimal pathways in talent identification, development, and transfer.
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Pay attention! The influence of coach-, content-, and player-related factors on focus of attention statements during tennis training.

This study on youth tennis players delved into the pivotal role of coach communication in shaping the attentional focus of athletes during training sessions across diverse sports. A detailed analysis encompassing 10 coaches engaged with youth athletes was conducted to understand the prevalence and influencers of attentional focus induced by coach communication. While prior research advocates for an external focus (EF) in enhancing performance, this study aimed to explore how coach-, content-, and player-related factors influence the attentional focus induced during sports training sessions. The findings shed light on the prevalent induction of EF in coaching across various sports, emphasizing the need for adaptable communication strategies aligned with athletes' skill levels for optimized training outcomes.
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The Fine-Tuning Approach for Training Monitoring

In the realm of sports training, effective monitoring plays a pivotal role in enhancing athlete performance. A recent article delves into the intricate world of exercise monitoring, emphasizing its indispensable role in fine-tuning training methodologies. Highlighting the fusion of external and internal load measurements, this piece navigates through the complexities of selecting, understanding, and applying various monitoring tools. By advocating for a balanced approach between simplicity and complexity, it illuminates the significance of data-informed decisions and the integration of subjective insights. Tailoring strategies to sport-specific nuances and embracing a comprehensive model that amalgamates varied metrics, the article presents practical takeaways for coaches and practitioners aiming to optimize athlete training and performance.
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Building Bridges Instead of Putting Up Walls: Connecting the “Teams” to Improve Soccer Players’ Support.

In today's competitive sports landscape, the evolution of player support structures has become increasingly complex. A recent article highlights the shifting dynamics within elite sports, shedding light on the growing trend of athletes employing specialized personal staff. This practice reflects a desire for tailored support systems aimed at optimizing performance, health, and career longevity. The article delves into the motivations behind this shift, emphasizing the critical role of effective communication and collaboration between club-centered professionals and personal staff. Amidst these changes, practical takeaways emerge to navigate this evolving terrain, emphasizing the importance of unified approaches and informed decision-making for player well-being and peak performance.
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Effects of sociodemographic and player characteristics on baseline cognitive performance in 1000 rugby players: A retrospective 8-year follow-up study.

In a comprehensive study investigating cognitive performance in a substantial cohort of rugby players over eight years, several crucial findings emerged. This research delved into the intersection of sociodemographic factors, player characteristics, and cognitive scores, revealing practical insights crucial for player management. Among the key revelations were the impact of repeated assessments on cognitive scores, the influence of education levels and playing positions, and the prevalence of psychological symptoms. These findings offer actionable takeaways to refine assessment strategies, personalize evaluations, and prioritize holistic well-being in the realm of rugby and similar high-contact sports.
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Predictors and outcomes of sports coaches’ athlete-invested contingent self-worth

This study delves into the intricate relationship between coaches' self-worth and their coaching styles, particularly concerning how some coaches attach their sense of worth to the successes or failures of their athletes. It explores the impact of this Athlete-Invested Contingent Self-Worth (AICS) on coaching approaches and athlete performance. Additionally, it sheds light on various predictors and outcomes of AICS, offering insights into how these factors influence coaches' behaviors and the implications for interventions at both the coach and club levels.
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Understanding the Sociocognitive Determinants Underlying Intentions to Exercise for Postconcussion Symptom Relief: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

This study delved into the psychological aspects influencing people's willingness to engage in exercise as part of postconcussion recovery. It revealed that social expectations, particularly what individuals believe others expect of them, strongly influence participation intentions. Additionally, it highlighted the significance of personalized programs and supervised sessions. Integrating these findings, here are five key takeaways:
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Effectiveness of daily subjective wellness measurements via mobile applications in predicting perceived exertion and training load

This study delves into how pre-training wellness, measured via a mobile app, impacts the perceived exertion and overall training load in collegiate female soccer players across an entire competitive season. By analyzing the players' self-reported wellness metrics and their exertion levels during sessions, the research highlights the crucial role of mood in predicting how hard players feel they've worked during training. This insight underscores the significance of tracking and managing athletes' wellness to optimize their performance and maintain their well-being throughout the season.
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Long-Term Neurophysiological Adaptations to Strength Training: A Systematic Review With Cross-Sectional Studies

