Published since January 1, 2006

Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity

ISSN: 1932-0191

Editor-in-chief: Sandra E. Moritz

Submit manuscript

About this journal

Objective

The Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity is the first peer-reviewed journal devoted to research on the role of imagery in sport, physical activity, exercise, and rehabilitation settings. Imagery, also referred to as cognitive enactment or visualization, is one of the most popular performance enhancement and rehabilitation techniques in sports and physical activity. Journal editor Sandra Moritz (University of North Dakota) is a recognized leader in the field, and the journal’s editorial board represents leading institutions in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. The single destination for all imagery-related research in sports and in physical activity, the Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity is an indispensable tool for scholars and practitioners of imagery, sports science, kinesiology, physical education, and psychology.

Topics

The role of imagery in sport
Physical activity
Exercise
Rehabilitation settings
Sports science
Kinesiology
Physical education
Psychology

Article formats
Original research articles, reviews

Your Benefits

Your benefits

Leading and pioneering journal on the role of imagery in sport
Theoretical and applied approach
Prominent editorial board
Indispensable source of most recent information for scholars and practitioners
Fast access to articles thanks to ahead of print publishing

History

History
One issue/year, updated continuously
Content available since 2006 (Volume 1, Issue 1)
ISSN: 1932-0191.

Abstracting and Indexing

Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity is covered by the following services:

Baidu Scholar
Cabells Journalytics
CABI (over 50 subsections)
CINAHL
CNKI Scholar (China National Knowledge Infrastructure)
CNPIEC - cnpLINKer
Dimensions
EBSCO (relevant databases)
EBSCO Discovery Service
Genamics JournalSeek
Google Scholar
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
J-Gate
JournalGuide
JournalTOCs
KESLI-NDSL (Korean National Discovery for Science Leaders)
MyScienceWork
Naver Academic
Naviga (Softweco)
Primo Central (ExLibris)
ProQuest (relevant databases)
PSYNDEX
Publons
QOAM (Quality Open Access Market)
ReadCube
Scilit
SCImago (SJR)
SCOPUS
Semantic Scholar
Sherpa/RoMEO
Summon (ProQuest)
TDNet
Ulrich's Periodicals Directory/ulrichsweb
WanFang Data
WorldCat (OCLC)
X-MOL
Yewno Discover

Supplementary Materials

Topics

External Links

Volume 18 Issue s1

May 2023

Editorial

April 27, 2023

Why imagery use in esports?

Sandra Elaine Moritz

Article number: 20230015

Articles

Publicly Available May 11, 2023

Translating the applied model of deliberate imagery use to esports

Sandra Elaine Moritz

Article number: 20230014

More Download PDF

Abstract

This article presents the Applied Model of Deliberate Imagery Use for Esports. The model is a translation from the Applied Model of Deliberate Imagery Use for Sport, Dance, Exercise and Rehabilitation (Cumming, J., & Williams, S. E. (2013). Introducing the revised applied model of deliberate imagery use for sport, dance, exercise, and rehabilitation. Movement & Sport Sciences, 82 , 69–81 Martin, K. A., Moritz, S. E., & Hall, C. R. (1999). Imagery use in sport: A literature review and applied model. The Sport Psychologist, 13 , 245–268). Each component of the model is described with examples relevant to esports. How the model can be used for imagery intervention and application, and suggestions for future research are also included.

March 9, 2023

Practical assessment and application of imagery techniques in esports

Caroline M. Brackette, Viken Alexander Ayvazian

Article number: 20230002

Abstract

Objectives This paper highlights how the practice of mental imagery, which is effective in helping elite athletes enhance their performance for competition in traditional sports, is transferable to esports athletes. Methods This paper will provide an overview of a profile of esports athletes and the challenges they face, a tool to assess their level of proficiency with the successful use of mental imagery, and suggestions on how they might incorporate mental imagery into their preparation and competition routines. Results Esports athletes can benefit from using mental imagery to raise their level of performance and address any stressors or difficulties they might encounter during preparation and competition. Mental imagery is ideal to use as a foundational practice to improve other mental skills such as focus, self-regulation, positive self-talk, and resiliency. Conclusions Gamers who are interested in participating, or already involved, in esports would benefit from developing an individualized mental imagery plan and working with a mental performance professional to help them assess, develop, and evaluate their proficiency in the use of mental imagery skills and outcomes.

