Goal-Setting Effects in Elite and Nonelite Boxers

Using a goal-setting model (Burton, Naylor, & Holliday, 2001 Burton, D., Naylor, S. and Holliday, B. 2001. “Goal-setting in sport: Investigating the goal effectiveness paradox”. In Handbook of research on sport psychology , 2nd ed., Edited by: Singer, R., Hausenblas, H. A. and Janelle, C. M. 497–528. New York: Wiley.  [Google Scholar]), the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a goal-setting intervention upon performance as a function of skill level. A multiple-baseline across-individuals single subject design was employed with 3 elite and 3 nonelite male boxers aged between 15–17 years (M = 16; SD = 1). Self-generated performance behaviors, competition outcome, competitive anxiety intensity and direction, and self-confidence were measured across a competitive season (10-fight period). Retention was also examined following treatment withdrawal (2-fight period). During and after the goal program was completed, the elite participants displayed consistent improvements in targeted behaviors, more facilitative interpretations of anxiety symptoms, and greater self-confidence, whereas the nonelite revealed inconsistent patterns. Postintervention, five out of the six boxers showed improvement in the percentage of fights won. The results highlight the diverse effects of goal-setting for different populations, with social validation data suggesting potential mechanism via the goal-setting model employed and changes to attentional focus.