Is the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) appropriate for studying pre-competitive emotions?

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To examine whether the implementation of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), which involves a substantial number of frequent repeated measurements, may artificially increase intensity of negative emotions and cognitive intrusion and affect temporal patterns of pre-competitive emotions. Design: Intensity and temporal patterns of pre-competitive affects obtained via the ESM and less intrusive methodologies were compared. These were retrospective assessment and the conventional time-to-competition paradigm involving four repeated momentary measurements. Because retrospective assessments can be affected by memory distortions, recall accuracy was analysed. Methods: Male tae-kwon-do practitioners (n=66), facing a major competition, were randomised into three groups: an ESM, a repeated measurements (RM), and a retrospective assessment (RA) group. They were assessed on pre-competitive emotions and cognitive intrusion. The ESM group was assessed at three random times a day across 1 week before the competition and 1 h pre-competition. The RM group was assessed 7 days, 4 days, 1 day, and 1 h before the competition. These two groups were also assessed retrospectively two days after the competition. The RA group was assessed retrospectively two days after the event. Results: Repeated measures MANOVAs revealed no differences in level and temporal patterns of emotions between the ESM and RM group. The ESM group reported less momentary cognitive intrusion than the RM group. Between-group differences in recalled positive affects and within-group differences between momentary and retrospective assessments of negative affect and cognitive intrusion were observed. Conclusions: The ESM does not produce priming effects and can be used for accurate analysis of the dynamics of pre-competitive emotions.