Frank Eirik Abrahamsen

• Jørgensen, Thomas Mangor; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gjesdal, Siv (2026). Coach- and Peer-Created Motivational Climate Profiles in Youth Sport: Associations With Enjoyment and Intentions to Continue. European Journal of Sport Science (EJSS). ISSN 1746-1391. 26(9). doi: 10.1002/ejsc.70229. Full text in Research Archive
• Hansson, Siri Elicabeth; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Haakstad, Geir; Gjestvang, Christina; Jørgensen, Rannei Johanne Grimsmo & Brown, Wendy J. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Mind in motion: patients’ experiences with group-based physical activity in psychiatric treatment- a mixed-methods study. BMC Psychiatry. 26(1). doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-08117-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Individuals with severe mental illness face significant health challenges, such as cardiovascular diseases and social isolation. Physical activity is increasingly recognized as an integral part of psychiatric treatment, with evidence showing it can prevent and manage somatic diseases, enhance mental health, reduce premature mortality, and support social inclusion. In Oslo, Norway, group-based physical activity is offered as part of routine care at Diakonhjemmet Hospital. Participants attended one to four sessions per week, including endurance- and strengthbased activities such as hiking, swimming, and strength training. In this study, we aimed to explore how adults with severe mental illness experienced this group-based physical activity program during psychiatric treatment. Methods: Participants were receiving psychiatric treatment for severe mental illness, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder. This qualitative-driven mixed-methods study combined eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews with questionnaire data from 33 adults, including the interview participants. Three main areas were explored: (1) holistic health benefits (2), addressing barriers, and (3) transition and continuity. Data analyses were organised around the three predefined study areas, using reflexive thematic analysis of the interview data and descriptive statistics from the questionnaire. Quantitative results were integrated at the thematic level to enrich interpretation and understanding. Results: Within each study area, two-three themes were constructed. Combined findings from both methods showed that participants experienced broad health improvements, including fostering well-being, social connectedness, and structured daily routines. Perceived barriers were related to medication side effects, fatigue, and fluctuating motivation. Support from knowledgeable and enthusiastic activity leaders was essential in helping participants overcome barriers and stay active. While most participants intended to remain active after treatment, limited follow-up support and access to similar community programs hindered the prospect of continued engagement. Conclusions: Participants perceived that tailored and well-led physical activity during treatment contributed to improvements in health and social connectedness. However, long-term maintenance was perceived to be hindered by limited access to follow-up programs, highlighting the need for better post-treatment support. These findings underscore the importance of expanding access to physical activity programs within real-world psychiatric care, to ensure that individuals with severe mental illness have genuine opportunities to establish physical activity as a routine part of daily life.

• Jørgensen, Thomas Mangor; Erickson, Karl; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gjesdal, Siv (2026). Changes in perceptions of coach- and peer-created motivational climates during the children-to-youth sport transition. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. ISSN 1041-3200. doi: 10.1080/10413200.2026.2661050. Full text in Research Archive
• Bartura, Khelifa Nida; Gustafsson, Henrik & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2026). The Effects of Priming Negative Cues on Stroop Rifle Shooting Task in Elite Biathletes: A Psychophysiological Pilot Study. Perceptual and Motor Skills. ISSN 0031-5125. doi: 10.1177/00315125261419408. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Bjørsvik, Hanne & Sæther, Stig Arve (2026). From Ambition to Achievement Parental Support in U23 Biathlon Athletes’ Career Path to the Elite Level. Scandinavian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology (SJSEP). 8, p. 44–53. doi: 10.7146/sjsep.v8i.150179. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Parents play a crucial role in athletes’ careers and athletic development. This study employed a qualitative method using semi-structured in-depth interviews with four talented Norwegian junior biathletes and one parent each. The study is aimed to gain comprehensive insights into the interplay between parental support and the athletes’ development. The data analysis generated four central themes. The findings confirm the essential role of parents’ practical support, such as transportation, equipment, and financial contributions, in the developmental phase. This support, significant in the early stages, continues throughout the athletes’ careers, but the need for it gradually reduces as athletes become independent and other support systems become more crucial. Over time, the shift in ‘the parents’ role necessitates developing other support networks in athletes’ athletic development, where the magnitude of parents’ later involvement are related to providing emotional support. Parents’ continuous support and focus remain crucial despite the growing importance of other support systems. Notably, fathers maintain a significant leadership role, particularly concerning equipment and sponsorship, suggesting their enduring influence even during mastery. This study contributes to the understanding of parental involvement in athletic development by highlighting the evolving nature of parental roles, particularly emphasizing the sustained leadership of fathers in equipment and sponsorship, and underscoring the necessity of emotional support as athletes transition to independence.

• Jørgensen, Thomas Mangor; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gjesdal, Siv (2025). Young athletes’ social goals during the children-to-youth sport transition: A latent profile and latent transition analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences. ISSN 0264-0414. 44(2), p. 232–249. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2575416. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  While the social aspect of sports is considered crucial for participation, the influence of social goals in motivating young athletes remains relatively unexplored. This study examined social goal profiles and their stability during Norway’s children-to-youth sport transition (CYT). This transition represents a shift towards a more performance-driven environment, which may cause changes in athletes’ motivation. We explored associations between social goal profiles and gender, expectations of success, and intention to continue. 329 athletes, aged 11–13, completed questionnaires before and after the transition. Using latent profile analysis, we identified three distinct social goal profiles: low, moderate, and high motivation through social goals. Latent transition analysis revealed substantial instability in profile membership across CYT. However, athletes in the high social goals profile demonstrated the greatest stability (39%), membership turnout (T1 = 68.8%, T2 = 44%), and higher expectations of success across both time points (X2 p < .05). Notably, gender did not predict membership in any profile, suggesting that social goal patterns are similar for boys and girls. No differences in intentions to continue were found across profiles. These findings enhance our understanding of social motivation in young athletes, emphasising the dynamic nature of social goals during CYT.

• Tronstad, Martin; Aspvik, Nils Petter; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Sæther, Stig Arve (2025). “It is like an endless guilt trip” – Greco-Roman wrestlers’ willingness to train and compete with pain and/or injuries. International journal of sports science & coaching. ISSN 1747-9541. 21(1), p. 428–436. doi: 10.1177/17479541251350672. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this study was to examine factors that impact wrestlers’ decision-making related to their willingness to train and compete with pain and/or injuries. Five Greco-Roman male wrestlers from Norway, with a mean age of 27.0 (SD = 2.55), were interviewed about their decision-making process when dealing with pain and/or injury. The foundation for the study was based on a decision-based framework for presenteeism and absenteeism in athletes outlined by Mayer and Thiel.(Mayer J, Giel KE, Malcolm D, et al. Compete or rest? Willingness to compete hurt among adolescent elite athletes. Psychol Sport Exerc 2018; 35: 143–150.) The thematic analysis identified three themes: 1) personal self-expectations, 2) the wrestling culture, and 3) post career health. Overall, all the wrestlers expressed a high degree of willingness to risk their bodies physically to achieve top results in competitions. A strong desire to compete, athletic identity, a normalized pain culture, and fear of long-term consequences are the main factors impacting the wrestler's choice to train or compete with pain and/or injury.

