The POMS and sports performance: A review

The general purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature on precompetitive mood states (using the POMS) and sport performance. Specifically, important interpretative, conceptual, and methodological issues are examined to provide direction for future research. A position is taken that the Mental Health Model (iceberg profile) may not be the most suitable framework for understanding how precompetitive mood states are related to sport performance. A promising alternative approach is Hanin's Individual Zone of Optimal Function (IZOF) model.