Author: Vicar Solomon
Supervisor: Rukhsana Kausar, PhD
Degree: MPhil
Year: 2013-2015
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present research was carried out to find out differences between psychological skills and choking in first class, national, and international cricketers. It comprised of three studies. Study one aimed to investigate knowledge and awareness of cricketers about psychological skills and the role of psychological health along with physical fitness. For this purpose, focus group discussion and semi structured interviews were conducted on five Under19 cricketers and six cricketers of Pakistan Cricket Team. Thematic analysis was carried out. Ten themes were emerged; (1) change in nature of cricket; (2) importance of psychological skills; (3) sense of cohesiveness; (4) psychological control on cricket related issues; (5) improvement in cricket through psychological preparation; (6) freshness of mind; (7) adherence to coaches for mental strengths; (8) importance of psychological health; (9) dealing pressure effectively; and (10) positive mind set. Study two was carried out to develop an indigenous Cricketers’ Psychological Skills Scale. Factor analysis yielded two distinct factors: Psychological Facilitators and Psychological Distractors. Third study aimed to find out differences between psychological skills and choking in first class, national, and international cricketers. It was hypothesized that; (a) there would be differences in psychological skills and choking among cricketers playing at different playing levels (national, international, and first class cricketers); (b) there would be differences in psychological skills and choking among cricketers playing at different playing positions (opener, middle order, all-rounder, and bowler); (c) there would be negative relationship between psychological skills and choking and; (d) psychological skills will predict choking. Between subject research design was used. The sample of 227 (first class, national, and international cricketers) was collected through purposive sampling. Measures included Cricketer’s Psychological Skills Scale (Solomon & Kausar, 2015) and Sports Competition Anxiety Test (Marten, 1990). Results revealed that there were no mean differences for playing levels (first class, national, and international) and playing positions (opener, middle order, all-rounder and bowler) in psychological skills (psychological facilitators and psychological distractors) and choking. Age and playing duration were found to be significantly positively correlated with psychological facilitators. Psychological facilitators were significantly negatively correlated with psychological distractors and choking. Psychological distractors emerged as significant predictors of choking. This research would be helpful for Pakistan Cricket Board and National Cricket Academy to inculcate psychological skills in cricketers through training programs for them to improve players’ psychological abilities and enhancing skills.
Keywords: Psychological skills, choking, cricketers.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
