An examination of mental factors associated with excellence in exceptional Japanese athletes: A holistic approach.

Abstract

This study was designed to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon of athletic excellence with regard to the mental aspects. The information was derived from the interviews with nine highly successful Japanese athletes. A thorough analysis of their experiences, feelings, and insights uncovered various mental factors underlying their athletic success. Content analyses of the interview data resulted in the identification of six main topic areas: (1) growth and development of exceptional athletes, (2) athletes' views on their sports and lives, (3) mental approaches to daily practice, (4) mental approaches to competitions, (5) psychological enhancement strategies, and (6) mental elements essential to athletic success. Based on the interview findings in these six main topic areas, a conceptual model of the mental path to athletic excellence was proposed from a holistic viewpoint. This model integrates five main components: personal qualities of the athlete, personal histories, mental strategies, nurturing experiences, and environmental variables.