Using hypnosis in competition period to enhance self-confidence and to reduce anxiety among volleyball players

Abstract

The aim of our research was to test the influence of hypnosis on changes in self-confidence and anxiety. Our sample included (N = 7 volleyball players) from a Tunisian volleyball team, aged 16-24 years (M=20.42, Sd=2.63), were monitored daily for four weeks to assess their training and they followed a hypnosis practice program. In order to evaluate the evolution of psychological variables, the participants completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) questionnaire at three measurement times (at the beginning of the experiment, after two weeks and at the end of the four weeks). The questionnaire (CSAI-2) was obtained statistically significant from the three times analysis of variance (Alpha = .78). A one-way model ANOVA revealed that hypnosis improved for the athletes (p < .01); self-confidence increased (p < .01) and cognitive anxiety decreased (p < .05). Correlation analysis revealed that changes in hypnosis were moderately related to changes in self-confidence (p < .05).The results of the study showed that hypnosis could enhance self-confidence and reduce cognitive anxiety. These observations allow us to guide future interventions with athletes to strengthen them psychologically.