Changes in Present Mood States of Youth Soccer Players During the Competition Period

Abstract

Atlhetes' mood states may vary depending on match contexts. This study analyzes present mood states variations over time in 18 male youth soccer players (M_age: 15.4 ± 0.266 years) during a competitive season. The Present Mood States List (PMSL) was applied for the assessment of present mood states 40 minutes before each Event in a sequence of training sessions and matches. The presence values of each PMSL Factor were calculated in each Event for each soccer player. Specific patterns of changes in mood states have been detected over time. Furthermore, depending on which Event was related to a specific match, some mood states differed in their pattern of change. The importance of including the dynamic component of time as an influential variable in athlete mood states changes is discussed.