What is meant by the term "self-talk" in the context of sports psychology?

The term "self-talk" in sports psychology refers to the individual’s internal dialogue that influences performance. This internal conversation can take various forms, including motivational statements, affirmations, or constructive critiques of one’s own actions. Positive self-talk can enhance confidence, focus, and resilience, while negative self-talk can lead to doubt and decreased performance. Athletes often use self-talk to manage their emotions, maintain concentration, or boost their motivation, making it a vital tool in the mental aspect of sport performance.

Other aspects, like encouraging teammates or receiving feedback from coaches, play important roles in a team environment but do not specifically capture the essence of self-talk, which is fundamentally introspective and personal in nature. Negative thoughts certainly exist within the realm of self-talk, but they are just one component, while the broader definition emphasizes the overall internal dialogue that an athlete engages in.