Sports-specific metacognitions: associations with flow state in triathletes

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigated associations between triathletes’ sports-specific metacognitive beliefs, metacognitive processes measured prior to a triathlon (n = 193), and in-event flow measured post event (n = 76).. Method The Metacognitive questionnaires were administered to triathletes one day prior to the event, and the flow scale was administered just following the event. Bivariate correlations were used to test relationships with individual flow dimensions, while stepwise regressions were used to determine the strongest metacognitive predictors of meta processes and flow. Results Correlations indicated that metacognitive beliefs were negatively associated with various specific dimensions of flow (Cohen’s f2 = .28), while metacognitive processes positively associated with flow dimensions (Cohen’s f 2 = .49). Stepwise regressions revealed that specific metacognitive beliefs were negatively associated with metacognitive processes during competition (Cohen’s f2 = .08 to .49), including the coordination, evaluation and control of cognition. Further regressions demonstrated that negative beliefs about competitive thinking, thought control, and cognitive coordination predicted experience of flow during competition. Conclusions Overall, this study demonstrated that sports specific metacognitive beliefs and processes may influence the regulation of flow during a competition, however, further research using longitudinal and qualitative methodologies is required to understand the relationships further KEY POINTS (1)Flow state has been well established as mental state for optimal performance. (2)Manifesting flow requires effective self-regulation of attention and cognition. (3)Metacognitions have shown to influence attention and flow in athletes. (4)Sports-specific metacognitions were associated with various dimensions of flow state. (5)Sports-specific metacognitive beliefs predicted self-regulatory ability prior to performances. (6)Sports-specific metacognitions predicted the experience of flow during performances.