A call for an increased consideration of the behavioral component of emotion in sport psychology research [Ein Plädoyer für eine verstärkte Berücksichtigung der Verhaltenskomponente in der sportpsychologischen Emotionsforschung]

Abstract

In investigating the relationship between emotions and sport performance, research has almost exclusively focused on athletes? subjective experience. Prospective or retrospective study designs with the help of questionnaires or interviews have been common practice. Furthermore, in experiments, emotions have been evoked and their consequences have been assessed (e.g., on sport performance). Since emotions are also observable through changes in facial expressions, gestures, posture, or voice, this article calls for an increased focus on the behavioral component of emotions in future research. The systematic observation of emotions allows us to study them "online" in their natural context. In addition, the article describes how changes in the observable behavior entail relevant consequences to the individual him- or herself as well as to others (e.g., the opponent) that can hardly be explained by the subjective experience of an emotion. Finally, potential challenges related to the exploration of the behavioral component of emotions are discussed. © 2018 Hogrefe Verlag.