How Does Communication Affect Athletes’ Mindset and Performance?

Abstract

In an athlete’s career, performance is what they value the most, but most athletes, even coaches, are unaware of the mental factors that can influence performance during competition. This research focused on studying how athletes’ communication with self, coaches, teammates, and sport psychologists impacts their mindset and performance. By collecting and analyzing past research on mindset and communication, evidence shows that there was a bi-directional correlation between communication and mindset, and they both impact athletes’ performance simultaneously. Performance in sport refers to athletes’ movements, achievements, and skills during competition, and it is observable. Mindset is an individual’s beliefs about their abilities. Referring to the mindset theory, one can hold a growth mindset or a fixed mindset. Athletes with a growth mindset believe they can improve their abilities through effort and hard work. In contrast, athletes with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities are fixed and unchangeable. Communication is a tool used by athletes, coaches, and sport psychologists to discuss strategies, provide feedback, and motivate them. Athletes can improve performance by communicating with self, coaches, teammates, and sport psychologists positively. This research examined the relationships between these variables from three perspectives: the relationship between communication and performance, the relationship between communication and mindset, and the relationship between mindset and performance.