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A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 23125

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. José Eduardo Teixeira

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Guest Editor

1. Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2. Department of Sport Sciences, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
3. Department of Sport Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
Interests: training load; team sports; football; sports medicine; performance; monitoring; metabolic diseases; cardiovascular diseases; Epidemology; public health

Dr. Luís Branquinho

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Guest Editor

Department of Sports, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
Interests: soccer; football; exercise performance; physiology; strength and condition; physical education
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Dr. Ricardo Ferraz

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Guest Editor

Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade Beira Interior, Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: sport
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human behavior is one of the most widely studied research areas due to the interest in understanding the behavioral interaction between individuals, environments, and tasks. Specifically, science has sought answers in several knowledge areas such as psycho-science, neuroscience, physiology, biomechanics, and social sciences. Sport science encompasses all these, yet it tends to integrate them to understand learning and motor control, indicators of health and well-being, and sport performance. Therefore, it is important to build bridges between behavioral sciences and sports science in order to understand the interactions of the different factors that mediate human motor and cognitive behavior during physical activity, exercise, and sport. This Special Issue aims to compile the latest news and advances in scientific research in the complementary areas of behavioral sciences and sports science.

Dr. José Eduardo Teixeira
Dr. Luís Branquinho
Dr. Ricardo Ferraz
Guest Editors

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Keywords

human variability
sports
performance
education
physical activity
sedentary behavior
fitness
health
well-being
recreation
children
youth
adult
older
ageing
school
learning
adaptation
affordances
knowledge
environmental determinants

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Older Adults’ Continuance Intentions for Online Physical Exercise Classes

by Francisca Taveira and Belem Barbosa

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050393 - 8 May 2024

Viewed by 1471

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and social distancing measures drove the shift from in-person to online physical exercise classes, leading individuals to explore these digital alternatives. Guided by the Expectation-Confirmation Model, this article examines older adults’ intentions to continue using online physical exercise classes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 adults aged 65 and older who had participated in online physical exercise classes during the pandemic. Transcripts were subject to thematic analysis using the NVivo software program. The results indicate that older adults recognize the usefulness of online physical exercise classes because of their ability to enhance their health and well-being. Their initial expectations were surpassed, and they were generally satisfied with the experience. However, in-person classes remained preferred due to their enhanced benefits. They also felt that the adoption of online classes was involuntary; instead of an autonomous decision guided by their needs and preferences, this was a viable solution imposed by the lockdown. Therefore, their continuance intentions are limited to specific conditions, namely a new lockdown or other physical impediments. Still, considering the flexibility that online physical exercise classes offer, accommodating time and physical constraints, participants highlighted the advantages of a hybrid approach for those who may face challenges attending in-person classes. Based on the findings, this article proposes that ECM provides a relevant, yet insufficient, framework for explaining older adults’ continuance intentions for online physical exercise classes, suggesting the inclusion of additional explaining factors: perceived usefulness of non-technological alternatives, necessary conditions, and self-determination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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13 pages, 458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smartphone Addiction and Related Factors among Athletes

by Sultan Sahin Koybulan, Duygu Altin, Gorkem Yararbas and Hur Hassoy

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040341 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1725

Abstract

Smartphone addiction (SA) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the level of SA in athletes affiliated to the Turkish Handball Federation in Izmir and to examine its relationship with factors such as sociodemographic status, health status, eating attitude, and body perception. This cross-sectional study was conducted in March–April 2021 in Izmir Province. The sample of the study consisted of 212 licensed handball athletes. The short SA scale, three-factor nutrition scale, and body perception scale were used. A chi-square test was used for bivariate comparisons and logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate comparisons. The study was completed with 202 individuals (the coverage rate was 95.3%). The prevalence of SA was found to be 27.7%. The risk of SA increased 2.49-fold (CI: 1.17–5.31, p = 0.018) in female participants, 2.01-fold (CI: 1.01–4.06, p = 0.048) in participants with alcohol use, 2.17-fold (CI: 1.04–4.58, p = 0.042) in participants with low nutritional scores, 2.65-fold (CI: 1.15–6.10, p = 0.022) in individuals with high-income status, and 2.66-fold (CI: 1.07–6.64, p = 0.036) in individuals with high body perception scale score. In total, 27.7% of the athlete sample had scores above the SA threshold. These results point out that a behavioral addiction such as SA can occur even in professionals of an activity such as sports, known for beneficial effects in terms of healthy life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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10 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sedentary Behaviors and Eating Habits in Active and Inactive Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Population from Southern Italy

by Patrizia Calella, Mirella Di Dio, Concetta Paola Pelullo, Gabriella Di Giuseppe, Fabrizio Liguori, Giovanna Paduano, Giuliana Valerio, Giorgio Liguori and Francesca Gallè

