Coming from behind: On the effect of psychological momentum on sport performance

The purpose of the present study was to test the predictions derived from 3 models of Psychological Momentum (PM) regarding the elusive PM-performance relationship. Participants competed in one of two 12-minute bogus bicycle races. They were randomly assigned to either a no-momentum race (i.e., tied ) or a positive-momentum race (i.e., coming from behind to tie). Perception s of PM and cycling performance were measured at 4 different points in time . Results from between- and within-subject analyses demonstrated that when participants lost the lead, their perceptions of PM decreased significantly . When participants regained the lead, their perceptions of PM increased si gnificantly. Between- and within-subject analyses of variance also showed t hat experiencing PM led to increased performance. However, losing PM also l ed to performance enhancement, presumably through negative facilitation (Co rnelius, Silva, Conroy, & Petersen, 1997). Results are discussed in light o f models of PM, and avenues for future research are offered.