Self-talk and emotions in sport

Despite the inherent links between emotion and self-talk as part of human functioning, research within the sport psychology literature has been rather limited. A recently introduced conceptualisation of self-talk provides a promising platform for exploring in a more systematic way the relationships between self-talk and emotions and developing our understanding of human functioning. This conceptualisation distinguishes between two self-talk entities, organic and strategic self-talk. Further, it discriminates, based on dual-processing theories, organic self-talk into goal-directed and undirected, while taking into consideration perspectives of valence and time, much like theoretical approaches of emotions. In this chapter, we will briefly introduce this conceptualisation of self-talk and attempt to explain the aspects that make the study of the relationship between self-talk and emotions appealing. Subsequently, relevant research evidence will be presented portraying how athletes’ experienced emotions influence self-talk, but also how self-talk can serve as an emotion regulation agent. Finally, applied perspectives and recommendations for practitioners will be provided to help connect the presented framework with sports practice through the development and implementation of appropriate interventions.