PhD, Associate Professor S.L. Ledentsova¹
L.A. Gorlova^2
1Surgut State University, Surgut
²Training center "Yugrasport", Surgut

Objective of the study was to test benefits of a new neuroticism control and mental conditioning project for underage figure skaters.
Methods and structure of the study. The new neuroticism control and mental conditioning project piloting experiment for the underage figure skaters was run at Titan Ice Sports Palace in Surgut. We sampled for the experiment the 8-9 year-old figure skaters (n=6) on requests from the families and coaches concerned by symptoms of neuroticism. We were governed by the known basic project design principles (objectivity, plotting, strategic mission, abstract-to-concrete progress, cooperation, etc.), with application of the following mental conditioning tools: (1) dialogic disposition development by imaginary conversations with spectators during the program; (2) motor skill excellence with a special emphasis on the movement semantics; (3) new motor skills mastering in the context of the program mission and semantics on the whole. Neurotic symptoms were tested by the pre- versus post-experimental tests using three-level criteria (1st - neurotic, 2nd - transitional and 3rd – mental fitness) to rate: (1) asthenic emotional/ somatic responses/ self-controls; (2) excessive/ humble aspirations/ ambitions; (3) excessive/ low/ adequate self-esteem; (4) external / internal figure skating motivations; (5) distraction / attention focusing/ stress tolerance; (6) involuntary/ controllable behaviors; and (7) egocentric disposition / dialogic disposition in the figure skating program execution. Benefits of the neuroticism control project were rated by the progress tests.
Results and discussion. The neuroticism control and mental conditioning project for underage figure skaters was found beneficial in the following aspects: (1) anxiety control; (2) normalized self-esteem and aspirations; (3) increased internal figure skating motivations; (4) increased stress tolerance; (5) improved success motivations; and (6) mental shift to a dialogue with spectator.

Keywords: competitive mental fitness, egocentric disposition, dialogic disposition, neuroticism control project.

References

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