Cultural codes provide novel strategies for mental training

Abstract

Mental training techniques are regarded as a means to improve mental abilities for athletes, in a similar way that physical training techniques improve physical abilities. Culturally competent mental training practices represent a holistic view of athletes. Chinese sport psychologists commonly agree that mental training is a progressive process from the application of specific mental skills training to the enhancement of one’s overall mentality, referred to as Jingjie in Chinese. Self-control is presented as a core of mental training in Chinese sport psychology. In the intense and unpredictable world of competition, the biggest challenge for athletes is to control their own thoughts, emotions, and body, to focus on the task at hand. Feedback from the athletes varied. Some athletes spoke highly of calligraphy practice, expressing the view that it not only helped them acquire a peaceful mind but also reinforced the collectivist esteem of being Chinese.