• Aase, Eline; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gustafsson, Henrik (2025). From pandemic to podium? Norwegian Olympic handball players’ journey to Tokyo 2020. Frontiers in Psychology. 16. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1566238. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: Mental preparation ahead of the Olympic Games (OGs) has been an area of interest for sports psychology researchers over several decades. However, there are few studies based on athlete perspectives of their experiences coping with pressure at this competition level. The COVID-19 pandemic also placed athletes in a demanding situation as they had to deal with the suspension of sport activity, isolation, and general uncertainty—culminating in the first postponement of the OGs in peacetime. Athletes had to balance coping with everyday life in a pandemic with navigating training in ever-changing conditions, indicating it was particularly valuable to investigate mental preparations ahead of the Tokyo OGs. Objective: The current study aimed to explore how Norwegian handball players of various experience levels mentally prepared for the Tokyo OGs and how they experienced their preparations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Retrospective semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven handball players (four women, three men) who participated in the Tokyo OGs. A reflexive thematic analysis was completed to examine the findings. Results: The findings are described in two overarching themes: (1) failing to plan is planning to fail, and (2) balancing life and sports in a pandemic. Extensive preparations were done on an individual and team level. These incorporated mental, tactical, physical, and practical elements. Individual efforts varied and there were indications of certain team differences. The pandemic made the players’ everyday lives unpredictable, which was mentally exhausting for some. They coped with the uncertainties in different ways, though this often entailed focusing on the positive aspects. Overall, the players’ respective contexts affected their perceptions of the pandemic and the postponement of the OGs, and their appraisals of various stressors and subsequent coping strategies. Conclusion: The indications of team differences and variations in individual preparations imply that there was no “correct” way to prepare—all roads led to Tokyo. Experience was beneficial in several ways, including coping with the Olympic environment. Some found coping with the effects of the pandemic mentally exhausting, thus potentially affecting preparations. Still, the players got to practice dealing with unexpected events, which could aid future coping efforts.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Bentzen, Marte (2025). En kartleggingsoversikt av SDT-forskning på eliteidrett i Norge. In Halvari, Halgeir & Olafsen, Anja Hagen (Ed.), Motivasjon i fokus: Selvbestemmelsesteorien i teori og praksis. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202832643. p. 293–321. doi: 10.23865/cdf.236.ch11. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Our review of research on self-determination theory (SDT) and elite sports in Norway reveals a Norwegian sports landscape that largely aligns with the recommendations from SDT. A distinctive feature of Norway is its egalitarian approach to leadership, which profoundly shapes the collaboration between the coach and athlete. This approach positions Norway ahead of many other countries in satisfying the needs of both parties as described in the theory, namely supporting competence, autonomy, and relatedness. However, variations are also observed within Norway. Our review includes studies with samples from high school athletes/coaches onwards, ultimately incorporating 25 studies in this scoping review. We have opted to present the findings in three groups: (1) young athletes, (2) adult athletes, and (3) coaches. Generally, the findings support the assumptions of SDT, wherein need satisfaction is associated with positive qualities in sports, and less autonomous motivational qualities correlate with negative elements. The review indicates a need for more longitudinal studies in the future. Given that elite sports, by definition, yield fewer research participants, it is recommended that more qualitative studies are conducted that can capture changes in athletes and coaches over time. Comparative studies within different environments in Norway and from other countries could also prove beneficial. In the interim, the recommendation is to learn from elite sports environments that already adhere well to the theory’s recommendations.

• Marken, Marlene Zahl; Dalhaug, Emilie Frederikke Mass; Thing, Lone Friis; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Bø, Kari & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2025). Experiences and perspectives on pregnancy and motherhood in elite athletes–a qualitative study. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM). 33(1), p. 1–16. doi: 10.1080/26410397.2025.2501832. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Elite athletes routinely undertake strenuous training routines, which often involve high-intensity sessions. However, there are knowledge gaps in how they experience training during pregnancy and subsequent return to sport. Combined with inadequate financial and contractual safety, female athletes may jeopardise their careers when starting families. This study aimed to describe female athletes’ experiences and perspectives related to pregnancy and motherhood within the context of elite sports in Norway. We interviewed five world-class athletes between October 2022 and April 2023, using a descriptive qualitative approach. Full interview transcripts were analysed based on a reflexive thematic analysis model. Five overarching themes were identified: (1) uncertainty, (2) lack of supportive networks, (3) physical capacity, (4) the impact of postpartum return to sports on maternal health, and (5) combining motherhood and elite sports. Our findings emphasise the challenges that Norwegian pregnant and postpartum athletes face in balancing motherhood with successful careers, highlighting the importance of providing adequate support systems to ensure their health and the well-being of their child.

• Wedege, Pia; Mæland, Silje; Divanoglou, Anestis; Hamre, Charlotta & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2025). “I moved from simply being to actively living.” A qualitative study on peer mentorship camps for adults with acquired brain injury. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. ISSN 1748-2623. 20(1). doi: 10.1080/17482631.2025.2494358. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: This study explored the experiences of an Active Rehabilitation peer mentorshipcamp on individuals with acquired brain injury (mentees) and its impact on their daily lives.Methods: The research involved field observations and longitudinal interviews with 18mentees attending an Active Rehabilitation camp in Norway. Data were narratively analyzedusing the Self-determination theory for insight and discussion.Results: Three themes were constructed from the analysis. The first theme, “Striking abalance between rest and activity,” reflects how mentees managed post-injury fatigue andhow camp experiences enhanced their understanding and coping strategies. The secondtheme, “Rebuilding who I am,” addresses stigma, reduced self-esteem, and acceptancechallenges faced by mentees, revealing positive effects from camp participation. The thirdtheme, “Finding a new flock,” describes the reduction in social circles after injury and howinteractions at the camp expanded their peer networks during and after the camp.Conclusions: Active Rehabilitation camps enhance community-based rehabilitation for indi-viduals with acquired brain injury by improving knowledge, boosting self-esteem, and broad-ening social networks. It is recommended that camp providers assess the impact of room-sharing and devise strategies for personalizing camp activities and effectively matchingmentees and peer mentors.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2024). Life Lessons and Leadership. In Castillo, Sarah; Wooding, Chelsea Butters; Barba, Douglas & Chroni, Stiliani (Ed.), A case-solution companion to building consulting skills for sport and performance psychology. Routledge. ISSN 9780367545420. p. 136–139. doi: 10.4324/9781003415183-11. Full text in Research Archive
• Wedege, Pia; Divanoglou, A.; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Mæland, Silje (2024). ‘We’re all on the same journey; some are just a bit further down the road than others’: a qualitative study exploring peer mentors’ experiences in Active Rehabilitation camps for individuals with acquired brain injury. Disability and Rehabilitation. ISSN 0963-8288. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2394646. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: This study aimed to explore how peer mentors experience their role and practice in Active Rehabilitation camps for individuals with acquired brain injury. Methods: Sixteen peer mentors with acquired brain injury were interviewed, and the data were analysed using Systematic text condensation. Self-determination theory was used to interpret the results. Results: Six themes were constructed: “Altruistic motives drive peer mentors” engagement”, “What does it mean to be a peer mentor?”, “Peer mentors question their qualifications”, “Camp is tough—Nothing can compare”, “Being a peer mentor—A part of one’s rehabilitation process”, and “Closeness and trust—A bubble of understanding”. The peer mentors reported personal benefits, such as increased knowledge about brain injury, self-esteem, motivation, physical activity, community participation, and social networks. They perceived that mutual understanding among peer mentors and mentees created a safe camp atmosphere, which led to positive experiences. Conclusion: The peer mentors benefitted from their role and described it as part of their rehabilitation journey. We recommend that peer mentors receive training before entering this position, feedback on their performance, and camp schedules that accommodate time for rest and informal meetings between mentees and peer mentors.

• Bartura, Khelifa Nida; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Gustafsson, Henrik; Hatzigeorgiadis, Antonis & Gorgulu, Recep (2024). Ironic processes of concentration and suppression under pressure: A study on rifle shooting in Norwegian elite biathletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 34(5). doi: 10.1111/sms.14647. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In rifle shooting, suppressing unwanted thoughts can backfire in one's performance, causing athletes to behave contrary to their desired intention and further deteriorate their performance. Purpose: This study examined how priming attentional and negative cues affected participants' shooting performances toward ironic error targets under cognitive load conditions in Stroop task across two experiments. Methods: Semi-elite biathletes (Experiment 1, n = 10; Experiment 2, n = 9) participated in the study. The study used a within-subject quasi-experimental design, particularly a one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance and a 2 × 2 fully repeated measures analysis of variance, to determine the participants' hit rates and shooting response times (RTs). In both experiments, the participants completed the reverse-Stroop-based target shooting performance under low- and high-cognitive load conditions while receiving frequent priming attentional and negative cues. Results: The findings from Experiment 1 suggest that regulating repetitive priming attentional thoughts is efficacious in mitigating the likelihood of ironic performance errors and interference effects. The results of Experiment 2 show that repetitive priming negative cues resulted in negligible ironic error hit rates and slower RTs in target hits under high-cognitive load conditions. The Bayesian analyses provided evidence supporting the null hypotheses. Conclusion: Trying to control repetitive priming attentional and negative thoughts reduces ironic performance errors to a similar degree under cognitive load conditions among biathletes, regardless of interference effects. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of suppressing task-relevant negative instructions in reducing the likelihood of ironic performance errors under pressure.

