Published since January 1, 2006

Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity

ISSN: 1932-0191

Editor-in-chief: Sandra E. Moritz

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About this journal

Objective

The Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity is the first peer-reviewed journal devoted to research on the role of imagery in sport, physical activity, exercise, and rehabilitation settings. Imagery, also referred to as cognitive enactment or visualization, is one of the most popular performance enhancement and rehabilitation techniques in sports and physical activity. Journal editor Sandra Moritz (University of North Dakota) is a recognized leader in the field, and the journal’s editorial board represents leading institutions in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. The single destination for all imagery-related research in sports and in physical activity, the Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity is an indispensable tool for scholars and practitioners of imagery, sports science, kinesiology, physical education, and psychology.

Topics

The role of imagery in sport
Physical activity
Exercise
Rehabilitation settings
Sports science
Kinesiology
Physical education
Psychology

Article formats
Original research articles, reviews

Your Benefits

Your benefits

Leading and pioneering journal on the role of imagery in sport
Theoretical and applied approach
Prominent editorial board
Indispensable source of most recent information for scholars and practitioners
Fast access to articles thanks to ahead of print publishing

History

History
One issue/year, updated continuously
Content available since 2006 (Volume 1, Issue 1)
ISSN: 1932-0191.

Abstracting and Indexing

Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity is covered by the following services:

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External Links

Volume 19 Issue s1

January 2024

April 3, 2024

Using imagery to foster coping efficacy

Sandra E. Moritz, Cassandra Lora Castaneda

Article number: 20240004

Abstract

This paper describes how imagery can be used to foster coping efficacy. It includes a general overview of coping and coping efficacy. Athletes who struggle with a low coping efficacy can benefit from the use of imagery. When designing imagery interventions it is important to consider the content, function, and outcome. There are three examples of imagery scripts athletes might want to use to improve coping efficacy.

Reviews

April 19, 2024

Imagery, self-efficacy and chronic pain

Lindsay Ross-Stewart, Lindsay Miles

Article number: 20240014

Abstract

Worldwide, chronic pain is one of the most common chronic conditions with 1.9 billion people affected, with some estimates as high as 30 % of the world’s population experiencing chronic pain. Many of the people living with chronic pain are from lower-income communities and may not have access to advanced medical care, leaving them to deal with their chronic pain alone and without proper treatment. When treated, opioids are the most common option, however current concerns with addiction have highlighted the need for complementary and alternative treatment approaches. Previous research has found that with increased self-efficacy, a person with chronic pain could feel more control of their ability to complete tasks whether or not pain is present. Increasing a person’s self-efficacy can also help them develop better coping strategies and adapt to their pain as they experience it. One way to increase self-efficacy is through using imagery. Through guided imagery sessions, people with chronic pain have reported less pain in their target areas and have increased self-efficacy, increased quality of life, and decreased pain. As imagery is affordable, accessible, and safe, people from any socioeconomic status should be able to take advantage of this treatment, making imagery an important part of the current public health discussion on treatment for chronic pain.

April 2, 2024

The gut-brain connection: elevating mental health and performance in sports and physical activity through imagery

Ellyssa L. Peterson, Sandra E. Moritz

Article number: 20240007

Abstract

Exploring the connections between imagery in sports and physical activity and the well-being of both the body and mind in relation to gut health is a new research area gaining in popularity. This interplay is crucial where peak performance requires the mind and body to be harmonious. Imagery techniques are powerful tools that athletes can tap into to optimize their gut-brain performance. Incorporating imagery techniques into training and performance routines is an accessible and low-cost psychological skills training technique.

March 8, 2024

Using imagery for acceptance and wellbeing in sport

Robin S. Vealey, Christine E. Pacewicz

Article number: 20240003

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to offer background and strategies to utilize mental imagery to enhance acceptance as a significant foundation for mental health and wellbeing in athletes. Sport possesses many threats to participants’ mental health and ability to flourish, including unrealistic expectations, pressure from others, and training demands. Although acceptance has been shown to be an important precursor to wellbeing, the prescribed culture of mental toughness in sport teaches athletes to be nonaccepting of mistakes and negative outcomes which often threaten their mental health. Athletes need to be educated and trained to practice acceptance as a strong, mature, mentally healthy response in terms of their self-perceptions, perceptions of others, and responses to external events. Mental imagery has a strong association with emotion and has been successfully used as an intervention technique to enhance physical and mental health. However, acceptance has not been an outcome of interest in most imagery interventions related to mental health, and future research on interventions to enhance acceptance is warranted. Some strategies and examples of using mental imagery to build acceptance and wellbeing are suggested.

