Effects of an Individualized Mental-Skills-Training Program on Golf Performance: A Single-Subject Research Design

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Paul R. Ashbrook National University

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Andrew Gillham Ludus Consulting

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Douglas Barba National University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2017-0107
In Print:
Volume 32: Issue 4
Page Range:
275–289
Restricted access

Using a single-subject research design, a 1-to-1 tailored mental-skills-training (MST) program was created, implemented, and evaluated. During the 20-wk intervention phase, 6 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college golfers received a series of individually tailored MST sessions aimed at enhancing their mental skills and athletic performance. Each athlete’s golf performance, mental-skill frequency, and response to service were evaluated using visual inspection. Despite some limitations, results suggested that the 1-to-1 training program was effective, with nearly 50% of the performance and perception metrics improving from baseline and almost 80% of the mental skills improving. Follow-up analyses indicated that the program continued to positively affect performance into the next competitive season.

Ashbrook and Barba are with National University, Carlsbad, CA. Gillham is with Ludus Consulting, Sioux Falls, SD.

Ashbrook (paul.ashbrook@gmail.com) is corresponding author.
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