The POMS and sports performance: A review

Abstract

The general purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature on precom-petitive mood states (using the POMS) and sport performance. Specifically, important interpretative, conceptual, and methodological issues are examined to provide direction for future research. A position is taken that the Mental Health Model (iceberg profile) may not be the most suitable framework for understanding how precompetitive mood states are related to sport performance. A promising alternative approach is Hanin's Individual Zone of Optimal Function (IZOF) model.