In a comprehensive review exploring neural adaptations to strength training, researchers analyzed 20 studies comparing trained and untrained individuals. This investigation delved into electromyography (EMG) signals during strength tasks, uncovering key insights into neuromuscular efficiency, rapid force production, EMG patterns, muscle coordination, and antagonist muscle activity. These findings offer practical guidance for optimizing training strategies and understanding the nuanced neurological responses that define strength gains
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Effects of out-of-school physical activity interventions based on self-determination theory in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) based interventions on children and adolescents' physical activity levels and motivational processes, specifically when conducted outside the school environment. Analyzing nine identified studies, this research delved into the effectiveness of these out-of-school interventions, shedding light on their influence on factors like satisfaction of psychological needs, motivation toward physical activity, and actual levels of engagement.
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Supervision during resistance training positively influences muscular adaptations in resistance-trained individuals

This study delved into the impact of supervision during resistance training among young individuals already familiar with such workouts. Comparing supervised sessions against unsupervised ones over an 8-week period, the research aimed to uncover how guidance influences muscle development and strength gains. The findings shed light on the differences in muscle adaptations and strength improvements between supervised and unsupervised training, offering valuable insights into optimizing training approaches for better outcomes. Let's explore the key takeaways from this study.
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What happens in the prefrontal cortex? Cognitive processing of novel and familiar stimuli in soccer: An exploratory fNIRS study

Exploring the brain's response to cognitive tasks among semi-professional soccer players, this study dives into the differences in prefrontal cortex activity during general and sport-specific cognitive tests. By analyzing the cortical mechanisms underlying expertise in soccer, the research uncovers intriguing insights into how the brain processes familiar versus novel information in athletes. Understanding these cognitive nuances could significantly impact training approaches and shed light on the intricate relationship between brain function and sports expertise. Let's explore the key takeaways from this illuminating study.
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Impact of a 6-Day Official Tournament on Physical Demands, Perceptual–Physiological Responses, Well-Being, and Game Performance of Under-18 Basketball Players

Examining the toll of a 6-day basketball tournament on under-18 elite players sheds light on the nuanced effects of consecutive games on athlete performance and well-being. This comprehensive study closely monitored physical demands, physiological responses, player well-being, and game statistics across the tournament's duration. Understanding how the players' bodies and well-being responded throughout this intense schedule provides valuable insights for coaches and trainers aiming to optimize player performance and health in high-stakes multi-day tournaments.
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Protein Requirements Are Increased in Endurance-Trained Athletes but Similar between Females and Males during Postexercise Recovery

Understanding the optimal protein intake for athletes, particularly endurance athletes, is crucial for maximizing recovery and performance. This recent study delved into this realm, exploring protein needs in both male and female endurance athletes in real-world settings. Their findings shed light on the ideal protein intake, irrespective of gender, offering insights that challenge conventional recommendations and emphasize a unified approach towards optimizing muscle recovery.
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Effects of Early Talent Promotion on Junior and Senior Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The focus of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of early involvement in talent promotion programs on both junior and senior athletic performance. While these programs aim to accelerate performance development by selecting talented youth at a young age, studies indicate a turnover rate of 25-55% within these programs due to factors like accelerated biological maturation and intensive childhood practice. Some key findings to take away from this study are:
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Winning Matters, but Youth Coaches Shouldn’t Let It Consume Them. Here are Some Tips.

Mark Uyl has been watching, coaching or refereeing Michigan high school sports for three decades. The hundreds of games he has seen, especially when they are played indoors where the spectators are close and the sound is magnified, have revealed at least one “absolute truth,” he says. “That coach who is ranting and raving up and down the sideline, gesturing and emotionally reacting to calls and non- calls,” Uyl, the executive director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, tells USA TODAY Sports, “I can tell you 100 percent of the time, that tends to inflame that school’s fan base. “The way that coaches act,” he says, “has a direct correlation for how their spectators act.” Uyl’s observation reflects two other truths as well: One: We live in a sports world consumed with winning. It’s one in which college and professional teams feel the need to cheat to get an advantage and, even at kids games, parents are apt to rage over anything they feel could alter that outcome. Two: Being a coach gives you more control of this world than you think.
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