The Influence of a Simulated ‘Pep Talk’ on Athlete Inspiration, Situational Motivation, and Emotion

Abstract

Coaches routinely use pep talks to inspire and motivate athletes, but the efficacy of this strategy has not been empirically examined. Conceptually based on Thrash and Elliot's [3, 4] inspiration research this study explored the impact of a simulated pep talk on inspiration, inspiration to perform, situational autonomous motivation, and emotion. Collegiate football players ( n = 151) were randomly assigned to a treatment ( n = 74, viewed a movie clip of coach giving an inspirational speech) or control ( n = 77, viewed a movie clip of a coach giving game instructions) group and completed assessments pre and post treatment. A one-way ANOVA revealed an overall significant group effect for the change scores, [ F(6,134) = 6.53, p < .001]. The experimental group was more inspired by the movie clip [ F(1, 139) = 29.06, p < .001], more inspired to perform [ F(1, 139) = 24.10, p = .000], and indicated greater emotional dominance [ F(1,139) = 7.19, p = 008] than the control group. Motivation, pleasure, and arousal were not influenced by the movie clip.