The impact of game outcome on the well-being of athletes

• Published in: International journal of sport and exercise psychology Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 54 - 65
• Main Authors: Jones, Marc V., Sheffield, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Morgantown Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.2007; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: cold; competition; health; mood; Outcome; result; sport; well-being
• ISSN: 1612-197X; 1557-251X
• DOI: 10.1080/1612197X.2008.9671812

The present study examined the impact of game outcome on the well-being of athletes. Participants from hockey and soccer teams completed mood and general health questionnaires indicating how they had been feeling over the past few days on three separate occasions. These were four to six days after a win; four to six days after a loss; and over 10 days since the last competition (control period). Differences in well-being were observed following wins, losses, and during the control period. Specifically, athletes reported lower depression and anger after a win compared to a loss, while lower levels of vigour were observed after a loss compared to after a win and the control period. Lower somatic symptoms were reported after a win compared to after a loss and the control period. Lower anxiety and social dysfunction symptoms were reported after a win compared to after a loss. Future research should explore the mechanisms which might account for these findings