Emotions during elite sport competitions: a descriptive study of the nature, frequency and duration of emotions, and their effects on performance

Abstract

This study presents a descriptive analysis of the emotions experienced by elite fencers during World Cup competitions. It hypothesised that: (a) elite athletes (EAs) would experience a wide panel of emotions corresponding to the valences (positive, negative and surprise), and that these would differ by gender; (b) the duration of emotions would vary; (c) EAs would experience several emotions simultaneously; and (d) experiencing emotions would impact performance. Twelve self-confrontation interviews were conducted with EAs, who were asked to describe their emotions in relation to events observed on a video. Qualitative analysis of interview data explored the nature of the emotions experienced during matches. Quantitative analysis provided results about the frequency of emotions, their duration, co-occurrence, and relationships with performance. Results demonstrated that: (a) there is a large panel of emotions in elite sports, and that gender did not affect emotional valence, (b) the duration of emotions experienced varied, (c) EAs experienced several basis emotions during hit-building sequences, (d) emotions did not appear to influence performance in elite fencing. This research offers preliminary insights into how EAs experienced emotions, and associates this with performance in competitions. It could enrich the emotional approach of coaches and psychologists.