Michel Nicolas | University of Burgundy in Dijon (original) (raw)

Papers by Michel Nicolas

This study examined the relationship between perceived coaching behaviors, coping strategies duri... more This study examined the relationship between perceived coaching behaviors, coping strategies during a sport competition, and sport achievement. A prospective design was used in which 80 athletes from individual sports completed measures of perceived coaching behaviors two days before a competition (Time 1) and measures of coping and sport achievement within three hours after a sport competition (Time 2). As expected, results of multiple regressions indicated that supportive coaching was a positive predictor of task-oriented coping and sport achievement whereas unsupportive coaching was a positive predictor of disengagement-oriented coping. Both types of coping were significantly associated with sport achievement. Task-oriented coping was a significant partial mediator in the relation between supportive coaching and sport achievement. This study, which contributes to both the coaching and coping literatures, highlights the role of supportive coaching behaviors in the initiation of effective stress management during sport competitions.

a 5 ème compagnie de réserve du 35 ème Régiment d'infanterie de Belfort, b Cellule d'entrainement... more a 5 ème compagnie de réserve du 35 ème Régiment d'infanterie de Belfort, b Cellule d'entrainement et d'éducation physique militaire et sportive du 54 ème Régiment d'Artillerie d'Hyères, c Département neuroscience de l'institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, D Laboratoire SPMS (EA 4180), faculté des sport de Dijon, université de Bourgogne.

Introduction Comprendre et maîtriser les états de stress-récupération des sportifs Elite est cent... more Introduction Comprendre et maîtriser les états de stress-récupération des sportifs Elite est central pour maximiser les chances de performance lors des compétitions nationales et internationales. À ce jour, seuls des protocoles pluridisciplinaires permettent d'avoir une vision claire de la balance stress-récupération. La majorité des études reposent sur une évaluation des périodes à forte charge d'entrainement et peu se sont intéressées spécifiquement à la période d'affûtage. Cette dernière a été définie par Mujika et Padilla (2000) comme « une diminution progressive et non linéaire de la charge d'entrainement durant une durée de temps variable, dans le but de réduire la fatigue physiologique et psychologique et optimiser la performance sportive ». Les outils paraissant le mieux répondre aux exigences de terrain sont, en psychologie, ceux traduisant les états de stress et de récupération perçus, et en physiologie, l'analyse de la variabilité de fréquence cardiaque (VFC; Buchheit, 2014). L'ambition de cette recherche est d'étudier les états de stress-récupération de nageurs nationaux à internationaux durant la période d'affûtage, sans modifier le plan d'entraînement. Nos hypothèses de travail s'attachent à démontrer que (1) la baisse de charge entre le début et la fin de la période d'affûtage est corrélée aux variations des indices psychologiques et physiologiques, et (2) que les variables psychologiques sont reliées à des variables cardiaques.

The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate a measure of defense mechanisms: the... more The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate a measure of defense mechanisms: the short Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-26). A total of 296 competitive athletes completed the DSQ-26 and other self-report questionnaires both before and after a sport competition. Results of Principal Component Analyses (PCA) on the pre-competitive data showed evidence for a 2-factor model that included adaptive (e.g., humor, anticipation, self-assertion, altruism, self-observation) and maladaptive defenses (e.g., help rejecting complaining, splitting other, projection, dissociation, intellectualization, devaluation/self, fantasy, devaluation of other). Confirmatory factor analyses conducted on both the pre- and intra-competitive data showed an acceptable fit of the data for the 2-factor, 13-defense model of DSQ-26, supporting the factorial structure identified within the PCAs. Correlations between DSQ-26 subscales, coping, affective states, perceived stress and control scores provided evidence for criterion-related validity of the DSQ-26 scores. Overall, this study provides support for the reliability and validity of the short DSQ-26 scores with recommendations for the use and development of this measure of defense mechanisms in stressful situations.

