ennis players, ranging in skill from intermediate to world class caliber, from Florida, Michigan, and Texas, completed the test instrument which was then subjected to factor analysis. Based on the results of the factor analysis, it was discovered that self-statements could be classified as either appropriate or inappropriate. Inappropriate statements included high levels of negative self-statements depreciative of athletes ability and competency. Those players who performed best and who had the highest levels of self-worth were found to be players that moderately to frequently engaged in appropriate self-talk which consisted of high levels of positive self-statements.
What the foregoing studies suggest is that both for non-athlete young people (college students) and for athletes, the use of positive self-statements may be beneficial to elevating their feelings of self-worth as well as improving their performance. In other words, one action that might be taken to remediate the negative effects of the pressu
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