Changes in task self-efficacy and emotion across competitive performances in golf

This research aimed to investigate (a) the effect of golfers’ perceptions of coach motivation efficacy on golfers’ pre-competition task self-efficacy, (b) the effect of performance on pre- to post-round changes in self-efficacy, (c) the effect of pre- to post-round changes in self-efficacy on pre- to post-round changes in affect and emotion, and (d) whether any effects of performance on pre- to post-competition changes in affect and emotion were mediated by pre- to post-competition changes in self-efficacy. In Study 1, a scale measuring golf self-efficacy was developed and validated using data from 197 golfers. In Study 2, 200 golfers completed this measure alongside measures of coach motivation efficacy, and positive and negative affect prior to a golf competition; all measures (except coach motivation efficacy) were again completed following the competition. Structural equation modeling showed coach motivation efficacy positively predicted pre-competition self-efficacy, performance positively predicted pre- to post-competition changes in self-efficacy, which had positive and negative effects, respectively, on pre- to post-competition changes in positive and negative affect; mediation analyses demonstrated pre- to post-competition changes in self-efficacy mediated effects of performance on pre- to post-competition changes in positive and negative affect. In Study 3, Study 2 procedures were replicated with a separate sample of 212 golfers, except measures of excitement, concentration disruption, somatic anxiety and worry replaced those for positive and negative affect. Structural analyses showed the findings from Study 2 were largely replicated when specific emotions were investigated in place of general indices of affect. This investigation makes novel contributions regarding the potential importance of perceptions of coach efficacy for golfers’ own efficacy beliefs, and the role personal efficacy beliefs may play in facilitating the effects of performance on affective outcomes.