Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology

Publication Date

1988

First Page

363

Last Page

373

Issue Number

4

Volume Number

10

Abstract/ Summary

Bioinformational theory has been proposed by Lang (1979a), who suggests that mental images can be understood as products of the brain's information processing capacity. Imagery involves activation of a network of propositionally coded information stored in long-term memory. Propositions concerning physiological and behavioral responses provide a prototype for overt behavior. Processing of response information is associated with somatovisceral arousal. The theory has implications for imagery rehearsal in sport psychology and can account for a variety of findings in the mental practice literature. Hypotheses drawn from bioinformational theory were tested. College athletes imagined four scenes during which their heart rates were recorded. Subjects tended to show increases in heart rate when imagining scenes with which they had personal experience and which would involve cardiovascular activation if experienced in real life. Nonsignificant heart rate changes were found when the scene involved activation but was one with which subjects did not have personal experience.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Hecker, J.E., & Kaczor, L.M. (1988). Application of Imagery Theory to Sport Psychology: Some Preliminary Findings. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 10, 363-373.

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