• Wedege, Pia; Mæland, Silje; Divanoglou, Anestis & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2024). Enriching the lives of children with acquired brain injury and their caregivers: experiences from peer mentorship sports camps. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences. 5. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1285742. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Peer-based community interventions have shown promise in improving health management and fostering coping skills and psychosocial functioning among individuals with a disability. Active Rehabilitation camps are examples of peer-based community interventions that provide structured, time-limited peer mentorship in conjunction with sports and leisure activities. These camps hold potential benefits for individuals with acquired neurological injury. However, the specific impact of Active Rehabilitation camps on children or individuals with acquired brain injury remains unexplored. In this longitudinal, qualitative study, we explored children with an acquired brain injury and their caregivers' experiences with an Active Rehabilitation camp in Norway through observations and interviews with nine children and ten caregivers. Using an abductive thematic analysis, we identified an overarching theme: Active Rehabilitation peer mentorship camps enrich the lives of children with acquired brain injury and their caregivers. The theme contains three sub-themes: (1) Interacting with peers made me wiser, (2) Nudging from peer mentors made me feel better, and (3) A sense of companionship through meeting peers. Peer mentorship, sports and leisure activities, and the safe camp atmosphere benefitted children with acquired brain injury and their caregivers. The children gained knowledge, motivation, and self-worth, and their caregivers had greater impetus to prioritize their children's independence. Meeting peers and peer mentors led to friendships and sustained social connections. The Self-Determination Theory was of assistance in explaining the informants' experiences. Active Rehabilitation camps provide children with acquired brain injury and their caregivers with an opportunity to develop better coping skills, improve psychological functioning, and build more robust social networks.

• Jørgensen, Thomas Mangor; Gjesdal, Siv & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2024). Understanding enjoyment within the context of the children-to-youth sport transition in Norwegian soccer: A mixed methods study. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 75. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102723. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Enjoyment has emerged as a critical factor in understanding dropout and participation in the Norwegian youth soccer context (Persson et al., 2020; Solstad et al., 2022). Moreover, the children-to-youth sport transition within this context represents a shift in underlying values and aims (Hjelseth, 2016). The purpose of this mixed methods study was thus to investigate youth soccer players’ enjoyment within the children-to-youth sport transition context. The quantitative phase consisted of 214 soccer players (28.2 % girls, Mage = 12.56 years) who completed a questionnaire, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The quantitative data informed the selection of participants for qualitative interviews in the next phase. A total of 10 soccer players (6 boys and 4 girls) who had reported different levels of enjoyment were interviewed. Coding reliability thematic analysis was applied to analyze the qualitative data. The results indicated that expectation of success and the mastery-approach goal had a positive relationship with enjoyment. The qualitative data further revealed that love for the sport, being with friends, and learning and mastery were sources of enjoyment for the players. A key finding was that players experienced increased seriousness in the transition, which may have a negative impact on their enjoyment. In conclusion, coaches should emphasize players’ expectations of success, learning, and intrapersonal mastery, while creating a team culture that values friendship and passion for the sport. These strategies can enhance enjoyment, potentially sustaining youth participation in soccer during the children-to-youth sport transition.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2024). The proof is in the pudding. In Castillo, Sarah; Wooding, Chelsea Butters; Barba, Douglas & Chroni, Stiliani (Ed.), A case-solution companion to building consulting skills for sport and performance psychology. Routledge. ISSN 9780367545420. p. 226–230. doi: 10.4324/9781003415183. Full text in Research Archive
• Wedege, Pia; Mæland, Silje; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Divanoglou, A. (2024). Structured, time-limited peer mentorship activity programmes for individuals with acquired brain or spinal cord injuries: a mixed methods systematic review of characteristics and outcomes. Disability and Rehabilitation. ISSN 0963-8288. 46(23), p. 5442–5457. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2310185. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To determine the characteristics and outcomes of structured, time-limited peer mentorship activity programmes for individuals with acquired brain or spinal cord injury. Materials and methods: A mixed methods systematic review with an advanced convergent qualitative meta-integration synthesis design was adopted. Seven databases were searched, with two reviewers independently screening, selecting, and extracting data and evaluating the methodological quality of the included studies. Results: The review included ten original studies: five qualitative, four quantitative, and one mixed methods. The peer mentorship programmes were conducted in Europe, Oceania, the United States, and Africa, lasting from two days to 2.5 weeks. The programmes had diverse focuses, but all addressed mentees’ independence, health, or quality of life in some way. None was based on a theoretical framework. Programme participation positively impacted cognition, emotions, independence, and social life. The safe and supportive environments the mentees and peer mentors created facilitated the outcomes. The evidence of programme participation on life satisfaction and community participation was inconclusive. Conclusion: Despite their short duration, structured, time-limited peer mentorship activity programmes can strengthen community rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain or spinal cord injury. It is recommended that peer mentorship programmes are grounded on a theoretical framework.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Kvam, Andreas & Sæther, Stig Arve (2024). Psychological Determinants in Biathlon Performance: A U23 National Team Case Study. Sports. 12(2). doi: 10.3390/sports12020038. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The present investigation examined what psychological factors athletes perceived to impact their competition performance and what training strategies and focus the athletes considered to be the most important. Methods: We recruited six participants (three females, three males) from the Norwegian Biathlon Federation’s national U23 and junior teams, and all participated. We used semi-structured interviews to gather the data and used thematic analyses to examine our findings. Results: The findings centered around the intricate relationship between psychological factors, particularly self-efficacy, anxiety, attention control, and performance, in biathlon shooting. Conclusions: Implementing a holistic approach to biathlon training entails harmonizing physical and psychological elements with personalized psychological training regimens.

• Bartura, Khelifa Nida; Gorgulu, Recep; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gustafsson, Henrik (2023). A systematic review of ironic effects of motor task performance under pressure: The past 25 years. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. ISSN 1750-984X. doi: 10.1080/1750984X.2023.2193966. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Wegner's theory of ironic processes of mental control emphasizes how the implementation of cognitive load-induced avoidant instructions can cause inefficient motor cognition in sports, thereby inducing so-called ironic effects where an individual—ironically—does precisely what s(he) intended not to do. This systematic review synthesizes relevant existing research and evaluates the effectiveness of experimental manipulations and cognitive load measurements for investigating ironic effects on motor task performance under pressure conditions. This review identified twenty-four empirical studies published before January 2022, including studies with experimental (21%) and quasi-experimental (79%) within- and between-subject designs. The most common reported pressure (i.e., cognitive load) manipulations fell into two categories: anxiety (77%) and dual-task (33%) techniques. The review also identified positive action-oriented instructional interventions to reduce ironic errors. Although most reported findings supported Wegner's assumptions about ironic performance effects, the review also identified inconclusive evidence (8%), which indicates a need for more research with a greater focus on: robust experimental design; the inclusion of competitive stressors; expert athletes; elite athletes; and intervention-based studies. These additions will clarify the mechanisms of ironic effects and assist in the development of interventional programs to diminish the likelihood of ironic effects in sports performance.

• Kristensen, Jan Åge; Skilbred, Anette; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Loland, Sigmund (2022). Performance-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors in youth sports: A systematic mixed-studies review. Performance Enhancement & Health. 10(4). doi: 10.1016/j.peh.2022.100237. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Success in sports entails striving toward greater achievement and outstanding performance. In their pursuit of these goals, adolescent athletes use various means and resort to behaviors that may cause adverse consequences for their health. As they are still in the developmental stage, they are particularly vulnerable to unwanted health consequences. This study aimed to systematically review previous studies on the contextual and personal factors associated with adolescent athletes’ performance-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Several databases were searched, including SPORTDiscus, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The literature search and additional manual searches of sources yielded a total of 2,808 articles. These were screened against the inclusion criteria, and the remaining 15 were assessed for eligibility using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018. Convergent meta-integration with thematic analysis was performed by converting quantitative and qualitative data from young athletes aged 14–20 years into relevant codes and themes. Within these themes, the study's findings are presented through narratives that are perceived to influence young athletes’ use of doping and other behaviors that may lead to doping, such as the use of nutritional supplementation and non-prescription painkillers and playing despite being injured and having pain. Our findings indicate that athletes’ entourages (e.g., their coaches, peers, and parents) matter in a variety of ways in athletes’ socialization toward refraining from risking their health in pursuit of greater achievement and outstanding performance.

• Buskerud, Jan-Erik; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Solberg, Paul Andre (2022). Physical Stress and Determinants of Shooting Performance Among Norwegian Special Forces Operators. Frontiers in Psychology. 13. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.894169. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  However, there is a lack of conceptual understanding of the factors influencing performance decrements in prone shooting. The present study examines how one can simulate a combat scenario by inducing acute physical stress, ultimately impacting one’s shooting performance (SP). The relationship between participants’ physical level and SP was measured in several ways. The SP of members of the Norwegian Navy Special Operations Forces (SOF) (N = 30) was measured before and directly after acute exercise-induced stress caused by a 200-m uphill run (90% HRmax). Under acute physical stress, participants took less time to fire five rounds (total 15.5 ± 10.9 s faster), and the probability of hitting the target was unaffected (92%). In terms of more sensitive measures, score was significantly reduced and shot-group dispersion increased (64 ± 90 cm2, p < 0.01, d = 0.72), mainly due to increased vertical dispersion (2.5 ± 4.6 cm, p < 0.01, d = 0.53). Age, trait somatic anxiety and the Big Five Inventory item “openness” explained 45.2% of the variance in shooting score in the pre-physical stress condition. In the post-physical stress condition, pre-test shooting score, the number of months deployed, and shooting time predicted 32.9% of the variance in shooting score. The change in SP (pre—post) showed the concentration disruption scale was the best predictor of the reduction in shot score (20.1%). From a practical point of view, maintaining the probability of hitting the target with reduced shooting time post-physical stress could be viewed as superior performance for SOF.