January 15, 2024

Picture perfect: the science behind mental imagery for peak performance & best practices for mental imagery protocols in sport

Kiersten Janjigian

Article number: 20230027

Abstract

Previous literature has established theories that suggest that mental imagery of a motor task is beneficial to performance. Other variables held constant, individuals tend to perform better after using mental imagery, especially that which follows the PETTLEP model, mimicking real experience with the involvement of all sensory modalities and emotions. Psychological data suggest imagery’s effect on performance may be mediated by internal emotions and cognitions, such as confidence, arousal, and concentration. Physiological data suggests imagery primes and activates muscles similar to actual execution of a motor event. Neurological data suggest imagery activates similar regions in the brain as executing an actual motor event, and like the muscles, primes the brain by strengthening neural pathways for efficient movement. With this theoretical backing, the present report explored the effectiveness of mental imagery from an applied sport psychology, psychophysiological and cognitive motor neuroscience lens. The following scientific findings and suggestions inform the aspiring athlete or established elite athlete on how to structure his or her mental imagery program, with actionable protocols to facilitate psychomotor refinement and peak performance. An example imagery script is included.

January 10, 2024

A wellness application: use of imagery for athletes’ stress reduction and relaxation

Sheila Alicea, Sarah Carson Sackett, Angela Winter

Article number: 20230036

January 8, 2024

Enhancing athletes’ self-compassion and psychological well-being through imagery

Sarah Carson Sackett, Sheila Alicea, Angela Winter

Article number: 20230026

Abstract

This review examines the extant literature advocating for enhanced self-compassion as an accessible means to foster psychological well-being (e.g., reduced self-criticism, rumination, and anxiety symptom; enhanced hope, emotion regulation, self-acceptance, self-efficacy). The case for athletes as a special population who can benefit from strengthening this asset is made; Compassion-Focused Imagery (CFI) is introduced as an effective tool for developing self-compassion; and a case scenario and sample CFI script are presented. Gaps in the current understanding of and empirical investigations of CFI use in athletes are identified, along with unique challenges the sport context provides for self-compassion-focused interventions.

Research Article

May 6, 2024

Visualizing victory: the role of imagery in empowering athletes battling obsessive-compulsive disorder

Sydney Raboin

Article number: 20240006

Abstract

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most common mental health disorders that can make activities of daily life more challenging, as well as adversely impact wellbeing. OCD is an anxiety disorder that presents as uncontrollable and unsolicited thoughts, mental images, and sensations, followed by obsession over them and an irresistible need to complete compulsive behaviors in attempt to challenge them and find relief. It causes fear of both one’s own thoughts and the world around them. OCD shows its place in the athletic realm where it can impact an athlete’s mentality, attention, behaviors, and goal orientation, which may potentially hinder the enhancement and proficiency of their skills and abilities, and create more difficulty for maintaining stability, responding to internal and external stressors, and exhibiting competency. Mental imagery techniques provide fundamental tools and coping mechanisms that can aid in the management and treatment of OCD; strengthening control of the mind and body and reducing the prevalence and severity of symptoms by enabling more attentiveness, enhancing executive functioning, promoting more effective responses to stressors, and benefiting personal growth. This paper first discusses OCD symptoms, characteristic identifiers, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, prognostic expectations, epidemiology in the general population and athlete population, pathogenesis in athletes, as well as the possible challenges associated with OCD and the potential to overcome them. Secondly, this paper defines mental imagery, the role of imagery as therapy, and how imagery can be used to combat OCD. This paper concludes with the review of imagery-based psychotherapy for OCD and educational sport psychology imagery-based interventions for OCD that can support the wellness of an athlete with OCD, encourage their development, and make them more equipped to achieve success.

Volume 19 (2024)

Volume 18 (2023)

CiteScore	1.7	2022, Scopus (Elsevier B.V., 2023)
SCImago Journal Rank	0.222	2022, SJR (Scimago Lab, 2023; Data Source: Scopus)
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.457	2022, CWTS Journal Indicators (CWTS B.V., 2023; Data Source: Scopus)

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Manuscripts of articles should be in English. Authors whose native language is not English are asked to have their article carefully checked by a native speaker
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Editorial

Editor /Managing Editor
Sandra Moritz, University of North Dakota; USA

Editorial Board
Krista Chandler, University of Windsor
Jennifer Cumming, University of Windsor
Lindsay Duncan, McGill University
Deb Feltz, Michigan State University
Kim Gammage, Brock University
Pete Giacobbi, Jr., University of Arizona
Melanie Gregg, University of Winnipeg
Sheldon Hanton, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
Eva Monsma, University of South Carolina
Wendy Rodgers, University of Alberta
Lindsay Ross-Stewart, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Robin Vealey, Miami University

Editorial Office - Contact
Wiktoria Kusz
E-mail: wiktoria.kusz@degruyter.com

(Deutsch)

Online ISSN: 1932-0191
Type: Journal
Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
First published: January 1, 2006
Publication Frequency: 1 Issue per Year
Audience: Researchers and practitioners interested in imagery in sport and physical activity