Research unit EA 3920, Prognostic markers and regulatory factors of heart and vascular diseases a... more Research unit EA 3920, Prognostic markers and regulatory factors of heart and vascular diseases and Exercise Performance, Health, Innovation platform, Abstract Background & Study Aim: Previous studies in adults and endurance athletes have evaluated whether heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to monitor training load. We aimed to answer to question: whether HRV monitoring is useful in elite adolescent athletes practicing a sport with a major anaerobic component, i.e. judo.

L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer les effets de l’accompagnement d’un projet personnel su... more L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer les effets de l’accompagnement d’un projet personnel sur l’évolution de l’estime de soi de stagiaires d’un centre de football en fin de formation. 22 stagiaires ont été répartis au hasard en deux groupes égaux : un groupe expérimental (accompagnement de projet) et un groupe contrôle (tâche neutre). L’intervention proposait aux participants des entretiens individuels visant l’élaboration et la planification d’un projet orienté principalement sur les domaines sportif et scolaire. 10 mesures répétées toutes les 3 semaines (4 avant et 6 après l’intervention) de l’estime globale de soi, de la valeur physique perçue et des sentiments de compétence la constituant (force, endurance, compétence sportive et apparence physique) ont été effectuées. Les résultats traduisent une influence positive de la participation au dispositif sur l’estime globale de soi et les sentiments de compétence de force et d’endurance physique, mais pas sur la valeur physique perçue. Ceux-ci nuancent l’importance de la composante physique dans l’estime globale de soi de cette population et soulignent l’intérêt de considérer différents domaines d’expression, notamment le scolaire, dans l’accompagnement de projet. Ils suggèrent enfin la pertinence d’une intervention basée sur l’accompagnement de projet afin d’aider ces stagiaires à anticiper et préparer la fin de leur formation footballistique.

the main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between non-verbal behaviors of high ... more the main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between non-verbal behaviors of high level table tennis players and their performance during high-stakes table tennis matches. This study also provided descriptive evidence relating to the nature and frequency of the non-verbal behaviors expressed by athletes while competing. Eight high-level matches from the European Top 12 and French pro A championship for a total of 13 different players ranking 10th-161st on the world ITTF ranking at the moment of the study were analyzed. Coding grid allowed researcher to extract the following quantitative variables from the videotapes of high-stakes table tennis matches: (1) nature of non- verbal behaviors deployed by table tennis players during competition, (2) frequency of non-verbal behaviors deployed by table tennis players during competition, (3) gain vs. loss of match, (4) gain vs. loss of game, (5) gain vs. loss of the previous point, and (6) gain vs. loss of the next point. Quantitative analyses of the videotapes revealed the presence of 25 specific non-verbal behaviors, for a total of 4972 non-verbal behaviors observed during the matches. Results showed that the frequency of non-verbal behaviors was significantly different between: (1) matches won vs. lost, (2) games won vs. lost, (3) previous points won vs. lost, and (4) next points won vs. lost. Particular non-verbal behaviors seemthus to have a causal influence on the result of the next point (won vs. lost). Specifically, players who “run around the playing area” would increase their chances to win the next point. Contrary, players who “remake the gesture” and/or “touch/scratch his face” would decrease their chances to win the next point. The predominant focus in sport psychology hasbeenonpre-performance non-verbalbehaviors,withfarlessattentionpaidtothenon-verbalbehaviorsexpressedby athletes during competition. Support was provided for the usefulness to examine the wide range of non -verbal behaviors expressed by international table tennis players during the competition as well as for their significant influence on the performance of players while competing.

The aim of this study was to evaluate from a longitudinal perspective the relationships between C... more The aim of this study was to evaluate from a longitudinal perspective the relationships between Conscientiousness, soccer and school self-determination, and satisfaction in soccer academies. Newly recruited French soccer athletes responded to satisfaction and self-determination measures three times, once every four months, and to conscientiousness measure in Time 2. Results showed that soccer self-determination of trainees decreased and that its relationship with satisfaction was stronger over time. Moreover, results indicated that the relationship between trainee Conscientiousness and satisfaction depends on the level of soccer self-determination (S S-D); when it was relatively high (in the middle of the year) the relationship was moderated by S S-D and when it was weak (at the end of the year) the relation was mediated by S S-D. Applied suggestions are made to develop means to maintain trainees' feelings of autonomy toward soccer and school experience.

