Imagery use in sport: A literature review and applied model

Research examining imagery use by athletes is reviewed within the context o f an applied model for sport. The model conceptualizes the sport situation, the type of imagery used, and imagery ability as factors that influence ho w imagery use can affect an athlete. Three broad categories of imagery effe cts are examined: (a) skill and strategy learning and performance, (b) cogn itive modification, and (c) arousal and anxiety regulation. Recommendations are offered for the operationalization and measurement of constructs withi n the model, and suggestions are provided for how the model may guide futur e research and application.