This study aims to develop a goal-setting-based psychological skills training (PST) program for youth weightlifters. To this end, an integrated model combining the ASPIRE goal-setting theory with PST was proposed as the theoretical framework. The prog...
This study aims to develop a goal-setting-based psychological skills training (PST) program for youth weightlifters. To this end, an integrated model combining the ASPIRE goal-setting theory with PST was proposed as the theoretical framework. The program was developed through a literature review, preliminary surveys, and expert consultations. The finalized PST program was administered once a week for a total of 11 sessions to seven middle and high school weightlifters selected via purposive sampling. To verify the program's effectiveness, quantitative data were collected pre- and post-intervention using the Test of Performance Strategies 2 (TOPS2), performance profiles, and competition results. Qualitative data were obtained through individual in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while qualitative data from in-depth interviews were categorized through inductive content analysis. The datasets were analyzed in-depth through triangulation within a mixed-methods research design and integrated into a single set of findings.
The results of the TOPS2 showed statistically significant improvements in several sub-factors, specifically goal setting, self-talk, automaticity, imagery, and relaxation. In addition, the performance profiles revealed a positive change in the training need scores across technical, physical, and psychological factors, with the actual performance levels of technical factors showing measurable improvement. A comparison of competition data before and after the PST intervention revealed a slight decline in average rankings, whereas the average records showed an improvement. These collective findings suggest a partial positive impact on performance.
In conclusion, the goal-setting-focused PST program developed and applied in this study was found to be an effective psychological intervention for improving both the psychological skills and performance of youth weightlifters. Furthermore, by providing a systematic theoretical framework for goal setting, this study offers fundamental insights that may enhance the practical applicability of psychological skills training in sports settings.