Predicting performance of elite kickboxers using the multi-states theory framework

Using the multi-states (MuSt) theory framework, this study examined the interplay between self-confidence, emotional arousal control, worry, concentration disruption, challenge and threat appraisals, psychobiosocial experiences, and self-evaluated performance of medalist kickboxers involved in the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship 2021. Participants were 103 gold, silver, or bronze medalists (58 women and 45 men), aged 18-39 (M = 25.16 +/- 4.54 years), who were contacted via email and social media and asked to fill an online survey 3 months after the event. According to the MuSt theory predictions, self-confidence and emotional arousal control were positively related to challenge appraisal, functional psychobiosocial experiences, and self-evaluated performance. Worry and concentration disruption were positively associated with threat appraisal, and negatively related to functional psychobiosocial experiences; concentration disruption was also negatively related to self-evaluated performance. Results from path analysis revealed a positive indirect link from self-confidence to self-evaluated performance via challenge appraisal and psychobiosocial experiences. Negative indirect links from worry and concentration disruption to self-evaluated performance through threat appraisal and psychobiosocial experiences were significant. A positive indirect effect from emotional arousal control to self-evaluated performance via psychobiosocial experiences was also shown. The findings are discussed in light of the MuSt theory. According to the multi-states (MuSt) theory predictions, we observed that self-confidence and emotional arousal control were positively related to challenge appraisal, functional psychobiosocial experiences, and self-evaluated performance. We also showed that worry and concentration disruption were positively associated with threat appraisal, and negatively related to functional psychobiosocial experiences, with concentration disruption being also negatively related to self-evaluated performance. We provide preliminary support to the multidimensional interplay between functional (i.e., self-confidence and emotional arousal control) and dysfunctional (i.e., worry and concentration disruption) individual dispositions, challenge and threat appraisals, psychobiosocial experiences, and performance. We recommend that athletes adopt self-regulation strategies, such as self-talk, imagery, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and action monitoring to improve their self-confidence, challenge appraisal, functional emotions, and ability to manage competitive pressure.