Psychological inventories for competitive ice hockey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a series of self-report psychological inventories for assessing behavior in the competitive and training situations of ice hockey. In addition, coaching prescriptions appropriate to the idiosyncratic responses of each player were formulated. This study described the procedures required to develop a set of accurate behavior inventories * A variety of developmental procedures were involved in the construction of this tool. In their completed and final form the inventories consisted of a total of 278 question items. Appropriate coaching prescriptions were provided for the majority of items. The inventories were found to be valid, readable, reliable, objective and standardized assessment instruments which promoted honest and accurate responding in subjects. These inventories differed from past psychological tests because they, 1) considered behavior rather than personality characteristics, 2) considered each item of response as an important datum for interpretation, and 3) were specific to ice hockey. The inventories solicit self-report accurate information concerning social, attitudinal, training and pre-competition and competition behaviors, reactions to difficulties, rewards and goals and manifested reactions to pre-competitive stress. They were intended to analyze individual player responses and communicate information and appropriate coaching procedures to his/her coach. The utlilization of these tests could enhance coaching effectiveness. Information obtained from the inventories could be used by ice hockey coaches to design specific programs to meet individual requirements for maximizing player performance. The inventories were appropriate for use by ccmpetitive ice hockey players over the age of 11 years.