Patterns of change in psychological variables leading up to competition in superior versus inferior performers

The study explored patterns of change in a number of potentially performance-related variables (i.e., fatigue, social support, self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, mental skills) during the lead up to a competitive triathlon, and whether these patterns of change differed for relatively superior versus inferior performers. Forty-two triathletes completed an inventory measuring the study variables every other day during a two-week period leading up to competition. Performance was assessed using participants’ race time, and using a self-referenced relative score compared to personal best times. Multilevel growth curve analyses revealed significant differences in growth trajectories over the two week period in mental skills use, social support, and fatigue. The results provide novel insight into how athletes’ fluctuating psychological state in the two weeks prior to competition may be crucial in determining performance