Exploring the Accuracy and Simplicity of Idiographic Feeling-Performance Models

This study compared 3 types of idiosyncratic feeling-performance profiles: recall profiles, probabilistic-pIZOF profiles, and simplified “trigger” profiles. Ten tennis players created individualized (“initial recall”) profiles before monitoring their feelings and performances during matches (to generate “pIZOF profiles”). Participants identified 4 triggers items from their 12- or 13-item profiles that they felt were critical to their performance. Probabilistic-pIZOF profiles predicted performance correctly 64% of the time. Trigger profiles were 66% accurate (the top 3 were 70% accurate). Initial recall profiles were accurate 40% of the time. The study provides practical information about the utility of simplified profiles, and information about the accuracy of feeling-performance profile predictions. The results are also discussed within the framework of third-wave behavioral approaches such as mindfulness-acceptance-commitment therapies.