Differences and perceived effect of goal setting among optimistic and pessimistic contact sport athletes

• Main Author: Cua, Leonard Jaymer M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2014
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/18097
• Institution: De La Salle University

The purpose of this study is to find out the differences in goal-setting of optimistic and pessimistic contact sport athletes. Moreover, this study also examines how the differences in goal-setting affects their athletic performance. The study used an explanatory sequential research design, in which quantitative data was collected and then, afterwards, qualitative data. 64 participants were given the Revised Life Orientation Test to classify them to optimists and pessimists and interviews based on the Exercise Goal-Setting was then administered to 5 optimistic and 5 pessimistic contact sport athletes. Findings suggest that the two groups differ in the way they set their goals, with optimists setting short and very specific goals and pessimists setting long but general goals. However, despite the differences in goal-setting, both optimistic and pessimistic contact sport athletes perceive themselves to perform well, with proof of having achieved their set goals. With this, optimism and pessimism may mean difference in goals but not in perceived performance.