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030208 - 5 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2145

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze sedentary behaviors and dietary habits assumed by individuals regularly practicing exercise in a gym, sports athletes and inactive individuals. The Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire and the Healthy Dietary Habits Index were administered online to evaluate the time spent in sedentary activities during the week and the habits of food consumption among adult individuals from the Campania region, in the south of Italy. Of the 411 participants, 25% were inactive, 34% were gym practitioners and 41% practiced different sport disciplines. Significant differences were found for sedentary habits adopted during the week and diets between athletes and inactive participants. However, no significant differences were observed for sedentary activities on the weekend and some sedentary behaviors such as video gaming or working/studying during the week. With regard to diet, athletes showed healthier food choices, such as fruit and vegetable consumption. The findings of this study underline the need for enhancing the awareness of the local population regarding the detrimental effects of unhealthy dietary behaviors and sedentary time, especially but not exclusively among inactive individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

11 pages, 425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Looking for the Key to Winning: Psychophysiological Predicting Factors in Healthy University Students

by Raquel Costa, Diana Abad-Tortosa, Adrian Alacreu-Crespo, Elena Saiz-Clar, Alicia Salvador and Miguel Ángel Serrano

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13120978 - 27 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1406

Abstract

Performance in competitive situations has been linked to various psychobiological factors such as personality traits (e.g., competitiveness), situational appraisal (e.g., motivation), and cardiovascular response (e.g., heart rate). However, it remains unclear whether these factors can predict competitive success. This paper aims to assess, through discriminant analysis, the predictive capacity of these psychobiological variables regarding the likelihood of winning, ultimately delineating a psychophysiological profile associated with success. Across three distinct studies, a total of 154 participants (66 men) engaged in a face-to-face laboratory competition. Prior to the competition, assessments of competitiveness traits, anxiety, self-efficacy, and motivation were conducted, and heart rate reactivity during the competition was measured. These variables collectively formed the basis for constructing the predictive model. The results of the initial study demonstrated that our model accurately classified 68.8% of the cases. Specifically, high levels of competitiveness, self-efficacy, motivation, and heart rate reactivity, coupled with low anxiety, were predictive of winning. These findings were subsequently replicated in two independent validation samples involving both men and women (studies 2 and 3), thereby reinforcing the robustness of the earlier results. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the psychological state preceding competition, along with cardiovascular reactivity, may serve as predictors for the probability of winning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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13 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Met-Expectation of Athletic Justice on Athletic Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment via Leader–Member Exchange among Elite Saudi Arabian Athletes

by Seungmo Kim, Taeyeon Oh, Adam Love and Majed Essa Alahmad

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13100836 - 13 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

Athletes’ perceptions of fairness toward coaching behaviors and decisions can play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of a strong coach–athlete relationship. However, scholars have given limited attention to athletes’ perceptions of fairness. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the relationship between coaches and athletes by applying the concept of organizational justice based on met-expectation theory. The primary objective of the study was to empirically examine the direct and indirect relationships between the met-expectation of athletic justice and athletes’ attitudinal outcomes, such as athletic satisfaction and organizational commitment, through leader–member exchange (LMX). Data were collected from 289 elite athletes (238 men and 51 women) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using a mixed-mode approach (paper-and-pencil and online surveys). The results of Structural Equation Modeling indicated that when athletes perceive that their expectations of fair treatment are met, it positively affects their satisfaction. This relationship is partially influenced by the quality of their relationship with their leader. However, the findings also suggest that while the athletes’ met-expectation of athletic justice has a positive effect on their satisfaction, it does not have a significant impact on their commitment to the team. The findings provide insight about important work-related outcomes by validating the coach–athlete relationship based on met-expectation of athletic justice. The findings can be utilized to improve athlete satisfaction and commitment, leading to positive team and individual outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Sustainable Exercise on Self-Efficacy and Life Satisfaction in Women before and after Menopause

by Abdulaziz Kulak, Turhan Toros, Emre Bulent Ogras, Ibrahim Efe Etiler, Emre Bagci, Belgin Gokyurek and Ulviye Bilgin