• Wilczyńska, Dominika M.; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Popławska, Agnieszka; Aschenbrenner, Piotr & Dornowski, Marcin (2021). Level of anxiety and results of psychomotor tests in young soccer players of different performance levels. Biology of Sport. ISSN 0860-021X. 39(3), p. 571–577. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2022.106387. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of the current study is to determine how the level of state and trait anxiety differs between youth athletes of different performance levels and furthermore whether there are correlations between performance levels and psychomotor variables in the selected tasks. A sample of 97 boys, aged 11–12 years, practising soccer represented two groups: A – high performance level and B – lower performance level. Participants completed a state and trait anxiety inventory and performed selected psychomotor tests. The analyses demonstrated that the higher the levels of anxiety were, the shorter was the response time and more accurate were the responses in selected psychomotor tests. For the whole group, r = -0.224, p < 0.05, and for group B, r = -0.333, p < 0.05. Moreover, the findings showed a moderator effect of level (group A vs B) on reaction time, which was almost significant in state anxiety and significant in trait anxiety. For group B, trait anxiety was negatively related to reaction time (b = -0.002, SE = 0.001, t = -2.93, p = .004, 95% CI [-0.004, -0.001]). This means that the higher the trait anxiety was, the shorter was the reaction time in group B, but there was no significant effect in group A. The results of the study confirmed the negative correlation between the trait and state anxiety and reaction time. The higher the anxiety was, the shorter was the response time of child soccer players. Future research should determine whether athletes’ performance levels do affect performance under stress and replicate the study with different samples such as girls and different sport disciplines.

• Haraldsen, Heidi Marian; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Solstad, Bård Erlend & Halvari, Halgeir (2021). Narrative Tensions in Strained Junior Elite Performers' Experiences of Becoming Elite Performers. Frontiers in Psychology. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645098. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Contextualized within narrative theory and the field of talent identification and development systems (TIDS), this interview study examined strained junior elite performers’ experiences of becoming elite performers while participating in prestigious national TIDS. The study explored how junior elite performers perceive and negotiate their personal narratives of becoming within a cultural master narrative of being. The focus is on how the quality of person-environment interaction, characterized by narrative alignment or tensions, relates to perceptions of identity, agency, physical, and mental health. We purposefully recruited eight participants (Mage = 17.31, SD = 0.90) from a previously published study, who reported experiencing sub-optimal psychological functioning compared with their peers, to explore narrative tensions in their storylines. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and examined using narrative analysis. We identified “the performance narrative” as the dominating cultural narrative within the TIDS and three distinct personal narratives of negotiation with unique characteristics: obsessive and externally driven alignment—‘Striving to stay at the top of the game’; tensions—‘Just hanging in there’; and disruption from alignment—‘When the going gets tough’. The results indicated that tensions and lack of alignment between the dominating cultural narrative and the individual narrative seem to increase the risk of experiencing identity challenges, sub-optimal functioning, and aspects of ill-being. The study offers critical reflections on the dominating performance narrative within TIDS, and additionally suggests an alternative athlete-centered and more holistic approach that combines both personal and performance development.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Chroni, Stiliani (2021). Longevity in Elite Coaching: Motives and Maneuvers Keeping Them in the Game. Roeper Review. ISSN 0278-3193. 43(1), p. 53–66. doi: 10.1080/02783193.2020.1840466. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In a qualitative study, we examined experiences from six Olympic coaches from medal winning sports in Norway. We sampled these coaches purposefully based on their athlete and sport development, results, and longevity as national team coaches. The semistructured interviews focused on these coaches’ experiences and strategies, identifying a series of motives and maneuvers as key constituents of longevity in national team coaching, using self-determination theory and the concept of passion to examine the data. These motives relate to connectedness and passion for the sport, coaching, and continuous growth. The maneuvers highlighted are securing of support from important others and from their organizations, maintaining a balance between short- and long-term development, and caring for the person’s own physical and mental health. We position our findings in the context of the literature and draw implications for coaches aspiring to a long career in sport coaching.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2021). What Makes Individuals Stick to Their Exercise Regime? A One-Year Follow-Up Study Among Novice Exercisers in a Fitness Club Setting. Frontiers in Psychology. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638928. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: A fitness club may be an important arena to promote regular exercise. However, authors have reported low attendance rates (10 to 37%) the first months after individuals sign up for membership. It is therefore important to understand the reasons for poor exercise adherence. In this project, we aimed to investigate different psychosocial factors that might increase the likelihood of reporting regular exercise the first year of a fitness club membership, including self-efficacy, motives, social support, life satisfaction, and customer satisfaction. Methods: New members (≤4 weeks membership, n = 250) classified as novice exercisers (exercise < 60 min/week the last 6 months) from 25 multipurpose gyms were followed for 1 year. Data were collected by an electronic survey including background and health factors, self-efficacy, social support, life satisfaction, motives, customer satisfaction, and exercise attendance, and was answered at start-up and after three (n = 224), six (n = 213), and 12 (n = 187) months. It is well established in the literature that ≥2 exercise sessions/week improve physical fitness in novice exercisers (if adhered to). Hence, we divided the participants into regular exercise attendance (≥2 sessions/week) and non-regular exercise attendance (≤1 session/week, exercise dropout, or membership dropout) in the analysis. Results: A mixed-effects logistic regression model revealed that the strongest predictor for reporting regular exercise attendance was higher levels of the motive “enjoyment” (OR = 1.84, p ≤ 0.001, 95% CI for OR = 1.35, 2.50), followed by self-efficacy “sticking to it” (OR = 1.73, p = 0.002, 95% CI for OR = 1.22, 2.46) and social support from friends and family (OR = 1.16, p ≤ 0.001, 95% CI for OR = 1.09, 1.23). Conclusion: In novice exercisers, regular exercise at three, six, and 12 months was associated with higher scores of the motive “enjoyment,” self-efficacy (“sticking to it”), and social support compared with non-regular exercise. Our results show that the majority of new fitness club members do not achieve regular exercise behavior.

• Hansen, Per Øystein; Chroni, Stiliani; Skille, Eivind Åsrum & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2021). Leading and organising national teams: functions of institutional leadership. Sports Coaching Review. ISSN 2164-0629. doi: 10.1080/21640629.2021.1896213. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  National team coaches are tasked to increase athlete capacity for success – a key task of theirs is leading the athletes and team’s entourage. Few studies have detailed empirical accounts of leadership at the organisational-, team-, and individual level. This qualitative case study of institutional leadership examined how three national team coaches, who also have the role of high-performance directors, organise and lead their teams. Within the context of these successful Norwegian national teams, we identified how the coaches lead in ways that are consistent with leadership functions captured in institutional leadership, which focuses on the creation of structures and interactions that promote and protect the key organisational and societal values. Still, the coaches pursued this structuring and interactions in distinct ways, leading to distinctive organisational practices. The findings of the study stress the importance of considering contextual elements when leading athletes and entourage that pertain to national teams.

• Blumenstein, Bojan; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2021). Placebo and nocebo in sports: Potential effects of hypothetical differences in roll resistance on roller ski performance. Translational Sports Medicine (TSM). 4(3), p. 401–408. doi: 10.1002/tsm2.230. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Although placebo and nocebo effects of ergogenic aids are acknowledged as significant for sports performance, little is known about the effects of sports equipment. Therefore, we examined how athletes’ belief about their sports equipment affected roller skiing performance in a short time trial. In a crossover design trial, 21 junior cross‐country skiers completed a repeated 45 m indoor double poling protocol followed by post‐experimental questionnaires on their subjective rating of the performance. All trials were performed on roller skis with equal roll resistance. For the baseline trial, the skis were marked as “medium resistance”. For the experimental trials, skis were marked as “low resistance” (placebo), and “high resistance” (nocebo). The mean speed was not different from the placebo trial to the baseline trial, but slower for the nocebo trial compared to the baseline trial (mean±95 CI; ‐0.7%±0.4%, P=0.005), with a small effect size (Cohen’s d = .15). Subjective experience of speed as was significantly different from baseline to experimental outcomes (placebo: P<0.001; nocebo: P<0.002). In conclusion, our findings reveal that athletes’ negative perceptions of their sports equipment may have reduced their performance times. However, future examinations should further explore whether athletes’ negative perception of equipment may affect their performance.

