Dr. Himalaya Tiwari, Dr. Pragati Chaturv , Dr. Bodhraj Kumkaria
Volume-XIV, Issue-IV, JULY 2026
Volume-XIV, Issue-IV, July 2026 | ||
Received: 16.07. 2026 | Accepted: 27.07.2026 | |||
Published Online: 31.07.2026 | Page No: | |||
DOI: 10.64031/pratidhwanitheecho.vol.14.issue.04W. | ||||
Cognitive
Arrows: Exploring the Power of Psychological Skills Training in Competitive
Archery
Dr. Himalaya Tiwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Magadh University, Bodhgaya, Bihar, India
Dr. Pragati Chaturvedi, Assistant Professor, Department of
Psychology, Magadh University, Bodhgaya, Bihar, India
Dr. Bodhraj Kumkaria, Faculty Member, Department of Psychology, Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi,
India | |
This experimental study examined the effects of imagery
training and self-talk interventions on state anxiety and archery performance
among competitive archers. A total of 30 archery athletes (aged 18–30) from SMS
Stadium Jaipur were randomly assigned to one of three groups: imagery training,
self-talk, or control. The intervention groups underwent a four-week mental
skills training program, consisting of guided imagery sessions or structured
self-talk practice, while the control group continued regular training. Post intervention
assessments included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a
standardized archery performance test. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed
significant reductions in state anxiety and improvements in archery performance
in both intervention groups, with no notable changes in the control group.
Post-hoc analyses confirmed the superiority of the mental training techniques
over standard practice. These findings highlight the effectiveness of
psychological skills training in enhancing athletic performance and managing
competitive anxiety in precision-based sports.
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