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13090759 - 12 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1842

Abstract

The study aims at elucidating the association between sustainable exercise and its influence on self-efficacy and life satisfaction in women during their premenopausal and postmenopausal stages. A relational screening model was employed on a sample of 422 women, with 215 premenopausal and 207 postmenopausal participants, utilizing convenience sampling. Participants’ regularity of exercise and its duration was taken into consideration. Evaluation tools included the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Data were analyzed using a statistical software package with significance set at 0.05. Sustainable exercise demonstrated no significant difference in SWLS or GSES subdimensions among premenopausal women. However, postmenopausal women engaging in regular exercise reported significantly higher scores in SWLS and all GSES subdimensions. Moreover, positive correlations between age and SWLS scores, as well as between age and certain GSES subdimensions, were found in both pre- and postmenopausal periods. While sustainable exercise does not evidently impact the life satisfaction and self-efficacy of premenopausal women, it significantly enhances these parameters in postmenopausal women. Additionally, age appears to influence life satisfaction and specific self-efficacy subdimensions across both phases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

13 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active for Life after Cancer: Association of Physical Activity with Cancer Patients’ Interpersonal Competence, Quality of Life, and Survival Beliefs

by Ying Liu, Longjun Jing, Yang Liu, Huilin Wang, Tinggang Yuan and Jingyu Yang

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060449 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2132

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and cancer patients’ survival beliefs and constructed a mediation model involving the mediating effects of interpersonal competence and quality of life. We conducted 252 questionnaire surveys on multiple chat groups for cancer patients using the WeChat software, and assessed physical activity, survival beliefs, interpersonal competence, and quality of life using standard scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. There were positive correlations between physical activity and quality of life (β = 0.393, p < 0.001), physical activity and interpersonal competence (β = 0.385, p < 0.001), interpersonal competence and quality of life (β = 0.455, p < 0.001), and quality of life and survival beliefs (β = 0.478, p < 0.001). In addition, a significant mediating effect between physical activity and survival beliefs was observed between interpersonal competence and quality of life (standardized indirect effect = 0.384, p < 0.001). The study revealed that effective physical activity led to higher interpersonal competence, more excellent quality of life, and improved survival beliefs in cancer patients, and that the association of physical activity with improved survival beliefs was fully mediated through interpersonal competence and quality of life. The findings suggest that the relevant government should increase policy support and publicity to improve cancer patients’ participation in physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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11 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults from Penafiel, Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Amanda Batista, Pedro Forte, Joana Ribeiro, Sandra Silva-Santos, Elmiro Silva Neto, Filipe Rodrigues, José Eduardo Teixeira, Ricardo Ferraz and Luís Branquinho

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060443 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1798

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) levels of young and middle-aged adults living in and around the municipality of Penafiel and to determine whether they meet PA recommendations. The researchers used the “International Physical Activity Questionnaire” (IPAQ) to measure moderate to vigorous PA and time spent on sedentary behavior (high vs. low). A prospective observational cross-sectional sample of 1105 adults aged 18–63 years, living in the municipality of Penafiel and its surroundings (45% women, 55% men), was used. The results indicated that more than half of the population was inactive (53.8%) and sedentary (54.0%). Men were more likely to be sedentary (59.2%) and inactive (55.6%) than women (inactive: 51.7%, high SB: 47.7%). Regarding daily PA and SB levels, women had higher levels of walks (3.8 ± 2.3; p = 0.034) and vigorous PA (2.2 ± 1.8 min; p = 0.005) per days/week, as well as vigorous PA per minutes/week (75.4 ± 82.1 min; p = 0.034). The time spent on vigorous PA per day was also higher in women (26.2 ± 22.8 min; p = 0.030). However, men had higher values in walking minutes per day (26.3 ± 17.1 min; p = 0.030), SB for weekdays (429.2 ± 141.2 min; p = 0.001), SB for weekends (324.7 ± 163.7 min; p = 0.033) and time spent on SB per minutes/week (2795.6 ± 882.0 min; p = 0.001). The results also showed that the older the adults, the lower the frequency and total time of vigorous PA per week. Young adults (18–28 years) had higher levels of vigorous PA (p = 0.005) than the other age groups (29–39; 40–50 and 51–63 years). Finally, the study found no significant correlation between individual level factors, such as number of children, marital status and monthly income, and PA or SB. Conversely, a significant and negative correlation between SB and levels of PA was found, indicating that the higher the level of PA practice, the lower the SB level. The authors suggest that promoting new PA habits and healthy lifestyles is an important future challenge for sustainability and improving the quality of life in public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

