Negative self-talk in runners: Emotional intelligence and perceived stress as explanatory factors

• Published in: Psychology of sport and exercise 2024-01, Vol.70, p.102545, Article 102545
• Main Authors: Borrajo, Erika, Calvete, Esther, Urquijo, Itziar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Emotional intelligence; Emotional Intelligence - physiology; Emotional Regulation; Emotions; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Negative self-talk; Perceived stress; Runners; Sports; Stress, Psychological - psychology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1469-0292; 1878-5476; 1878-5476
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102545

To optimize in the cognitive and emotional processes that appear in stressful situations in sports contexts is a relevant aspect to achieve a high level of performance. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between perceived stress, emotional intelligence and negative self-talk in runners. It also aimed to determine whether emotional intelligence factors could play a protective role in this relationship. The sample consisted of 1071 runners from a race held in the Basque Country (Spain). The age of the participants was between 18 and 75 years (Mean = 41.59; SD = 9.95; 71.4% men). Participants completed an online survey days after the race. The results showed that perceived stress would be related to greater use of negative self-talk. In addition, evaluation of others' emotions and emotional regulation would also explain the occurrence of negative self-talk. Likewise, the interaction between perceived stress and appraisal of one's own emotions would explain the occurrence of negative self-talk, this relationship being stronger among those with lower scores on appraisal of one's own emotions. Results and practical implications of the findings are discussed. •The results of this study were conducted through a path analysis, with the objective of analyzing the relationship between stress and negative self-talk and four factors of emotional intelligence (Salovey and Mayer Model), as well as the interaction between perceived stress and each of the factors of emotional intelligence to explain negative self-talk in runners.•The results showed that higher scores on perceived stress would indicate higher levels of negative self-talk among runners.•In addition, among the proposed emotional intelligence factors, the evaluation of others' emotions was related to the presence of negative self-talk among runners.•Regarding the interaction between perceived stress and emotional intelligence factors, the interaction of perceived stress and appraisal of one’s own emotions would explain negative self-talk in runners. This interaction is stronger when the score on appraisal of one’s own is lower.