Physical Educators’ Use of Mental Imagery for Self-Regulatory Behaviors

• In Event: Roundtable Session 77
  In Roundtable Session: Student and Teacher Motivation in Physical Education

Abstract

Individuals in many professions have described the benefits of using mental imagery to help perform specific behaviours. However, little research exists on mental imagery use by physical educators. This presentation will discuss a recent qualitative study in which fifteen physical education teachers were interviewed regarding their use of mental imagery in teaching physical education. Specifically this research focused on how the participants used mental imagery to aid in their self-regulatory behaviours (e.g. planning). All of the participants described personally using mental imagery for a variety of self-regulatory behaviours and a variety of reasons. This research provides valuable insight regarding the possible applications of mental imagery in the teaching of physical education.

Author

• Nathan D. Hall, University of Winnipeg