The study examined whether the quality of the coach-athlete relationship associates with a range ... more The study examined whether the quality of the coach-athlete relationship associates with a range of behaviours coaches manifest in training and competitions. The Coach Behaviour Scale for Sport (CBS-S) and the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) measured coaching behaviours and relationships respectively. As neither of these scales was validated in French, the psychometric properties of both scales were examined indicating that they were psychometrically sound. Analysis revealed that athletes' perceptions of good quality relationships reflected in high levels of closeness and commitment were better and stronger predictors of a range of coach behaviours while high levels of complementarity only predicted positive personal rapport. Moreover, high levels of closeness (trust, respect, appreciation) predicted low levels of negative personal rapport. Overall, these results support the assumptions that good quality coach-athlete relationships supply the context within which athletes interact with their coaches. It is possible that athletes who develop strong connections with their coaches receive better coaching. Thus relationships may play a key role in developing effective coaching environments.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a personal goal-based intervention on positi... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a personal goal-based intervention on positive and negative moods among young athletes of a soccer academy. Study participants (n=22) were randomized into either a treatment group with a personal goal management program (Bouffard, Labelle, Dubé, & Lapierre, 1999) or a control group. Participants‟ mood states were measured every three weeks. Results indicated a significant post-intervention group difference on the positive and negative moods states in favor of the treatment group. A significant within-group difference over time was also found for the treatment group. Methodological and applied suggestions are made to develop means to support young athletes.

Dans le domaine de l’entraînement sportif, la notion de dynamique de groupe est certainement l’un... more Dans le domaine de l’entraînement sportif, la notion de dynamique de groupe est certainement l’une des plus passionnantes et des plus complexes, regroupant des champs d’étude tels que la cohésion de groupe, l’identité sociale, le partage émotionnel... Si les controverses sont nombreuses, les académiciens et les praticiens sont unanimes sur leur importance quant aux réussites et aux échecs de la plupart des athlètes (Carron, Bray & Eys, 2002). Dès lors, les entraîneurs n’ont de cesse de rechercher des outils pour développer la dynamique de groupe au sein de leurs équipes (Buton, Fontayne & Heuzé, 2006). La préparation physique semble offrir une voie en ce sens : les entraîneurs, quelle que soit l’activité sportive, l’utilisent fréquemment en début de saison à travers des stages types « commando » par exemple pour améliorer à la fois la forme physique de leurs joueurs mais aussi créer du lien entre eux. En effet, la préparation physique permet de placer les sportifs dans des conditions extrêmes en termes de charge de travail et de difficulté ressentie par l’intermédiaire de séances de musculation ou sur piste, parfois beaucoup plus qu’en compétition. Celles-ci seraient ainsi susceptibles de provoquer des émotions intenses chez le pratiquant, positives comme négatives, qu’il devra alors être capable de réguler (Gross, 1998). Il peut ainsi être envisagé que si les stratégies de régulation émotionnelle sont utilisées en interaction avec les autres membres du groupe, la préparation physique pourrait effectivement avoir une influence sur la dynamique du groupe. Il a été montré que le langage non verbal est un marqueur émotionnel à travers les expressions faciales, les gestes, les attitudes... (Ekman & Rosenberg, 2005). Le but de cette recherche est alors d’étudier les interactions sociales à travers le langage non verbal de joueurs de rugby au cours d’une séance de préparation physique. Nous formulons l’hypothèse qu’il existe une relation positive entre l’intensité de l’effort et le nombre d’interactions sociales, influençant au final, la dynamique de groupe.

High altitudes of more than 3000 meters produce physiological disorders and adverse changes in mo... more High altitudes of more than 3000 meters produce physiological disorders and adverse changes in mood states. In the present study, we report investigations on mood states and personality traits in eight experienced climbers participating in a 31day period of confinement in hypobaric chamber and gradual decompression from the sea-level to 8848 m (Experiment ‘Everest-Comex 97). The subjects were tested at 5500 m, 6500 m on day 13, 5000 m, 6500 m on day 24, 8000 m, and 8848 m altitude. Adverse changes in mood states, such as Vigor and Fatigue, occurred at 8000 m and 8848 m, which were significantly correlated with cerebral altitude symptomatology. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between Fatigue and Factor C, which is a personality trait that measures emotional stability. We suggest that emotionally low stable individuals affected by feelings could be more sensitive to environmental stressor agents than more emotionally stable subjects who face reality.

