Performance Affect in Soccer Players: An Application of the IZOF Model

Individual patterns of positive-negative affect (PNA) were studied in 25 Olympic level soccer players (age 17-21). Recall idiographic scaling following the methodology of the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model was used to identify PNA items related to each player's effective and ineffective game performance. Individual zones for each item were then estimated on the Borg's Category Ratio (CR-10) scale. Optimal and non-optimal PNA patterns were revealed in the selection of idiosyncratic items, their intensity ranges and functions. All PNA items were functionally either facilitating (23.1 %), debilitating (42.3 %), or both (34.6 %). Significant differences in PNA content and intensity (zones) were revealed only at intra- and inter-individual but not at the group level. Pre-game negative ineffective affect in successful players anticipated two days before the important tournament deviated more from non-optimal zones than in less successful players. The data support the findings obtained in ice-hockey and extend Hanin's IZOF model to performance PNA in soccer. Implications for idiographic assessments and application of the IZOF model in team sports are suggested.

Key words

Performance - affect - soccer - idiographic - IZOF model