The Content of Goal-Directed Self-Talk in Volitional Processes

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to examine the content of goal-directed self-talk in volitional processes. To this end, 96 athletes completed a computerized booklet on goal-directed self-talk that they used when they were in a state of demotivation. Using qualitative analyses, we classified the text units firstly deductively in seven primary categories of goal-directed self-talk and secondly inductively into secondary categories for the primary category “creating positive attitudes for the future.” Overall, athletes in a state of demotivation use mainly goal-directed self-talk to create positive attitudes for the future, to control cognitions and behavior, and to create activated states. Furthermore, self-talk to create positive attitudes for the future includes self-talk statements aimed at upregulating confidence, motivational regulation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, and goal orientation, both task- and ego-oriented. The results may contribute to a better theoretical understanding of how goal-directed self-talk is related to athletes’ volitional processes.