This study aimed to examine how coping and defenses are related over time, using a two-wave cross... more This study aimed to examine how coping and defenses are related over time, using a
two-wave cross-lagged panel design. Coping and defenses were assessed before and after a sport competition in a sample of 296 competitive athletes. Partial least squares path modeling results showed that: (a) pre-competitive mature defenses predicted increases in the use of task-oriented coping during competition; (b) pre-competitive immature defenses predicted an increase in the use of disengagement-oriented coping during competition; and (c) pre- competitive task-oriented coping predicted an increase in the use of immature defenses during competition. Overall, our findings suggest that defenses predict the use of coping and conversely, that coping predicts the use of defenses in psychological adjustment to stressful situations. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications.

In an exploratory study, the relationships between two major concepts in psychological adjustment... more In an exploratory study, the relationships between two major concepts in psychological
adjustment, coping strategies and defense mechanisms, were investigated. Sport competition is an example of a real-world context in which to investigate people’s responses to stressful situations. The extent to which participants reported different uses of coping strategies and defense mechanisms was assessed in terms of performance. Twenty-six elite kayakers were classified into one of two groups, depending on the discrepancy between their standard performance and their performance in competition. Correlations were found between the coping strategies of seeking social support, positive reappraisal/planful problem solving and mature defenses and between the coping strategy of distancing/avoidance and immature defenses. The results of multivariate and univariate analyses confirmed a significantly different use of coping strategies and defense mechanisms between the two performance groups. In light of these findings, certain recommendations in terms of methodology and application appear warranted. It seems important to take into account both coping strategies and defense mechanisms to improve the process of adjustment to sport performance.

Le succès d’une mission en situation extrême dépend autant des compétentes individuelles que de l... more Le succès d’une mission en situation extrême dépend autant des compétentes individuelles que de la qualité des relations entre les membres de l’équipe. Nous proposons une analyse du leadership en situation extrême au travers de la littérature et de nos expériences de terrain afin de fournir quelques repères pour analyser ce rôle complexe de leader mais également pour proposer des voies d’intervention susceptibles de favoriser l’ajustement à ces situations extrêmes. L’amélioration du leadership et la construction d’une équipe constitue un mode d’intervention destiné à rendre une équipe plus cohésive et par conséquent plus efficace.

Psychologie et Management du sport (SPMS, EA 4180) RESUME : La très grande majorité des recherche... more Psychologie et Management du sport (SPMS, EA 4180) RESUME : La très grande majorité des recherches conduites sur la thématique des émotions en psychologie du sport a privilégié une méthodologie s'appuyant sur la passation de questionnaires psychométriques. Depuis quelques années se sont développées des recherches de terrain utilisant l'outil vidéo qui ont permis de dépasser les limites des études antérieurs pour explorer la fluctuation des émotions ressenties au cours même de la compétition. Deux approches semblent particulièrement prometteuses pour analyser avec plus de précision la dynamique temporelle des émotions au cours de la compétition. Les méthodologies à la première personne s'appuient sur l'entretien d'auto-confrontation pour recueillir les expériences émotionnelles vécues par les athlètes au cours même de la compétition. Les méthodologies à la troisième personne consistent en une analyse vidéo par des codeurs extérieurs des comportements non-verbaux des sportifs témoins indirects de leurs émotions durant la compétition. Après avoir présenté les points essentiels des cadres théoriques et 1