• Skille, Eivind Åsrum; Hansen, Per Øystein; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Chroni, Stiliani (2020). National and Organizational Culture in Norwegian Elite Sport: The Account of National Handball Head Coaches. Scandinavian Sport Studies Forum. 11, p. 93–116. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The present study looks at the organizational culture of Norwegian elite sport which we capture as the meeting point of the national and elite sport cultures. Two successful national teams, the women’s and men’s handball are the point of departure. The selected elite sport contexts are apparently similar but at the same time distinctive. Informed by theories of culture and high reliability organizations, we analyzed in depth semi-structured interviews with the national team coaches and found that their organizational cultures were characterized by three common elements: a process-oriented approach, an athlete-centered approach, and a value-based approach towards development. Variations between teams were noticed, such as how the athletes partake in the team’s value-anchoring processes. Overall, we learned that at the international level results can be achieved even when embracing, and performing, under humanistic and social-democratic values, which deviates significantly from the commonly embraced win-at-all-costs approach. Norwegian elite sport culture appears to exemplify this cultural approach by actively employing a value-system in the development of its athletes, teams and sport. In that respect, the study contributes to the international elite sport organization literature as it relates daily practices with the overall culture theory and the specific theory of high reliability organizations. The study provides a detailed account of how national Norwegian values (and further overarching Scandinavian values) pair up with elite sport demands, in team and backstage practices within two elite sport contexts.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2020). Motives and barriers to initiation and sustained exercise adherence in a fitness club setting—A one-year follow-up study. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 30(9), p. 1796–1805. doi: 10.1111/sms.13736. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  No prospective studies have investigated motives and barriers to exercise in new untrained fitness club members. The aims of the present prospective longitudinal study were to 1) examine proportions reporting regular exercise, non‐regular exercise and exercise dropout, 2) identify motives and barriers to exercise, and 3) compare motives between regular and non‐regular exercisers the first year of fitness club membership. New members (n = 250) were followed for one year. A questionnaire including demographics, exercise frequency, motives (EMI‐2) and barriers (18 common reported barriers) was used, and 184 answered at four time‐points (onset, and after three, six and 12 months). Participants were categorized into: regular exercise: ≥two sessions/week or non‐regular exercise: ≤one session/week, exercise relapse or dropout. At three, six and 12 months, 63.4%, 59.6% and 57.2% exercised regularly, whereas 20.1%, 21.1% and 28.3%, dropped out, respectively. Throughout the follow‐up, 37% reported regular exercise. At all time‐points, motives regarding positive health and strength/endurance were rated highest on a six‐point scale. Exercise dropouts rated priority as the greatest barrier. Regular exercisers rated the motives enjoyment (such as “I enjoy the feeling of exerting myself” ) and challenge (such as “To give me goals to work towards” ) higher than non‐regular exercisers (p = ≤0.05). In conclusion, less than half exercised regularly, and most members were motivated by factors such as positive health and physical fitness the first year of fitness club membership. Higher levels of the motives enjoyment and challenge were associated with regular exercise.

• Feddersen, Niels B.; Morris, Robert; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Littlewood, Martin A. & Richardson, David J (2020). The influence of macrocultural change on national governing bodies in British olympic sports. Sport in Society: Cultures, Commerce, Media, Politics. ISSN 1743-0437. doi: 10.1080/17430437.2020.1771306. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The study objective was to examine the temporal macrocultural changes in Olympic sports in the United Kingdom and what regulates these changes. We carried out this study integrating grounded theory and action research in a 16-month longitudinal design. We collected data from eighteen interviews with participants from governing sports organisations (n = 6; GSOs) and NGBs (n = 3). Supplementary data came from ethnography with one national governing body; ten focus-groups with athletes, coaches, parents, and NGB personnel; and eight interviews with stakeholders. We found that political will had shielded Olympic sports from societal changes. However, macrocultural changes to social standards and the power of athletes highlighted that the organisational culture was increasingly deficient and required radical changes. GSOs used their systemic power to dictate appropriate avenues for change. Athletes used their reinforced position by speaking out about aspects that challenged the welfare of athletes and others working in Olympic sports.

• Haraldsen, Heidi Marian; Nordin-Bates, Sanna; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Halvari, Halgeir (2020). Thriving, Striving, or Just Surviving? TD Learning Conditions, Motivational Processes and Well-Being Among Norwegian Elite Performers in Music, Ballet, and Sport. Roeper Review. ISSN 0278-3193. 42(2), p. 109–125. doi: 10.1080/02783193.2020.1728796. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study explored the motivational experiences of nine successful elite performers in ballet, music, and swimming at Norwegian talent development (TD) schools. Semistructured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis revealed that the performers navigated within and between several contextual layers, characterized by egalitarian values, high-performance deliberate practice, and controlling conditions. These TD learning conditions provided multifaceted motivational experiences that affected performers’ motivational regulation, ranging from predominantly self-determined, via multifaceted, to predominantly controlled. The types of motivational regulation mattered, as performers regulated by self-determined motivation engaged in their performance development in a more joyful, robust, and healthy way (i.e., self-realization, flow, self-esteem, and vitality), showing less dependence on their given TD learning conditions. In contrast, performers regulated by controlled motivation reported higher vulnerability, and in turn, more ill-being (i.e., low self-esteem, perfectionism, obsessiveness, anxiety, negative affect, and exhaustion).

• Haraldsen, Heidi M.; Ivarsson, Andreas; Solstad, Bård Erlend; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Halvari, Hallgeir (2020). Composites of perfectionism and inauthenticity in relation to controlled motivation, performance anxiety and exhaustion among elite junior performers. European Journal of Sport Science (EJSS). ISSN 1746-1391. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1763478. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The present study identified profiles of perfectionism and inauthenticity at baseline and tested whether they differed in the maladaptive outcomes of controlled motivation, performance anxiety, and exhaustion after a nine-month period. We purposefully selected elite junior performers (NT1 = 219; NT2 = 156), 16–19 years of age, from Norwegian talent development schools in sports and performing arts. The participants completed questionnaires to report their perceptions of the study variables. The results of the latent profile analysis indicated a multidimensionality of perfectionism, thereby identifying four profiles. Although our identified profiles are in line with the 2×2 model of perfectionism; however, the results of the mean differences between the identified profiles did not align with the 2×2 model’s hypotheses. The elite junior performers who displayed non-perfectionism demonstrated to be the most adaptive profile. They reported the lowest level of inauthenticity and the maladaptive outcomes of controlled motivation, performance anxiety, and exhaustion. The mixed perfectionism profile, displaying high levels of perfectionistic concerns (PC) and perfectionistic strivings (PS), demonstrated to be the least adaptive profile. This profile reported higher levels of inauthenticity and was even more maladaptive than the PC dominated profile contrary to the proposed hypotheses. Findings showed that a heightened vulnerability of perfectionism seems evident in PC, independent of the reported PS levels. Because only one out of five elite junior performers were distributed in the non-perfectionism profile, the vulnerability of perfectionism might be an important risk factor to note in talent development settings.

• Haraldsen, Heidi Marian; Solstad, Bård Erlend; Ivarsson, Andreas; Halvari, Halgeir & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2020). Change in basic need frustration in relation to perfectionism, anxiety, and performance in elite junior performers. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. doi: 10.1111/sms.13614. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The present study examined if there were different growth profiles in basic needs frustration in elite junior performers over a nine months period. Subsequently, we examined if the identified growth profiles differed in their levels of perfectionistic strivings and evaluative concerns measured at baseline, and additionally, whether they were associated with higher or lower levels of anxiety and perceived performance level in the end of the period. A sample of 259 (Mage = 17.31; SDage= .97) elite junior performers from sports and performing arts completed an online questionnaire to report their self‐ratings of the study variables. The analyses were conducted using growth mixture modelling in Mplus 8.0. Two main contrasting growth profiles were identified in each of the basic needs frustration. Perfectionistic strivings were overall higher than evaluative concerns, but did not differ between the growth profiles. Conversely, evaluative concerns differed significantly between the identified growth profiles. Higher levels of evaluative concerns were associated with the most maladaptive growth profiles. Indeed, elite junior performers who experienced moderate and increasing levels of competence and autonomy frustration, reported higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of perceived performance level than those who reported low and decreasing levels of competence and autonomy frustration. Based on these findings, evaluative concerns and basic needs frustration appear to play key roles in the development of maladaptive motivational processes over time.

