Psychological states underlying excellent performance in sport: A paradigm shift toward multiple-state perspectives
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Psychological states underlying excellent performance have long been of practical interest in sport, and the scientific literature in this area has grown significantly over the past 50 years. Despite the extensive research, new perspectives have recently emerged, which may address existing conceptual, methodological, and practical problems identified in this field. Therefore, we aimed to critically review psychological states underlying excellent performance in sport studied over the past five decades, evaluate the field’s progress, and propose ways forward in research and applied practice via an emerging paradigm shift. First, we identify, synthesize, and critique nine individual concepts that have emerged in literature on the psychology of excellent performance in sport since the first study was published in 1977. Second, we critically examine the cross-cutting issues and developments that have contributed to the paradigm shift within research on psychological states underlying excellent performance in sport. Finally, we offer recommendations for researchers and practitioners to avoid pitfalls, improve clarity, and deliver more evidence-informed applied practice. Overall, we highlight how the field of psychological states underlying excellent performance in sport has progressed to enable the differentiation of concepts with stronger scientific foundations, and to help researchers and practitioners operate in a more evidence-based manner.
Authors: Patricia C. Jackman, Joseph Greer, Matthew J. Schweickle, Patrick Boudreau, Scott G. Goddard, Stewart A. Vella, Christian Swann
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415127230