15 pages, 1499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blinded by Attachment: Examining the Overconfidence Bias of Sports Fans’ Intertemporal Ticket Purchase Decisions

by Wonsok Frank Jee and Moonsup Hyun

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13050405 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2360

Abstract

Optimally deciding on the best deal for sport event tickets requires the ability to evaluate risk and make informed decisions in uncertain environments. This study examines how individual trait factors, such as experience, expertise, and involvement, influence consumers’ decision-making process when purchasing tickets online for sporting events. To examine and test the study hypotheses, 640 respondents from a Qualtrics survey panel were recruited from geographically confined subjects of New York City sports fans over a ten-day data collection period. The research subjects were surveyed to assess their perception of the expected likelihood of obtaining event tickets at a lower rate (ELR) and the expected likelihood that tickets would remain available (ETA) as the event day approached. MANOVA showed that there was a significant effect of the time period on the participants’ ETA and ELR risk assessments [Λ = 0.954, F (18, 1262) = 1.653, p < 0.05]. The ETA was highest ten days before the event and lowest the day before the event, with a similar pattern observed for the ELR. The mediation path analysis showed that fan involvement had a strong positive correlation with confidence (B = 0.496, p < 0.001). Confidence, in turn, was a significant predictor of the ELR (B = 5.729, p < 0.05) but not for the ETA (B = 1.516, p = 0.504). The positive mediation of confidence between fan involvement and the ELR indicates that consumers with higher fan involvement tend to have overconfidence in their ability to evaluate the uncertain purchase environment, which ultimately impacts their risk perception and decision-making. The study highlights the importance of considering both temporal and psychological factors when assessing the likelihood of ticket purchases and provides behavioral insights for sports marketers and ticket distributors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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14 pages, 1844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“10,000 Available” or “10% Remaining”: The Impact of Scarcity Framing on Ticket Availability Perceptions in the Secondary Ticket Market

by Wonsok (Frank) Jee and Moonsup Hyun

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040338 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of numeracy framing and demand on participants’ perceived ticket availability and likelihood of finding a lower-priced deal in the secondary ticket market for National Football League (NFL) games. A total of 640 participants were recruited via Qualtrics where participants were solicited electronically via 10 date-specific email blasts prior to a New York Giants Sunday Night Football home game. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five treatment conditions (control, percentage frame × low demand, percentage frame × high demand, frequency frame × low demand, frequency frame × high demand) to complete an online survey. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to discern overall differences in the mean likelihood scores of the dependent variable between groups. The results showed that participants presented with the “percentage” frame perceived tickets as less available than those presented with the “frequency scarcity” frame, and the effect was greater for high-demand games. Additionally, game demand moderated the effect of scarcity framing on participants’ perceived ticket availability and expected lower rate. Several manipulation checks were applied to ensure the study’s validity. The findings of this study have practical implications for ticket marketers in the sport industry to effectively frame scarcity information and facilitate transactions for online buyers and sellers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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Review

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14 pages, 3937 KiB

Open AccessReview

Does Motor Imagery Training Improve Service Performance in Tennis Players? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Nuannuan Deng, Kim Geok Soh, Borhannudin Bin Abdullah and Dandan Huang

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030207 - 5 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

Motor imagery training is a common mental strategy used by tennis players and coaches to improve learning and performance; however, the effect of motor imagery training on service performance in tennis players is questionable. This review aims to consolidate existing research regarding the effects of motor imagery training on the service performance of tennis players. A systematic search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus to identify articles published until December 2023. Eligible studies comprised controlled trials that investigated the impact of motor imagery on service performance outcomes in tennis players. The methodological quality of individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. GRADE was applied to assess the certainty of the evidence. Nine trials including 548 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that motor imagery training improved service accuracy and technique but did not affect service speed or return accuracy in tennis players. In conclusion, the certainty of the evidence that motor imagery training may be effective in improving service accuracy and technique in tennis players is low to very low. However, more experimental work is needed to obtain stronger conclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences)

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