• Haraldsen, Heidi Marian; Halvari, Halgeir; Solstad, Bård Erlend; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Nordin-Bates, Sanna M. (2019). The Role of Perfectionism and Controlling Conditions in Norwegian Elite Junior Performers’ Motivational Processes. Frontiers in Psychology. 10(June). doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01366. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Conceptualized within the framework of self-determination theory, the aim of the current study was to investigate the relation between perfectionistic concerns and (a) controlled (non-self-determined) motivation and (b) performance anxiety through basic psychological need frustration (frustration of competence, autonomy, and realtedness), and if these relations would be moderated by controlling teaching/coaching conditions. We used a cross-sectional moderated mediation design and purposefully selected Norwegian elite junior performers (N = 171; mean age = 17.3; SD age = 0.94) from talent development schools, who completed an online questionnaire to report their perceptions of the study variables. Associations were examined using structural equation modeling. The results showed that perfectionistic concerns were positively associated with controlling conditions, basic needs frustration, controlled motivation, and performance anxiety. Reported controlling teaching/coaching conditions moderated the positive indirect relationship between perfectionistic concerns and (a) controlled motivation and (b) performance anxiety through competence need frustration. Specifically, these indirect associations were evident for performers reporting moderate or high levels of controlling teaching/coaching conditions. In contrast, there were no indirect associations via competence need frustration for those performers who reported low levels of controlling conditions. In conclusion, the results indicate that perfectionistic concerns appear to be a vulnerability factor that exposes elite junior performers to higher risks of entering a debilitative motivational process. This seems especially likely when exposed to controlling teaching/coaching conditions. Coaches and teachers working with elite junior performers should avoid using controlling mechanisms and instead foster autonomous functioning.

• Chroni, Stiliani; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Skille, Eivind Åsrum & Hemmestad, Liv B (2019). Sport Federation Officials’ Practices and National Team Coaches’ Stress. International Sport Coaching Journal. ISSN 2328-918X. 6(1), p. 63–73. doi: 10.1123/iscj.2017-0086. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  While there is growth in research recognizing the coach as a performer, little is known about the practices of federation officials who are ‘responsible for’ and have the potential to influence coaches’ experiences. This study explores practices enacted by Norwegianfederationofficialswithintheirroleofworkingcloselywiththenationalteamcoach.Semi-structuredinterviewswere conducted with seven sports directors employed by some of Norway’s medal-winning individual sports federations. Thematic analysis furnished three theme-practices: (a) sincerely caring for the employees, (b) fostering a development focus, and (c) recruiting coaches with the organizational culture in mind. We viewed these practices as ways of enacting the federation culture and the sports directors work with the coaches as being the main support for the coach, acting frequently as a buffer with regard to both administrative and sport issues. Considering recent findings on how Norwegian national team coaches evaluate their stress experiences, the identified practices appear to be ones that can have some bearing on the coaches’ stress evaluation mechanisms and outcome expectancies. Practical implications are outlined as well as suggestions for future research extending these findings across different cultures (sports and nations).

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Holmemo, Jørgen (2018). Profesjonelle fotballtreneres interaksjon med sine overordnede og assistenter : bruk av orkestrering og mikropolitisk leseferdighet. In Haugen, Tommy & Høigaard, Rune (Ed.), Trender i idrettspsykologisk forskning i Skandinavia. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202596903. p. 73–102. doi: 10.23865/noasp.39.ch4. Full text in Research Archive
• Chroni, Stiliani & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2017). History of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology in Europe. In Braddick, Oliver (Eds.), The Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology. Oxford University Press. ISSN 9780190236557. doi: 10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.135. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The evolution in sport, exercise, and performance psychology in Europe goes back to the 1800s and spread from the east (Germany and Russia) to the west of the continent (France). Modern European sport psychology theorizing started with Wilhelm Wundt, who studied reaction times and mental processes in 1879, and Philippe Tissié, who wrote about psychological changes during cycling in 1894. However, Pierre de Coubertin was the one to put forward the first definition and promotion of sport psychology as a field of science. From there on, and despite obstacles and delays due to two world wars in Europe, sport psychology accelerated and caught up with North America. Looking back to the history of our disciplines, while sport, exercise, and performance psychology evolved and developed as distinct disciplines in Europe, sport and exercise psychology research appear to be stronger than performance psychology. The research advancements in sport and exercise psychology led to the establishment of the European sport psychology organization (FEPSAC) in the 1960s, as researchers needed an umbrella establishment that would accept the cultural and linguistic borders within the continent. From there on, education programs developed throughout Europe, and a cross-continent program of study with the collaboration of 12 academic institutions and the support of the European Commission was launched in the late 1990s. Applied sport psychology was practiced in the Soviet Union aiming to enhance the performance of their teams in the 1952 Olympics. Unfortunately, in many countries across Europe, research and practice are not comprehensively integrated to enhance sports and sportspersons, and while applied practice has room to grow, it also has challenges to tackle.

• Kristiansen, Elsa; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Pedersen, Paul M. (2017). Media Behavior in Sport. In Wagstaff, Christopher R. D. (Eds.), The Organizational Psychology of Sport: Key Issues and Practical Applications. Routledge. ISSN 9781138955196. p. 193–213. Full text in Research Archive
• Chroni, Stiliani; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Hemmestad, Liv B (2016). To Be the Eye Within the Storm, I Am Challenged Not Stressed. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. ISSN 1041-3200. 28(3), p. 257–273. doi: 10.1080/10413200.2015.1113449. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Via the lens of Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (Ursin & Eriksen, 2004) we explored the stress experience in seven Olympic Norway coaches. We present here elements that impact their stress experience. The phenomenological analysis of the semi-structured interviews helped us identify that their (i) expectancy to cope with the situational demands and (ii) specific defense mechanisms filtered the evaluation of stressors that were interpreted as manageable challenges. To nurture these two filters, the coaches used their confidence and engaged in systematic reflection and learning. These findings are related to the existing literature, to practical applications, limitations, and future research

• Nassau, Femke van; Ploeg, Hidde P. van der; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Andersen, Eivind; Anderson, Annie S. & Bosmans, Judith E. [Show all 39 contributors for this article] (2016). Study protocol of European Fans in Training (EuroFIT): a four-country randomised controlled trial of a lifestyle program for men delivered in elite football clubs. BMC Public Health. 16:598, p. 1–15. doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3255-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Lifestyle interventions targeting physical activity, sedentary time and dietary behaviours have the potential to initiate and support behavioural change and result in public health gain. Although men have often been reluctant to engage in such lifestyle programs, many are at high risk of several chronic conditions. We have developed an evidence and theory-based, gender sensitised, health and lifestyle program (European Fans in Training (EuroFIT)), which is designed to attract men through the loyalty they feel to the football club they support. This paper describes the study protocol to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the EuroFIT program in supporting men to improve their level of physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour over 12 months. Methods: The EuroFIT study is a pragmatic, two-arm, randomised controlled trial conducted in 15 football clubs in the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the UK (England). One-thousand men, aged 30 to 65 years, with a self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2 will be recruited and individually randomised. The primary outcomes are objectively-assessed changes in total physical activity (steps per day) and total sedentary time (minutes per day) at 12 months after baseline assessment. Secondary outcomes are weight, BMI, waist circumference, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardio-metabolic blood biomarkers, food intake, self-reported physical activity and sedentary time, wellbeing, self-esteem, vitality and quality of life. Cost-effectiveness will be assessed and a process evaluation conducted. The EuroFIT program will be delivered over 12 weekly, 90-minute sessions that combine classroom discussion with graded physical activity in the setting of the football club. Classroom sessions provide participants with a toolbox of behaviour change techniques to initiate and sustain long-term lifestyle changes. The coaches will receive two days of training to enable them to create a positive social environment that supports men in engaging in sustained behaviour change. Discussion: The EuroFIT trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the EuroFIT program delivered by football clubs to their male fans, and will offer insight into factors associated with success in making sustained changes to physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and secondary outcomes, such as diet.

• Nordin-Bates, Sanna M. & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2016). Perfectionism in dance : a case example and applied considerations. In Hill, Andrew P. (Eds.), The psychology of perfectionism in sport, dance and exercise. Routledge. ISSN 9781138958685. p. 222–244. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Frode; Federici, Roger Andre & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2015). Examining possible relationships between self-determination and burnout among junior athletes in sport. The International Journal of Coaching Science. ISSN 1975-8286. 9(2), p. 43–58. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Junior athletes often work hard to become elite athletes. In their career they will meet a range of potential loads that they must overcome in order to reach their fully potential. Sometimes the total load becomes too much to cope with and burnout could be one consequence. In the present investigation 483 junior athletes from seven different schools for elite sports were invited to partake in an online survey of which 382 athletes responded (79%). We tested whether need satisfaction was a predictor for burnout utilizing structural equation modeling, and as hypothesized, basic needs were negatively related with burnout. Hence, for this investigation it seemed that environments that satisfy the need for autonomy, competence and relatedness might help elite youth athletes to avoid burnout. The results are discussed in regard of applied implications and possible future research.

