Attentional Style and Powerlifting Performance

Abstract

In 1981 Nideffer stated that sport performance could be predicted if attentional demands of the task and the attentional abilities of the athlete were known. A simple closed type skill was chosen (powerlifting) where attentional demands were later suggested to be narrow and internal. Attentional style was assessed by Pratt and Nideffer's abbreviated Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style. 98 subjects volunteered while these powerlifters were participating in the United States Powerlifting Federation's National Collegiate Powerlifting Championships in 1989. Analysis indicated significant differences in attentional style between successful and less successful powerlifters. Results are discussed in relationship to attentional theory.