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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07200219

Psychological Performance Strategies Training to Improve Achievement Motivation in Athletes

This quasi-experimental study was designed to evaluate whether a structured, four-week psychological performance strategies training program could improve achievement motivation among licensed athletes. Fifty athletes were assigned to an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The experimental group received training twice weekly for four weeks, including goal setting, self-talk, emotional control, imagery, automaticity, action orientation, attention control, and relaxation. Achievement motivation was measured at baseline and after the intervention using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale.

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Key information

Conditions

Achievement Athlete Athletic Performance Sports

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Aksaray University, Faculty of Sports Sciences

Aksaray, 68100, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Achievement motivation is a key determinant of athletic performance, yet few studies have systematically investigated structured psychological skills training in this area. This study aimed to examine the effect of a multi-component psychological performance strategies program on achievement motivation in athletes.

A total of 50 licensed athletes from the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Aksaray University, voluntarily participated. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The experimental group received supervised psychological performance strategies training, consisting of eight modules delivered over four weeks (two sessions per week, 60 minutes each). Training content included:

  • Goal setting
  • Self-talk
  • Emotional control
  • Imagery
  • Automaticity
  • Taking action
  • Attention control and negative thinking management
  • Relaxation techniques

The control group did not receive any intervention. Outcome assessment was performed using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale, administered at baseline and after the 4-week program.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Licensed athletes enrolled at the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Aksaray University
  • Age ≥18 years
  • Voluntary agreement to participate and provide informed consent
  • No prior participation in psychological performance strategy training

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous exposure to structured sports psychology or psychological skills training programs
  • Presence of acute injury, illness, or medical condition preventing participation
  • Refusal or inability to provide informed consent

Treatment and study plan

Psychological Performance Strategies Training

Behavioral

A structured 4-week program of psychological performance strategies training delivered to licensed athletes. The program consisted of 8 sessions (twice per week, 60 minutes each) including modules on goal setting, self-talk, emotional control, imagery, automaticity, action orientation, attention control/negative thinking management, and relaxation techniques. Training was conducted in a supervised group format by qualified instructors.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation total score

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) to Post-intervention (Week 4)

    Mean change in the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale (40 items, 5-point Likert; minimum = 1, maximum = 5; higher scores indicate greater achievement motivation) from baseline to post-intervention. Scores assessed in both arms; between-group comparison based on change scores.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Percent change in Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation total score

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) to Post-intervention (Week 4)

    Percent change = [(Post-test - Pre-test) / Pre-test] × 100; calculated using the Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale (40 items, 5-point Likert; minimum = 1, maximum = 5; higher scores indicate greater achievement motivation).

  2. Post-intervention Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation total score

    Time frame: Post-intervention (Week 4)

    Group comparison of Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale total score at Week 4 (40 items, 5-point Likert; minimum = 1, maximum = 5; higher scores indicate greater achievement motivation). Baseline score considered in analysis as appropriate.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ladislav Batalik

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Effect of Psychological Performance Strategies Training on Achievement Motivation in Athletes

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Oct 1, 2025
Registry last updated
Oct 1, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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