Positive states of mind and athletic injury risk.

Abstract

 

Horowitz, Adler, and Kegeles recently developed the Positive States of Mind (PSOM) scale to assess the ability to achieve desirable states of mind. According to a stress and injury model, a theoretical foundation exists for the PSOM being used to predict vulnerability to athletic injuries. In the first study, 277 collegiate athletes from 10 sports completed the PSOM. The scale showed good internal consistency; Cronbach's alpha was .77 for the six items. Principle components factor analysis revealed two distinct factors. No sex or ethnic differences occurred for the total PSOM scale or the two factors. In the second study, injury data were gathered throughout the season on 82 athletes who completed the PSOM. Pearson-product correlations revealed the factor, Focused on Task, significantly correlated with injury. Athletes able to attain higher positive states of mind were less at risk for injury. The studies indicate the acceptability of using the PSOM with an athletic population and its usefulness as a potential predictor of injury risk. Future research using the PSOM scale in more general injury and accident investigations is suggested.