Open Access March 8, 2023

Developing imagery ability in esport athletes using layered stimulus response training

Jennifer Cumming, Mary L. Quinton

Article number: 20220024

More Download PDF

Abstract

For esport athletes to effectively use imagery and experience its many benefits, they must develop a collection of skills referred to as imagery ability. Layered stimulus response training (LSRT) is an evidence-based technique informed by bioinformational theory to improve how easily someone can form rich and vivid images that more closely approximate the real-life situation. In turn, having a better ability to generate and control clear and vivid images is associated with better performance and optimal mental and emotional states. The aim of this paper is to explain how sport psychologists can guide esport athletes through cycles of LSRT, which involves imaging, evaluating, reflecting, and then developing images in progressive layers of different stimulus, response, and meaning propositions. Aids to image generation and other variations of LSRT as well as future research opportunities for applying LSRT to esport are also discussed.

May 1, 2023

Getting the most out of imagery: PETTLEP and ESports

Melanie J. Gregg

Article number: 20230010

Abstract

The PETTLEP model of imagery developed by Holmes, P. S., & Collins, D. J. (2001. The PETTLEP approach to motor imagery: A functional equivalence model for sport psychologists. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 13 , 60–83) is used to guide mental skills practitioners and researchers when designing mental imagery interventions for performance enhancement. The PETTLEP acronym represents Physical, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, and Perspective aspects of mental images. Using the PETTLEP model to guide imagery optimizes the effectiveness of the imagery.

April 28, 2023

Imagery for game strategy in esports

Melanie J. Gregg

Article number: 20230011

Abstract

Cognitive general imagery includes game plans, strategies, and routines. Mental imagery of strategies of play can decrease reaction time and lead to better decision making, ultimately resulting in enhanced performance.

March 8, 2023

Using imagery to build confidence in esports

Robin Vealey, Emily Wright

Article number: 20220023

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide strategies for using imagery to build confidence in esport athletes. Because confidence is a belief and strongly influenced by success and failure, mental training using imagery should be designed to create and sustain an agile mindset to accept events that shake confidence and enable athletes to respond productively to adapt and restore self-belief. Esport athletes should start small with short but frequent sessions of polysensory imagery practice of simple skills and strategies to build imagery skill and confidence. Imagery practice should be similar to competition, in terms of physical posture, setting, and equipment. Confidence-building imagery strategies include creating and rehearsing optimal performance plans as well creating imagery scripts for productive responses to mistakes, losing, tilting, and worrying about the skills and decision-making of teammates. Uses of imagery can be periodized to optimally develop confident performance and responses, prepare for specific opponents or tournaments, and assess prior performances using a growth mindset to enhance self-belief.

May 9, 2023

Using imagery to build team confidence in esports

Sandra Elaine Moritz

Article number: 20230019

March 6, 2023

An imagery-based intervention for managing anxiety in esports

Krista J. Munroe-Chandler, Todd M. Loughead, Erkin G. Zuluev, Frank O. Ely

Article number: 20230005

Abstract

The popularity and commercial success of videogames in the current era has given rise to a new type of competition: electronic sports (or esports). Researchers have proposed that esports players would benefit greatly from the applied sport psychology work typically conducted with traditional athletes and more specifically from evidence-based interventions. Imagery interventions have proven beneficial for the traditional athlete at managing anxiety in competitive settings, and in fact League of Legends players have noted the importance of mental skills, including imagery, to achieving optimal performance. The aim of the current paper is to provide practitioners with an imagery intervention specifically designed for managing anxiety in League of Legends players. Three 30-min workshops are described wherein the practitioner follows the three phases of Psychological Skills Training; education, acquisition and practice.

