Flipping the Script: Effects of Positive Self-talk on Artistic Gymnastics Performance

Abstract

Positive self-talk is a widely recognized cognitive tool that enhances athletic performance; however, its application within artistic gymnastics during early developmental stages remains underexplored. The present study employed a within-subjects repeated-measures research design to understand the effects of positive self-talk on performance, state anxiety, and confidence amongst female artistic gymnasts. Participants completed a three-session (n = 7) or single-session intervention (n = 5), with a total sample of N = 12 (Mean age = 10.08). Caregiver data were also collected (N = 11, Mean age = 42.73) to examine associations between caregiver and gymnast psychological characteristics. Participants were measured on performance (by their level-specific uneven bar dismount), state anxiety, and confidence. Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Spearman correlations indicated that self-talk did not produce statistically significant changes. Future studies should employ larger samples and integrate self-talk interventions within athletes’ natural training environments to better evaluate their effectiveness in youth gymnastics.