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Article
Application of Imagery Theory to Sport Psychology: Some Preliminary Findings
Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology
  • Jeffrey E. Hecker, University of Maine - Main
  • Linda M. Kaczor
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1988
Disciplines
Abstract/ Summary
Bioinformational theory has been proposed by Lang (1979a), who suggests that mental images can be understood as products of the brain's information processing capacity. Imagery involves activation of a network of propositionally coded information stored in long-term memory. Propositions concerning physiological and behavioral responses provide a prototype for overt behavior. Processing of response information is associated with somatovisceral arousal. The theory has implications for imagery rehearsal in sport psychology and can account for a variety of findings in the mental practice literature. Hypotheses drawn from bioinformational theory were tested. College athletes imagined four scenes during which their heart rates were recorded. Subjects tended to show increases in heart rate when imagining scenes with which they had personal experience and which would involve cardiovascular activation if experienced in real life. Nonsignificant heart rate changes were found when the scene involved activation but was one with which subjects did not have personal experience.
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Hecker, J.E., & Kaczor, L.M. (1988). Application of Imagery Theory to Sport Psychology: Some Preliminary Findings. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 10, 363-373.
Version
publisher's version of the published document
Citation Information
Jeffrey E. Hecker and Linda M. Kaczor. "Application of Imagery Theory to Sport Psychology: Some Preliminary Findings" Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology Vol. 10 Iss. 4 (1988) p. 363 - 373
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jeffrey_hecker/1/