This study examined the relationship between perceived coaching behaviors, coping strategies duri... more This study examined the relationship between perceived coaching behaviors, coping strategies during a sport competition, and sport achievement. A prospective design was used in which 80 athletes from individual sports completed measures of perceived coaching behaviors two days before a competition (Time 1) and measures of coping and sport achievement within three hours after a sport competition (Time 2). As expected, results of multiple regressions indicated that supportive coaching was a positive predictor of task-oriented coping and sport achievement whereas unsupportive coaching was a positive predictor of disengagement-oriented coping. Both types of coping were significantly associated with sport achievement. Task-oriented coping was a significant partial mediator in the relation between supportive coaching and sport achievement. This study, which contributes to both the coaching and coping literatures, highlights the role of supportive coaching behaviors in the initiation of effective stress management during sport competitions.

a 5 ème compagnie de réserve du 35 ème Régiment d'infanterie de Belfort, b Cellule d'entrainement... more a 5 ème compagnie de réserve du 35 ème Régiment d'infanterie de Belfort, b Cellule d'entrainement et d'éducation physique militaire et sportive du 54 ème Régiment d'Artillerie d'Hyères, c Département neuroscience de l'institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, D Laboratoire SPMS (EA 4180), faculté des sport de Dijon, université de Bourgogne.

Introduction Comprendre et maîtriser les états de stress-récupération des sportifs Elite est cent... more Introduction Comprendre et maîtriser les états de stress-récupération des sportifs Elite est central pour maximiser les chances de performance lors des compétitions nationales et internationales. À ce jour, seuls des protocoles pluridisciplinaires permettent d'avoir une vision claire de la balance stress-récupération. La majorité des études reposent sur une évaluation des périodes à forte charge d'entrainement et peu se sont intéressées spécifiquement à la période d'affûtage. Cette dernière a été définie par Mujika et Padilla (2000) comme « une diminution progressive et non linéaire de la charge d'entrainement durant une durée de temps variable, dans le but de réduire la fatigue physiologique et psychologique et optimiser la performance sportive ». Les outils paraissant le mieux répondre aux exigences de terrain sont, en psychologie, ceux traduisant les états de stress et de récupération perçus, et en physiologie, l'analyse de la variabilité de fréquence cardiaque (VFC; Buchheit, 2014). L'ambition de cette recherche est d'étudier les états de stress-récupération de nageurs nationaux à internationaux durant la période d'affûtage, sans modifier le plan d'entraînement. Nos hypothèses de travail s'attachent à démontrer que (1) la baisse de charge entre le début et la fin de la période d'affûtage est corrélée aux variations des indices psychologiques et physiologiques, et (2) que les variables psychologiques sont reliées à des variables cardiaques.

The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate a measure of defense mechanisms: the... more The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate a measure of defense mechanisms: the short Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-26). A total of 296 competitive athletes completed the DSQ-26 and other self-report questionnaires both before and after a sport competition. Results of Principal Component Analyses (PCA) on the pre-competitive data showed evidence for a 2-factor model that included adaptive (e.g., humor, anticipation, self-assertion, altruism, self-observation) and maladaptive defenses (e.g., help rejecting complaining, splitting other, projection, dissociation, intellectualization, devaluation/self, fantasy, devaluation of other). Confirmatory factor analyses conducted on both the pre- and intra-competitive data showed an acceptable fit of the data for the 2-factor, 13-defense model of DSQ-26, supporting the factorial structure identified within the PCAs. Correlations between DSQ-26 subscales, coping, affective states, perceived stress and control scores provided evidence for criterion-related validity of the DSQ-26 scores. Overall, this study provides support for the reliability and validity of the short DSQ-26 scores with recommendations for the use and development of this measure of defense mechanisms in stressful situations.

Research unit EA 3920, Prognostic markers and regulatory factors of heart and vascular diseases a... more Research unit EA 3920, Prognostic markers and regulatory factors of heart and vascular diseases and Exercise Performance, Health, Innovation platform, Abstract Background & Study Aim: Previous studies in adults and endurance athletes have evaluated whether heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to monitor training load. We aimed to answer to question: whether HRV monitoring is useful in elite adolescent athletes practicing a sport with a major anaerobic component, i.e. judo.

