| By: |
Schippers, M.;
Lange, P.A.M. van (Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), RSM Erasmus University) |
| Abstract: |
The current research addresses the psychological benefits of superstitious
rituals in top sport, examining the circumstances under which top-class
sportsmen are especially committed to enacting rituals prior to a game (ritual
commitment). Consistent with hypotheses, findings revealed that ritual
commitment is greater when (a) uncertainty is high rather than low, and (b)
the importance of the game is high rather than low. Complementary analyses
revealed that the state of psychological tension mediated both the effect of
importance and uncertainty on ritual commitment. Moreover, players with an
external locus of control exhibited greater levels of ritual commitment than
players with an internal locus of control. The results are discussed in terms
of the tension-regulation function of superstitious rituals in top sport. |
| Keywords: |
Superstition;Top Sport;Ritual Commitment;Psychological Tension;Locus of Control; |
| Date: |
2005–11–29 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:eureri:30007780&r=spo |