March 13, 2023

VR training and imagery training in esports

Lindsay Ross-Stewart, Russell Lee

Article number: 20230003

Abstract

This article focused on the recent interest in VR in sport and how this technology can and can not help Esport athletes. Summarizing that VR is likely not a tool needed in esports, the authors highlight ways that Esport athletes can incorporate imagery into their first-person perspective gaming film review in a way that increased their psychological skills and performance.

March 1, 2023

Using imagined partners to enhance esports performance

Samuel Thomas Forlenza

Article number: 20220022

Abstract

With the growing popularity of esports, performance psychology consultants – and players themselves – are looking at how esports athletes can perform better. Many esports are team-based, meaning that performance depends not just on an individual’s skill level, but on how well each individual works with their teammates. While several group dynamics processes have been identified in esports settings that could play a role in team performance, these processes may also affect individuals. Esports athletes can use imagery to simulate partner and team interactions to help improve their individual performance, in turn helping their team succeed. This article will outline relevant group dynamics processes that affect esports teams and individuals, discuss how esports athletes can combine imagery with group dynamics, and close with several recommendations for using imagined teammates to enhance effort and performance.

May 9, 2023

Coaches as teachers and facilitators of esports imagery use

Mark A. Rerick, Sandra Elaine Moritz

Article number: 20230013

Abstract

New esports teams are popping up all of the time and they all need a good coaching staff, including specialists. For the benefit of esports coach education, this article provides a brief summary of the conditions that must be present for learning to take place, the various teaching methods available to coaches, and best practices in guiding athlete performance. The final section shows how coaches can facilitate imagery use with athletes.

Publicly Available May 9, 2023

Imagery use in esports: future research directions and unique considerations

Sandra E. Moritz, Matt Knutson

Article number: 20230018

Download PDF

Volume 18 (2023)

CiteScore	1.7	2022, Scopus (Elsevier B.V., 2023)
SCImago Journal Rank	0.222	2022, SJR (Scimago Lab, 2023; Data Source: Scopus)
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.457	2022, CWTS Journal Indicators (CWTS B.V., 2023; Data Source: Scopus)

More information about journal rankings

Submit

Submission
Online Submission of Manuscripts

Your benefits of publishing with us

SCImago journal rank
Fast turnaround times
Insightful reviews
Every article easily discoverable because of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and comprehensive abstracting and indexing services
Secure archiving by De Gruyter and the independent archiving service Portico
Professional sales and marketing activities

Submission process

Set your manuscript according to the Manuscript Preparation Guidelines
Submit your manuscript via our Online Submission Tool
Peer review procedure. The editorial staff will make its best to provide the reviews to authors as soon as possible
Decision on your paper
Ahead of print publishing
Upon publication, authors will receive electronic offprints (in PDF format) of their contribution

Please note

Manuscripts of articles should be in English. Authors whose native language is not English are asked to have their article carefully checked by a native speaker
Before submitting your article please have a look at our Ethical Guidelines and our Copyright Transfer Agreement
Once your article is accepted you have the option to publish it open access
Our Repository Policy allows you to distribute 30 PDF copies of your published article to colleagues (the PDF has to include the information that it is an author's copy). Please also feel free to distribute the link to the online abstract
If you have any general questions please visit our FAQ page for authors

We look forward to receiving your manuscript!

Editorial

Editor /Managing Editor
Sandra Moritz University of North Dakota; USA

Editorial Board
Krista Chandler, University of Windsor
Jennifer Cumming, University of Windsor
Lindsay Duncan, McGill University
Deb Feltz, Michigan State University
Kim Gammage, Brock University
Pete Giacobbi, Jr., University of Arizona
Melanie Gregg, University of Winnipeg
Sheldon Hanton, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
Eva Monsma, University of South Carolina
Wendy Rodgers, University of Alberta
Lindsay Ross-Stewart, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Robin Vealey, Miami University

Editorial Office - Contact
Heike Jahnke
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Genthiner Straße 13
10785 Berlin, Germany
E-mail:

(Deutsch)

Online ISSN: 1932-0191
Print ISSN: 2194-637X
Type: Journal
Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
First published: January 1, 2006
Publication Frequency: 1 Issue per Year
Audience: Researchers and practitioners interested in imagery in sport and physical activity