L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer les effets de l’accompagnement d’un projet personnel su... more L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer les effets de l’accompagnement d’un projet personnel sur l’évolution de l’estime de soi de stagiaires d’un centre de football en fin de formation. 22 stagiaires ont été répartis au hasard en deux groupes égaux : un groupe expérimental (accompagnement de projet) et un groupe contrôle (tâche neutre). L’intervention proposait aux participants des entretiens individuels visant l’élaboration et la planification d’un projet orienté principalement sur les domaines sportif et scolaire. 10 mesures répétées toutes les 3 semaines (4 avant et 6 après l’intervention) de l’estime globale de soi, de la valeur physique perçue et des sentiments de compétence la constituant (force, endurance, compétence sportive et apparence physique) ont été effectuées. Les résultats traduisent une influence positive de la participation au dispositif sur l’estime globale de soi et les sentiments de compétence de force et d’endurance physique, mais pas sur la valeur physique perçue. Ceux-ci nuancent l’importance de la composante physique dans l’estime globale de soi de cette population et soulignent l’intérêt de considérer différents domaines d’expression, notamment le scolaire, dans l’accompagnement de projet. Ils suggèrent enfin la pertinence d’une intervention basée sur l’accompagnement de projet afin d’aider ces stagiaires à anticiper et préparer la fin de leur formation footballistique.

the main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between non-verbal behaviors of high ... more the main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between non-verbal behaviors of high level table tennis players and their performance during high-stakes table tennis matches. This study also provided descriptive evidence relating to the nature and frequency of the non-verbal behaviors expressed by athletes while competing. Eight high-level matches from the European Top 12 and French pro A championship for a total of 13 different players ranking 10th-161st on the world ITTF ranking at the moment of the study were analyzed. Coding grid allowed researcher to extract the following quantitative variables from the videotapes of high-stakes table tennis matches: (1) nature of non- verbal behaviors deployed by table tennis players during competition, (2) frequency of non-verbal behaviors deployed by table tennis players during competition, (3) gain vs. loss of match, (4) gain vs. loss of game, (5) gain vs. loss of the previous point, and (6) gain vs. loss of the next point. Quantitative analyses of the videotapes revealed the presence of 25 specific non-verbal behaviors, for a total of 4972 non-verbal behaviors observed during the matches. Results showed that the frequency of non-verbal behaviors was significantly different between: (1) matches won vs. lost, (2) games won vs. lost, (3) previous points won vs. lost, and (4) next points won vs. lost. Particular non-verbal behaviors seemthus to have a causal influence on the result of the next point (won vs. lost). Specifically, players who “run around the playing area” would increase their chances to win the next point. Contrary, players who “remake the gesture” and/or “touch/scratch his face” would decrease their chances to win the next point. The predominant focus in sport psychology hasbeenonpre-performance non-verbalbehaviors,withfarlessattentionpaidtothenon-verbalbehaviorsexpressedby athletes during competition. Support was provided for the usefulness to examine the wide range of non -verbal behaviors expressed by international table tennis players during the competition as well as for their significant influence on the performance of players while competing.

The aim of this study was to evaluate from a longitudinal perspective the relationships between C... more The aim of this study was to evaluate from a longitudinal perspective the relationships between Conscientiousness, soccer and school self-determination, and satisfaction in soccer academies. Newly recruited French soccer athletes responded to satisfaction and self-determination measures three times, once every four months, and to conscientiousness measure in Time 2. Results showed that soccer self-determination of trainees decreased and that its relationship with satisfaction was stronger over time. Moreover, results indicated that the relationship between trainee Conscientiousness and satisfaction depends on the level of soccer self-determination (S S-D); when it was relatively high (in the middle of the year) the relationship was moderated by S S-D and when it was weak (at the end of the year) the relation was mediated by S S-D. Applied suggestions are made to develop means to maintain trainees' feelings of autonomy toward soccer and school experience.

