This document discusses a study that explored the relationship between self-regulation and performance in triathletes. The study surveyed 64 triathletes about their self-regulation abilities and performance using an adapted self-regulation scale. Results showed that more experienced triathletes were better at self-monitoring and evaluation. Overall, the study found a positive relationship between self-regulation and triathlon performance. The document recommends further qualitative and intervention research to better understand how self-regulation impacts performance.

1. Introduction
• Triathlon is increasing in popularity
• Still need to know more about the mental
processes involved in endurance sport (Brick et al.,
2014)
• Self-regulation is a means by which individuals
monitor, manage and control (Richards, 2011)
• Individuals who effectively self-regulate possess
psychological skills to adapt in physiologically and
psychologically testing conditions (Richards, 2011)
Rationale
• Build on recommendations for future research by
Brick et al. (2014)
• Apply Toering et al. (2012) scale to uncover
processes used in endurance sport performance
Research Questions
• What relationship is there between self-regulation
(components) and performance rating?
• What differences lie between endurance sport
experience and the components of self-regulation?
• Is there a between groups difference for
performance rating?
Methods
• Triathletes (n=64) approached after a competitive
triathlon sprint race (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km
run)
• Self-report questionnaire;
• Performance rating (1-10)
• Experience Information on scale <1 year*,
1-3 years* and >3 years.
*Collapsed for analysis
• Adapted SRL-SRS (Toering, 2012):
Shortened with top 4 scores on factor
analysis questions selected from each of
the 6 components. Scoring changed to 5-
point Likert scale
alex.oliver@gcu.ac.uk
Exploring the role of self-regulation
in triathlon performance
Alex Oliver MSc. MBPsS |Supervisor: Hugh Richards CPSYCHOL
The University of Edinburgh
@aoliverpsych #BASESatBangor
Between Group Differences
• More experienced (>3 years) better at self-monitoring
(U= 296.500, Z= -2.936, p< .01) and evaluation than
less experienced (<3 years) (U= 325.500, Z= -2.527,
p= 0.11).
• No significant differences between experience level
and performance rating.
Conclusions
• Overall, a positive relationship between self-regulation
and triathlon performance is present
• Findings can inform Psychological skills packages we
give to athletes
Future Research Recommendations
• Qualitatively look at the specific strategies which are
used and by who, e.g. differences in experience level
• An intervention study would further indicate role self-
regulation has on performance
Acknowledgements
• MSc. Performance Psychology at University of
Edinburgh
Key References:
Brick, N., MacIntyre, T., & Campbell, M. (2014). Attentional Focus in Endurance Activity: New Paradigms and Future
Directions. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7(1), 106-134.
Richards, H. (2011). Coping and mental toughness. In D. Collins, A. Button & H. Richards (Eds.), Performance
Psychology A Practitioner’s Guide. Edinburgh, UK: Elsevier.
Toering, T., Elferink-Gemser, M. T., Jonker, L., van Heuvelen, M. J. G., & Visscher, C. (2012). Measuring self-
regulation in a learning context: Reliability and validity of the Self-Regulation of Learning Self-Report Scale (SRL-
SRS). International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10(1), 24-38.
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Planning Self-Monitoring
Evaluation Reflection
Effort Self-Efficacy