The effect of athletes having the “look good, feel good, play good” mentality on performance
Date of Award
Summer 6-25-2025
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Coaching and Athletic Administration
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Ryan Hubbard
Abstract
The study explored the relationship between body/self-image, clothing, and the use of energy drinks in athletic performance. It found that confidence in one’s body and self-image plays a significant role in allowing athletes to perform with greater ease. Clothing, particularly the fit, material, and aesthetic appeal of uniforms, was shown to influence performance, with athletes often performing better when they felt they looked good. The role of energy drinks was examined, and while some athletes reported benefits, the overall findings were inconclusive or leaned toward negative effects on performance. The popular mindset of “look good, feel good, play good” was analyzed to understand why it holds importance among athletes. Although research involving both male and female participants across different age groups was limited, the studies concluded that there is validity to this mentality. These insights suggest that coaches and professionals should consider the psychological components of performance preparation, not just the physical aspects.