The study examined whether the quality of the coach-athlete relationship associates with a range ... more The study examined whether the quality of the coach-athlete relationship associates with a range of behaviours coaches manifest in training and competitions. The Coach Behaviour Scale for Sport (CBS-S) and the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) measured coaching behaviours and relationships respectively. As neither of these scales was validated in French, the psychometric properties of both scales were examined indicating that they were psychometrically sound. Analysis revealed that athletes' perceptions of good quality relationships reflected in high levels of closeness and commitment were better and stronger predictors of a range of coach behaviours while high levels of complementarity only predicted positive personal rapport. Moreover, high levels of closeness (trust, respect, appreciation) predicted low levels of negative personal rapport. Overall, these results support the assumptions that good quality coach-athlete relationships supply the context within which athletes interact with their coaches. It is possible that athletes who develop strong connections with their coaches receive better coaching. Thus relationships may play a key role in developing effective coaching environments.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a personal goal-based intervention on positi... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a personal goal-based intervention on positive and negative moods among young athletes of a soccer academy. Study participants (n=22) were randomized into either a treatment group with a personal goal management program (Bouffard, Labelle, Dubé, & Lapierre, 1999) or a control group. Participants‟ mood states were measured every three weeks. Results indicated a significant post-intervention group difference on the positive and negative moods states in favor of the treatment group. A significant within-group difference over time was also found for the treatment group. Methodological and applied suggestions are made to develop means to support young athletes.

Dans le domaine de l’entraînement sportif, la notion de dynamique de groupe est certainement l’un... more Dans le domaine de l’entraînement sportif, la notion de dynamique de groupe est certainement l’une des plus passionnantes et des plus complexes, regroupant des champs d’étude tels que la cohésion de groupe, l’identité sociale, le partage émotionnel... Si les controverses sont nombreuses, les académiciens et les praticiens sont unanimes sur leur importance quant aux réussites et aux échecs de la plupart des athlètes (Carron, Bray & Eys, 2002). Dès lors, les entraîneurs n’ont de cesse de rechercher des outils pour développer la dynamique de groupe au sein de leurs équipes (Buton, Fontayne & Heuzé, 2006). La préparation physique semble offrir une voie en ce sens : les entraîneurs, quelle que soit l’activité sportive, l’utilisent fréquemment en début de saison à travers des stages types « commando » par exemple pour améliorer à la fois la forme physique de leurs joueurs mais aussi créer du lien entre eux. En effet, la préparation physique permet de placer les sportifs dans des conditions extrêmes en termes de charge de travail et de difficulté ressentie par l’intermédiaire de séances de musculation ou sur piste, parfois beaucoup plus qu’en compétition. Celles-ci seraient ainsi susceptibles de provoquer des émotions intenses chez le pratiquant, positives comme négatives, qu’il devra alors être capable de réguler (Gross, 1998). Il peut ainsi être envisagé que si les stratégies de régulation émotionnelle sont utilisées en interaction avec les autres membres du groupe, la préparation physique pourrait effectivement avoir une influence sur la dynamique du groupe. Il a été montré que le langage non verbal est un marqueur émotionnel à travers les expressions faciales, les gestes, les attitudes... (Ekman & Rosenberg, 2005). Le but de cette recherche est alors d’étudier les interactions sociales à travers le langage non verbal de joueurs de rugby au cours d’une séance de préparation physique. Nous formulons l’hypothèse qu’il existe une relation positive entre l’intensité de l’effort et le nombre d’interactions sociales, influençant au final, la dynamique de groupe.

High altitudes of more than 3000 meters produce physiological disorders and adverse changes in mo... more High altitudes of more than 3000 meters produce physiological disorders and adverse changes in mood states. In the present study, we report investigations on mood states and personality traits in eight experienced climbers participating in a 31day period of confinement in hypobaric chamber and gradual decompression from the sea-level to 8848 m (Experiment ‘Everest-Comex 97). The subjects were tested at 5500 m, 6500 m on day 13, 5000 m, 6500 m on day 24, 8000 m, and 8848 m altitude. Adverse changes in mood states, such as Vigor and Fatigue, occurred at 8000 m and 8848 m, which were significantly correlated with cerebral altitude symptomatology. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between Fatigue and Factor C, which is a personality trait that measures emotional stability. We suggest that emotionally low stable individuals affected by feelings could be more sensitive to environmental stressor agents than more emotionally stable subjects who face reality.

