A Qualitative Investigation of Young Female Dancers’ Use of Imagery

in The Sport Psychologist

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Irene Muir University of Windsor

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Krista J. Munroe-Chandler University of Windsor

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Todd Loughead University of Windsor

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2017-0123
Keywords:
dance training; females; mental skills; sport psychology; youth
Corrected:
06 Mar 2019
In Print:
Volume 32: Issue 4
Page Range:
263–274
ERRATUM TO THIS ARTICLE ERRATUM TO THIS ARTICLE
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Although dancers have noted using imagery to mentally rehearse a routine, understand and reinforce movement, inspire strong emotions, and lower arousal levels, this finding is specific to adult dancers, overlooking imagery use with young dancers. The current study qualitatively examined the 4 Ws of imagery use (where, when, what, and why) with female dancers 7–14 years of age. Twenty-three female dancers (Mage = 10.43, SD = 2.19) from various dance styles participated in 1 of 4 focus-group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed findings similar to those identified in the domains of both adult dance and children’s sport. There were, however, findings emerging from the current study specific to young female dancers. These findings are provided, in addition to practical implications for dance instructors.

The authors are with the Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.

Muir (muiri@uwindsor.ca) is corresponding author.
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