Trait Self-Presentational Concerns and Performance in a Maximal Isometric Strength Test

• Published in: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 1287 - 1291
• Main Authors: Gammage, Kimberley L, Gabriel, David A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States National Strength and Conditioning Association 01.07.2009; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies
• Subjects: Analysis of Variance; Body Image; Elbow Joint - physiology; Female; Gender differences; Human subjects; Humans; Kinesiology; Male; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle Strength - physiology; Psychology; Psychometrics; Regression Analysis; Resistance Training; Self Concept; Sex Factors; Social Behavior; Sports training; Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1064-8011; 1533-4287; 1533-4287
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31819f1e40

Gammage, KL and Gabriel, DA. Trait self-presentational concerns and performance in a maximal isometric strength test. J Strength Cond Res 23(4)1287-1291, 2009-The purpose of the present study was to investigate (a) gender differences in performance (i.e., mean force) and trait self-presentational concerns (i.e., fear of negative evaluation [FNE] and social physique anxiety [SPA]) and (b) the relationship between trait self-presentational concerns and performance (force) on a maximal isometric strength test as commonly occurs in strength training studies. Participants consisted of 50 women and 46 men. All participants were right handed and physically active and were recruited from the general population of Brock University (Mage = 23.1 years, SD = 2.7). They completed measures of trait self-presentational concerns (SPA, FNE) before undergoing 5 maximal voluntary contractions of the elbow flexors. Results showed that, after adjusting for years weight training experience, men scored higher on force and women scored higher on SPA and FNE (all pʼs < 0.05). Further, for men, FNE significantly predicted force (p < 0.001). Thus, trait concerns over being evaluated by others are related to menʼs performance in a strength test. In strength testing settings, researchers and trainers should consider trait self-presentational concerns, which may impact actual performance.