Support needed for Psychological Research with Loughborough University

Loughborough University Research Study: Understanding the Function of Selfing and Rules in Chronic Skill Failure: Relationships to Perfectionism, Well-being and Psychological Inflexibility.

A research study being conducted at Loughborough University, are looking for participants. 

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this study is to explore the rules associated with self-understanding during chronic skill breakdown episodes. Specifically, which version of yourself (self-concept) is operating during these chronic skill breakdown episodes. Relationships between this self, and perfectionism, psychological inflexibility and well-being will then be explored to better understand the strength of these behavioural patterns. This will in turn, inform more precise intervention that looks to functionally alter these unhelpful patterns rather than target symptom reduction.

Who is doing this research and why?

This study is part of Doctoral Research project supported by Loughborough University. The study will be undertaken by Tanuj Kohli and supervised by Dr Karl Steptoe.

This study is not funded.

Are there any inclusion or exclusion criteria?

To take part you must:

1.)     be over the age of 18 and have the capacity to fully understand and consent to this research.

2.)     have a history of experiencing skill breakdown related to a particular closed fine motor skill in competitive scenarios (fine motor skill sports like darts, golf, archery, shooting etc.)

3.)    be highly trained in your respective closed fine motor skills. You must have over 5 years of experience learning, practicing and executing a particular closed fine motor skill in competitions.

4.)    report perfectionism related tendencies based on pre-screening via a questionnaire.

5.)    be willing to share uncomfortable experiences related to competitive performances

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview to discuss an episode of chronic skill breakdown during a competitive event with exploration of the role of perfectionism before and after the event. In addition, you will be required to complete three questionnaires at two time points. The first, prior to the interview and the second three months after the interview.

The researcher has defined the word ‘elite’ for participants, but just to clarify, the exact criteria are:

• 2 years of experience competing

• Currently experiencing breakdown of a well learned skill in competition, which is not due to technical or physiological reasons. Well learned skill is any skill that normally doesn’t fail in practice. So, if this skill has failed recently in certain situations you would qualify to be investigated in the study 

  
  

So, if you meet the criteria on the 2 points above, you are welcome to participate, and your participation would be much appreciated.

Please read the Participation Information Sheet here.

Please contact Tanuj Kohli, t.kohli@lboro.ac.uk to find out more information and to arrange a convenient time for your interview.