This study aimed to examine how coping and defenses are related over time, using a two-wave cross... more This study aimed to examine how coping and defenses are related over time, using a
two-wave cross-lagged panel design. Coping and defenses were assessed before and after a sport competition in a sample of 296 competitive athletes. Partial least squares path modeling results showed that: (a) pre-competitive mature defenses predicted increases in the use of task-oriented coping during competition; (b) pre-competitive immature defenses predicted an increase in the use of disengagement-oriented coping during competition; and (c) pre- competitive task-oriented coping predicted an increase in the use of immature defenses during competition. Overall, our findings suggest that defenses predict the use of coping and conversely, that coping predicts the use of defenses in psychological adjustment to stressful situations. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications.

In an exploratory study, the relationships between two major concepts in psychological adjustment... more In an exploratory study, the relationships between two major concepts in psychological
adjustment, coping strategies and defense mechanisms, were investigated. Sport competition is an example of a real-world context in which to investigate people’s responses to stressful situations. The extent to which participants reported different uses of coping strategies and defense mechanisms was assessed in terms of performance. Twenty-six elite kayakers were classified into one of two groups, depending on the discrepancy between their standard performance and their performance in competition. Correlations were found between the coping strategies of seeking social support, positive reappraisal/planful problem solving and mature defenses and between the coping strategy of distancing/avoidance and immature defenses. The results of multivariate and univariate analyses confirmed a significantly different use of coping strategies and defense mechanisms between the two performance groups. In light of these findings, certain recommendations in terms of methodology and application appear warranted. It seems important to take into account both coping strategies and defense mechanisms to improve the process of adjustment to sport performance.

Le succès d’une mission en situation extrême dépend autant des compétentes individuelles que de l... more Le succès d’une mission en situation extrême dépend autant des compétentes individuelles que de la qualité des relations entre les membres de l’équipe. Nous proposons une analyse du leadership en situation extrême au travers de la littérature et de nos expériences de terrain afin de fournir quelques repères pour analyser ce rôle complexe de leader mais également pour proposer des voies d’intervention susceptibles de favoriser l’ajustement à ces situations extrêmes. L’amélioration du leadership et la construction d’une équipe constitue un mode d’intervention destiné à rendre une équipe plus cohésive et par conséquent plus efficace.

Psychologie et Management du sport (SPMS, EA 4180) RESUME : La très grande majorité des recherche... more Psychologie et Management du sport (SPMS, EA 4180) RESUME : La très grande majorité des recherches conduites sur la thématique des émotions en psychologie du sport a privilégié une méthodologie s'appuyant sur la passation de questionnaires psychométriques. Depuis quelques années se sont développées des recherches de terrain utilisant l'outil vidéo qui ont permis de dépasser les limites des études antérieurs pour explorer la fluctuation des émotions ressenties au cours même de la compétition. Deux approches semblent particulièrement prometteuses pour analyser avec plus de précision la dynamique temporelle des émotions au cours de la compétition. Les méthodologies à la première personne s'appuient sur l'entretien d'auto-confrontation pour recueillir les expériences émotionnelles vécues par les athlètes au cours même de la compétition. Les méthodologies à la troisième personne consistent en une analyse vidéo par des codeurs extérieurs des comportements non-verbaux des sportifs témoins indirects de leurs émotions durant la compétition. Après avoir présenté les points essentiels des cadres théoriques et 1

Stress and Recovery Responses

The present study analyzed the time course of the psychological process of stress and recovery in... more The present study analyzed the time course of the psychological process of stress and recovery in 6 healthy male volunteers during the Mars 105 experimentation, a 105-day ground-based space analogue. The multidimensional assessment of stress and recovery responses showed that stress levels decreased significantly throughout the 105-day isolated and confined extreme (ICE) experiment, especially on its social dimension. In line with previous studies, Fatigue showed a global and progressive reduction. The present results suggest that ICE exposure may not systematically induce stress overload and impaired psychological states. To optimize adaptation to ICE conditions, further improvements in positive psychological effects may be possible by improving the countermeasures, as well as the screening and selection of participants, in order to enhance coping capacities and to improve the balance of recovery-stress states.