• Moen, Frode; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Furrer, Philip (2015). The Effects from Mindfulness Training on Norwegian Junior elite Athletes in Sport. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences. ISSN 1598-2939. 27(2), p. 98–113. doi: 10.24985/ijass.2015.27.2.98. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Frode; Federici, Roger Andre & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2015). Examining possible relationship between mindfulness, stress, school- and sport performances and athlete burnout. The International Journal of Coaching Science. ISSN 1975-8286. 9(1), p. 3–19. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article investigates the impact of mindfulness on stress, perceived performance in school and sports, and on athlete burnout. In the present investigation 483 Norwegian junior athletes from seven different schools for elite sports were invited to partake in an online survey of which 382 athletes responded (79%). The athletes were from different sports such as cross country skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping, volleyball, handball, track and field, ice hockey, biathlon, cycling and orienteering. We tested whether mindfulness affected stress, perceived performance in school and sports, and athlete burnout utilizing structural equation modeling. As hypothesized, mindfulness was negatively related with stress and burnout, whereas stress was positively related with burnout and negatively related with perceived performances in school and sports. Mindfulness was positive related with perceived performances in sports and in school, whereas perceived performances in sports where negatively related with burnout. Hence, for this investigation it seemed that mindfulness was an important stress buffer and may help elite youth athletes to avoid burnout and perform better. The results are discussed in regard of applied implications and possible future research.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Kristiansen, Elsa (2015). The Dark Side of a Mastery Emphasis: Can Mastery Involvement Create Stress and Anxiety. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences. ISSN 1598-2939. 27(2), p. 76–86. doi: 10.24985/ijass.2015.27.2.76. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this investigation was to examine the potential associations of motivational fluctuations during a full season with football players from one Premier Division team in Europe. Using correlational analyses we examined whether such motivational changes would mirror changes in stress perceptions (media and organizational) and performance anxiety levels. We used Achievement Goal Theory and Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress in the examination. In the elite sport setting, the endorsement of mastery involvement is recommended in order to avoid unnecessary stress and performance anxiety among athletes. 27 players (18-31 years old, Mage = 22.26 years, SD = 4.21) answered the questionnaires monthly over a season. We found that the athletes’ scores fluctuated over the season with interesting variations in the variables at time 2 (before season start) and time 7 (after summer break) with a combination of high task orientation, high mastery climate perceptions and higher anxiety scores. The present findings revealed that stress may occur when there is a discrepancy between set values (what usually is) and actual value (what is). If the athletes are more accustomed to being evaluated normatively for the team roster, a sudden emphasis on personal improvement and maximum effort is very different – and may simply stress athletes even in a mastery environment.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Lemyre, Nicolas; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Roberts, Glyn (2013). The role of motivational climate for sense of vitality in organized youth grassroots football players : Do harmonious and obsessive types of passion play a mediating role? International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences. ISSN 1598-2939. 25(2), p. 102–117. doi: 10.24985/ijass.2013.25.2.102. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The mediating role of types of passion in the relationships between motivational climates and subjective vitality was examined among 283 experienced young Norwegian grassroots football players (aged 12-16 years). A Structural Equation Model (SEM) based path model revealed that mastery climate predicted subjective vitality directly as well as mediated by harmonious passion and through a chain in which harmonious passion fuelled obsessive passion, in turn facilitating vitality. The former was the stronger mediation path of the two. A performance climate was unrelated to obsessive passion. The pattern of results generally supports the proposed motivational climate–passion–vitality link. However, the observed mediation chain involving also a positive mastery climate–obsessive passion–vitality link invites further examinations to better understand both young football players’ subjective meaning making of harmonious and obsessive passion.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Pensgaard, Anne Marte (2012). Longitudinal Changes in Motivational Qimate and Performance Anxiety Among Elite Handball Players. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences. ISSN 1598-2939. 24(1), p. 31–42. doi: 10.24985/ijass.2012.24.1.31. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Elite athletes are under a constant demand of performing well and performance anxiety has been proved a detrimental factor for their performance. There have been few ecologically valid investigations on how changes in environment perceptions might affect self-confidence and performance anxiety. This longitudinal study, from the Achievement Goal Theory (AGT) standpoint, tried to change this lack of research. Elite female and male handball players' perceptions of the motivational climate and its effect on perceived athletic ability and performance anxiety were measured during a full handball season. Two main questions were examined: (1) Do scores on motivational climate, perceived ability, and anxiety differ between male and female elite handball players? The results only revealed gender differences in the worry scale, except in the midseason data where females perceived a significantiy lower performance climate than males. (2) Are changes in perceived motivational climate across a season, associated with changes in anxiety levels? Analyses revealed that female athletes' perceptions of a dwindlig mastery environment were related with a decreasing perception of athletic ability, which in turn was related with more performance worries. No associations were significant with the male players. The findings for females are coherent with AGT predictions. However, future research not to consider why there might be gender differences, because such differences will have applied consequences.

• Nordbotten, Tord; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Karlsen, Jon (2012). Motivational Climate and Self-Handicapping in Elite Junior Golf. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences. ISSN 1598-2939. 24(1), p. 43–58. doi: 10.24985/ijass.2012.24.1.43. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The main objective of this study was to investigate whether self-reported handicaps and behavioral self-handicapping were influenced by perceptions of the motivational climate. An additional objective was to investigate whether self-handicapping strategies (self-reported and behavioral handicaps) were influenced by golf performance. We observed 22 (9 female and 13 male) elite junior golfers (mean handicap = 4.2 strokes) when they completed the same putting exercise under two conditions: (1) a competition condition and (2) a putting exercise condition to improve putting skills. Behavioral self-handicapping (four specific behavioral cues for golf putting) was analyzed by video footage. Subsequent to completing the assignments under both conditions, participants were given the opportunity to self-report handicaps. Results revealed that self-handicapping was not influenced by perceptions of the motivational climate. However, a negative relationship between putting performance and self-handicapping was found. Furthermore, standard multiple regression analyses revealed that performance was a significant (negative) predictor for self-reported handicaps, as well as one of the four behavioral self-handicapping cues. The fmdings suggest that reporting handicaps after a poor performance is a self-handicapping strategy to enhance athietes' private self-esteem and self-image, regardless of their motivational climate perceptions.

• Pensgaard, Anne Marte & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2012). Potentials and Pitfalls: Short-Term Involvement versus Long-Term Involvement in Sport Psychology with Olympic and Paralympic Athletes. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action. ISSN 2152-0704. 3(2), p. 119–126. doi: 10.1080/21520704.2012.683088. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In some occasions, sport psychologists have a long time to prepare their athletes before important competitions. In other instances, the time to work with mental skills might be short. This article shares some of the experiences that two sport psychologists had during their work with Olympic and Paralympic athletes before and during the Olympic Games (2010) in Vancouver, Canada. In particular, the authors will share some of the potentials and pitfalls that both long- and short-term involvement by the sport psychologist might instigate. In short, there are both negative and positive aspects of having a long or short time during the preparation phase. However, we highlight that we prefer to work with athletes over several seasons, because the sport psychologist then has time to see the athletes in action and to help the athletes develop the necessary skills before important competitions.

