Onwards with the Evolution of Imagery Research in Sport Psychology

The topic of imagery has fascinated many people in sport and physical activity settings for years. It is considered to be one of the most popular performance enhancement techniques or psychological skills because of its versatility in effecting several different outcomes. Imagery has been referred to by a number of names – visualization, mental rehearsal, mental practice, and cognitive enactment to name a few. Sometimes researchers use one term over another based on slight differences in meaning. For example, using “visualization” implies modality; that the images are visual in nature (i.e., “seeing” yourself do something). However, imagery can (and should) involve all the senses (i.e., seeing, feeling, touching, hearing, and tasting; Vealey & Greenleaf, 2001). The terms mental rehearsal and mental practice are from motor learning and are most often used when the images involve specific physical skills and skill learning. However, the content of images used and the functions of imagery are more varied than this. For example, according to Bandura (1997), “cognitive enactment” or visualization can focus on cognitive (i.e., plans, strategies), motor (i.e., regulation of action patterns and accompanying sensations) or emotive (i.e., stress management and reduction of tension) facets of athletic skills.