The Relationship between Construal Level and Athletic Performance

Abstract

The current study investigated whether athletic performance in athletes increases with the increase in construal level. Construal level is the theory that people conceptualize, understand, and interpret various situations in levels of abstraction (Trope & Liberman, 2011). This form of thinking and reasoning are described as: high (abstract) and low (concrete). Therefore, construal level has been shown to be related to performance in athletic settings. If we can identify how construal levels can be more beneficial to athletes, athletes can use this theory to improve their performance. As well as information can be applied to sport psychology to help understand athletes' mental processes about athletic performance. The primary goal of this study is to assess whether higher construal levels result in higher levels of athletic performance in their sport. Soccer and Lacrosse athletes took a Behavior Identification Form (BIF) before participating in an athletic task that involved hitting targets. A linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between construal levels and athletic performance. Results showed a significant relationship between higher construals and higher performance. Future research can improve upon this study by introducing a manipulation to the construal level to see which athletes can benefit from different construal levels.