The Cognitive and Motivational Functions of Imagery Among Athletic Trainers

Abstract

Knowledge of imagery is a required competency for athletic trainers (ATs) but research has yet to consider imagery use by ATs despite its relevant application for learning, planning, and controlling emotions in high stakes situations like rehabilitation, competency exams or novel injury situations. Aligned with the Applied Model of Mental Imagery, this study examined the cognitive and motivational functions of imagery used by 59 certified ATs and 34 AT students (N = 93, 19-48 years of age). Participants completed the Sport Imagery Questionnaire modified for the population. Image function and direction were also considered. Imagery training was only reported by 23% of the participants but 50% reported encouraging their athletes to use imagery and 86% believed the skill enhances their duties. Internal consistencies of the five image content subscales ranged from .83 to .68 and inter-scale correlations ranged from .72 to .76. ATs reported using MG-Mastery most frequently followed by CS-Skills CG-Strategies MG-Arousal and MS-Goals. Independent t-tests indicated MG-Goals was used more by students than certified ATs, t(91)=2.04, p<.05, and by non-practicing ATs than those who practiced, t(91)=-4.01, p<.001. Participants from curriculum programs reported more use of MG-Arousal than those from internship programs, t(91)=2.23, p=.05 and there was no gender variation across subscales. A trend of significant, negative correlations between education and the three motivation functions of imagery indicated the more educated ATs used imagery less for controlling emotions, mastering skills and setting goals. However, overall, the most frequently cited reason for using individual images was for confidence, followed by anxiety, goals, and skills and strategies. The majority of images were perceived to help job performance while one CG-Strategies and 4/5 MG-Arousal items were perceived as harmful to performance. Enhancing AT curricula with systematic training in psychological skills would enhance AT performance and disseminate information to clients.