Approach-avoidance motivation and personality as predictors of motor behavior speed and power in athletes

In experiment 1, it was aimed to examine the effect of approach and avoidance motivations triggered by emotional stimuli on Maximal Isometric Voluntary Contraction (iMVC) level in biceps brachii and triceps muscles. In experiment 2, it is aimed to examine the effect of visual stimuli on positive and negative emotional content on response speed and accuracy. A total of 131 athletes, 48 female and 83 male, aged between 18 and 25, are participated in the research from Manisa Celal Bayar University Sports Sciences Faculty students. In the first stage, participants completed the short form Five Factor Personaltiy Inventory and Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale. In experiment 1, the level of the iMVC of the biceps brachii and triceps muscles was determined during elbow flexion and extention performed in the absence and presence of emotional stimuli. In experiment 2, the response speed and accuracy to emotional visual stimuli was examined. In experiment 1, it was found that an extraversion is related to the loss of motor performans approaching condition whereas the neuroticism is related to the loss of motor performance with the avoidance condition. In experiment 2, it was observed that a significant number of correct responses were obtained in the approach and avoidance conditions, and that there was a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and number of correct responses. The results from the study provide evidence that extraversion and neuroticism can affect motor performance during approach and avoidance. It was also found that emotional intelligence facilitates focusing on the approach condition. Key Words: Approach and avoidance motivation, maximal isometric voluntary contraction, personality, emotional intelligence.