Discuss the factors that can positively and negatively impact self-regulation for sports performance and exercise behaviour change. (8 marks)
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*PEEL – Structure solution using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.
Sample Answer:
Benefits of Supportive Conditions:
- [P] Adequate sleep and recovery form the foundation for effective self-regulation in both sports and exercise contexts.
- [E] Well-rested individuals maintain optimal mental resources needed for self-control during challenging situations.
- [Ev] Elite swimmers who prioritise 8+ hours sleep demonstrate superior emotional control during high-pressure races compared to sleep-deprived competitors.
- [L] This demonstrates how physiological factors directly support psychological self-regulation abilities.
- [P] Social support systems further strengthen self-regulatory capacity when personal resources become strained.
- [E] External accountability from coaches, trainers and peers provides crucial reinforcement during moments of low motivation.
- [Ev] Recreational exercisers with personal trainers maintain programme adherence rates 60% higher than those training independently.
- [L] Therefore, environmental support significantly enhances individual self-regulation efforts.
Challenges Undermining Self-Regulation:
- [P] However, the absence of these supportive conditions creates substantial barriers to effective self-regulation.
- [E] Sleep deprivation directly undermines the cognitive resources required for self-control and strategic decision-making.
- [Ev] Athletes training on less than six hours sleep frequently exhibit emotional outbursts and poor tactical choices during competition.
- [L] This reveals how compromised recovery sabotages even well-developed self-regulatory skills.
- [P] Similarly, excessive demands can overwhelm self-regulatory capacity regardless of external support.
- [E] Unrealistic exercise programmes place unsustainable strain on willpower without allowing gradual skill development.
- [Ev] Beginning exercisers attempting intensive daily routines typically abandon programmes within three weeks due to self-regulation fatigue.
- [L] Consequently, poorly structured demands can undermine long-term behaviour change despite initial motivation.
*PEEL – Structure solution using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.
Sample Answer
Benefits of Supportive Conditions:
- [P] Adequate sleep and recovery form the foundation for effective self-regulation in both sports and exercise contexts.
- [E] Well-rested individuals maintain optimal mental resources needed for self-control during challenging situations.
- [Ev] Elite swimmers who prioritise 8+ hours sleep demonstrate superior emotional control during high-pressure races compared to sleep-deprived competitors.
- [L] This demonstrates how physiological factors directly support psychological self-regulation abilities.
- [P] Social support systems further strengthen self-regulatory capacity when personal resources become strained.
- [E] External accountability from coaches, trainers and peers provides crucial reinforcement during moments of low motivation.
- [Ev] Recreational exercisers with personal trainers maintain programme adherence rates 60% higher than those training independently.
- [L] Therefore, environmental support significantly enhances individual self-regulation efforts.
Challenges Undermining Self-Regulation:
- [P] However, the absence of these supportive conditions creates substantial barriers to effective self-regulation.
- [E] Sleep deprivation directly undermines the cognitive resources required for self-control and strategic decision-making.
- [Ev] Athletes training on less than six hours sleep frequently exhibit emotional outbursts and poor tactical choices during competition.
- [L] This reveals how compromised recovery sabotages even well-developed self-regulatory skills.
- [P] Similarly, excessive demands can overwhelm self-regulatory capacity regardless of external support.
- [E] Unrealistic exercise programmes place unsustainable strain on willpower without allowing gradual skill development.
- [Ev] Beginning exercisers attempting intensive daily routines typically abandon programmes within three weeks due to self-regulation fatigue.
- [L] Consequently, poorly structured demands can undermine long-term behaviour change despite initial motivation.