It has long been known that almost all elite athletes use imagery and that most sport psychologists apply imagery in working with athletes. But most material on the subject has been, to this point, relegated to single chapters in books, to journal articles, or to conference proceedings.
Now Imagery in Sport addresses the breadth of what researchers and practitioners in sport psychology know about the topic, and it treats each issue in depth, considering current theories and research on imagery and its application in sport. The reference also addresses future directions in research and practice for imagery in sport. In doing so, Imagery in Sport provides the most comprehensive look at the state of imagery and its uses in sport today. The authors take readers step by step through understanding, investigating, applying, and advancing imagery in sport. The text includes the following:
-Sample scripts, preperformance suggestions, and sport-specific and site-specific tips
-Presentation and critical analysis of 10 well-known theoretical frameworks for understanding imagery
-A full chapter devoted to understanding and successfully using the available measures of imagery in sport, including how to administer imagery-ability measures
Imagery in Sport takes complex theories and presents them clearly, using examples from everyday sport contexts. The book helps readers become familiar with the current knowledge about the topic and learn to view it with a critical eye. And it provides practicing sport psychologists with guidelines and strategies for using imagery to help athletes improve their performances.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I: Understanding Imagery in Sport
Chapter 1. Introduction: The Power of Imagination
-Power of Imagery
-Challenges, Theory, and Research on Imagery
Chapter 2. Definitions: What Is Imagery?
-Definitions From Cognitive Sport Psychology
-Definitions From Sport Psychology
-Working Definition of Sport Imagery
-Operational Definitions of Imagery Ability and Imagery Use
-Conceptualizations From Sport Psychology
-Conclusions
Chapter 3. Theories: How Does Imagery Work?
-Early Theories of Mental Practice
-Cognitive Theories of Imagery
-Psychological State Explanations
-Functional Equivalence and Neurophysiological Explanations
-Conclusions
Part II: Investigating Imagery in Sport
Chapter 4. Imagery-Ability and Imagery-Use Assessment
-Components of Imagery Ability
-Classification of Imagery-Ability and Imagery-Use Measures
-Measures of Imagery Used in Sport Psychology
-Evidence Related to the Construct Validation of Imagery Measurement
-Conclusions
Chapter 5. Imagery Research
-Does Imagery Work?
-Which Factors Influence the Effectiveness of Imagery?
-How Much Imagery Is Enough?
-Is Imagery Research in Its Own Little Dream World?
-Conclusions
Chapter 6. Imagery Perspectives
-Definitions of Imagery Modality and Imagery Perspectives
-Visual and Kinesthetic Imagery Research
-Internal and External Imagery Research
-Visual/Kinesthetic and Internal/External Imagery Research
-Conclusions
Chapter 7. Psychophysiological Research on Imagery
-Psychophysiological Measures
-Psychophysiological Research
-Conclusions
Part III: Applying Imagery in Sport
Chapter 8. Strategies for Applying Imagery
-Overview of Existing Imagery-Based Interventions
-Key Components of an Imagery Training Program
-Applied Example
-Conclusions
Chapter 9. Uses for Imagery
-Uses of Imagery in the General Athletic Population
-Uses of Imagery in Special Athletic Populations
-Conclusions
Chapter 10. Technical Aids to Imagery
-Video Modeling and Imagery
-Biofeedback and Imagery in Sport
-Flotation and Imagery
-Conclusions
Chapter 11. Injury Rehabilitation and Imagery
-Role of Imagery in Rehabilitation
-Use of Imagery in Rehabilitation
-Implications for Practice
-Conclusions
Part IV: Advancing Imagery in Sport
Chapter 12. Exercise and Imagery
-Theoretical Basis for Imagery Use in Exercise Settings
-Research on Imagery and Exercise
-Applications of Imagery in Exercise Settings
-Conclusions
Chapter 13. Future Directions in Research and Practice
-Future Directions in Imagery Research
-Future Directions in Imagery Practice
-Conclusions
References
Index
About the Authors
Contributors