• Kristiansen, Elsa; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Stensrud, Trine (2012). Stress-Related Breathing Problems: An Issue for Elite Swimmers. Journal of Swimming Research. ISSN 0747-5993. 19(2). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this preliminary study was to test if there are any links between breathing problems, and physiological and psychological recovery (or perceived lack thereof) in elite swimmers. In order to do so, twenty-four elite competitive swimmers (range 15-25 years, Mage = 18.25 years, SD = 1.60), from two swimming clubs in Norway both performed three physiological tests for bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and also completed a series of psychological questionnaires. The results are important for coaches, as it was revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of BHR. Possible links between physiological and psychological stress markers in athletes are explained by the use of Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (CATS). Correlations revealed an association between one perfectionism factor (concern over mistakes) and the recovery scale (balance between training and recovery), practically meaning there might be a relationship between breathing problems and reduced recovery. However, a mastery climate may protect the swimmers against both perfectionism and burnout, helping their recovery in the long run. In conclusion, there is evidence that we need more research about this possible (breathing) stress-recovery imbalance in order to identify under recovery and avoid more severe negative consequences for elite swimmers.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Roberts, Glyn C. (2010). Motivational climate, need satisfaction, regulation of motivation and subjective vitality A study of young soccer players. International Journal of Sport Psychology. ISSN 0047-0767. 41(3), p. 216–242. Full text in Research Archive
• Roberts, Glyn C.; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas (2009). Motivation in sport and physical activity: An achievement goal interpretation. In Kaplan, Avi; Karabenick, Stuart A. & Groot, Elisabeth De (Ed.), Culture, self and motivation : essays in honor of Martin L. Maehr. Information Age Publishing. ISSN 9781607521082. p. 98–122. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Over the past twenty years, research in sport, physical education, and exercise contexts focusing on motivation has adopted a social cognitive approach (see Roberts, 1984; Roberts, et al, 2007). In particular, the achievement goal approach has become an important conceptual avenue to address motivation in physical activity. This chapter summarizes the research on achievement goals in sport and exercise.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Roberts, Glyn C. & Pensgaard, Anne Marte (2008). Achievement goals and gender effects on multidimensional anxiety in national elite sport. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 9(4), p. 449–464. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2007.06.005. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Conclusions: The extant motivational climate has an effect on performance anxiety, and coaches would be well advised to consider this when working with national elite athletes. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Kristiansen, Elsa; Roberts, Glyn C. & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2008). Achievement involvement and stress coping in elite wrestling. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 18(4), p. 526–538. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2007.00646.x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The present study explored the relationship between task involvement and coping with stress in elite competition. Participants were 82 elite wrestlers, both male (n=60) and female (n=22), from four different European countries, age 16-37. The data for the study were gathered over an 18-month period, and both qualitative in-depth interviews (n=6) and quantitative approaches were used. The quantitative study measured motivation from an achievement goal theory perspective: achievement goal orientation [Perception of Success Questionnaire], perceptions of the motivational climate [Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire] and coping strategies (Brief COPE). The qualitative part explored motivation and coping in depth. As expected, task involved wrestlers coped better in competitive situations due to their use of more adaptive coping strategies. The wrestlers' experiences seemingly make them prefer to stay task involved and use adaptive coping strategies (both problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies) in competition.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Roberts, Glyn C.; Pensgaard, Anne Marte & Ronglan, Lars Tore (2008). Perceived ability and social support as mediators of achievement motivation and performance anxiety. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 18(6), p. 810–821. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2007.00707.x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The present study is founded on achievement goal theory (AGT) and examines the relationship between motivation, social support and performance anxiety with team handball players (n=143) from 10 elite teams. Based on these theories and previous findings, the study has three purposes. First, it was predicted that the female athletes (n=69) would report more performance worries and more social support use than males (n=74). The findings support the hypothesis for anxiety, but not for social support use. However, females report that they felt social support was more available than males. Second, we predicted and found a positive relationship between the interaction of ego orientation and perceptions of a performance climate on performance anxiety, but only for females. As predicted, perceived ability mediated this relationship. Finally, we predicted that perceptions of a performance climate were related to the view that social support was less available especially for the male athletes. Simple correlation supports this prediction, but the regression analyses did not reach significance. Thus, we could not test for mediation of social support between motivational variables and anxiety. The results illustrate that fostering a mastery climate helps elite athletes tackle competitive pressure.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Roberts, Glyn C.; Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2007). What makes for a psychologically healthful versus risky soccer engagement? the motivational climate, psychological well-being and ill-being, The role of physical education and sport in promoting physical activity and health. University of Jyväskylä. p. 268–275. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristiansen, Elsa; Roberts, Glyn C. & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2007). Coping with competitive stress in elite wrestling. The experience of men and women wrestlers, The role of physical education and sport in promoting physical activity and health. University of Jyväskylä. p. 252–257. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Roberts, Glyn C. & Pensgaard, Anne Marte (2006). An examination of the factorial structure of the Norwegian version of the sport anxiety scale. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 16(5), p. 358–363. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of the present research was to develop and validate a Norwegian version of the sport anxiety scale (SAS-N), a multidimensional sport performance trait anxiety inventory. The SAS consists of three unique dimensions measuring somatic anxiety, worry and concentration disruption, respectively. The translation-back translation method was used in development of the SAS-N, and athletes from different sports in Norway (N=282) participated in the study. The findings are similar to those of the English original, and lend support for the use of this instrument with Norwegian athlete subjects.

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• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2021). En kort introduksjon til prestasjonspsykologi. Fagbokforlaget. ISBN 9788245035506. 163 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Gitsø, Erlend Osborg & Nilssen, Eirik (2021). Når det koker. Senja matstudio. ISBN 9788269210316. 237 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Arntzen, Atle & Haugen, Rolf (2021). The Personal Trainer : A Coaching Approach. Fagbokforlaget. ISBN 9788245023589. 360 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Arntzen, Atle; Haugen, Rolf & Thomsen, Eva Katrine (2019). Personlig trener og gruppeinstruktør : En coachende tilnærming. Fagbokforlaget. ISBN 9788245023114. 342 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gitsø, Erlend Osborg (2019). Den coachende treneren : Bok 3: Om å coache unge utøvere på nasjonalt og internasjonalt nivå. Fagbokforlaget. ISBN 9788245033199. 144 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gitsø, Erlend Osborg (2017). Den coachende treneren : om å coache nybegynnere. Akilles forlag. ISBN 9788272862595. 79 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gitsø, Erlend Osborg (2016). Den coachende treneren : om å coache viderekomne. Akilles forlag. ISBN 9788272862533. 128 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Gitsø, Erlend Osborg (2014). Den Coachende Treneren - om å coache begynnere. Akilles forlag. ISBN 9788272862403. 79 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Arntzen, Atle & Haugen, Rolf (2014). Personlig trener. Akilles forlag. ISBN 9788272862410. 271 p. Full text in Research Archive

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• Grindaker, Eirik; Ytterbøl, Christian; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Holte, Kristin (2025). «Mentalt yteevne: Robusthet og trygghet i en usikker tid». Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Prosjektet «Mentalt yteevne: Robusthet og trygghet i en usikker tid» er et forskningsbasert formidlingsprosjekt rettet mot elever i videregående skole, med mål om å styrke deres mentale robusthet og opplevelse av trygghet i en tid preget av økt usikkerhet. Prosjektet kombinerer kunnskap fra idretts- og prestasjonspsykologi med erfaringer fra Forsvaret og toppidrett, og formidler dette gjennom foredrag, praktiske øvelser og refleksjon. Hensikten er å gi deltakerne både teoretisk innsikt og konkrete verktøy for å håndtere stress, press og utfordrende situasjoner i hverdagen. Prosjektet legger særlig vekt på interaktiv læring og overføring av kunnskap til praktisk anvendelse

• Grindaker, Eirik; Ytterbøl, Christian; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Holte, Kristin (2025). Mentalt yteevne: Robusthet og trygghet i en usikker tid. doi: https:/www.inn.no/forskning/forskingsdagane/arrangement-forskingsdagane-2025/mental-yteevne/index.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Arrangementet «Mentalt yteevne: Robusthet og trygghet i en usikker tid» var et forskningsbasert formidlingsarrangement rettet mot elever i videregående skole. Formålet var å gi deltakerne økt forståelse av mental robusthet, trygghet og hvordan håndtere stress og press i en usikker tid. Gjennom foredrag, praktiske øvelser og paneldiskusjon ble forskningsbasert kunnskap fra idretts- og prestasjonspsykologi kombinert med erfaringer fra toppidrett og Forsvaret. Målet var å gi elevene konkrete verktøy og innsikt som kan styrke deres evne til å mestre utfordringer i hverdagen.

• Grindaker, Eirik; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Skogan, Herman & Lognseth, Stig (2025). Krav til mental yteevne i Forsvaret. doi: https:/share.transistor.fm/s/21da7db6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hvilke krav stilles til mental yteevne i Forsvaret? I denne episoden ser vi på hvilke krav som stilles til mental yteevne i Forsvaret, og hvordan soldater kan forberedes til å håndtere både akutt og langvarig mental belastning. Hva legger vi i begrepet mental yteevne, hvilke krav som stilles til soldater, og hvordan stressfaktorer som søvnmangel og konstant beredskap påvirker den mentale yteevnen, er sentrale spørsmål i episoden.

• Grindaker, Eirik; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Ytterbøl, Christian; Holte, Kristin & Lognseth, Stig (2025). Mental robusthet – slik styrker vi oss som individer og samfunn. doi: https:/share.transistor.fm/s/d9240d64. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  I denne episoden utforsker vi mental robusthet – og hvordan den kan styrkes både hos enkeltpersoner og i samfunnet som helhet. Vi ser nærmere på hva begrepet innebærer, hvorfor det er avgjørende i Forsvaret, og hvordan både enkeltmennesker og samfunn kan forberede seg før førstegangstjenesten. Vi diskuterer hva som kan gjøres bedre i forkant for å møte de kravene tjenesten stiller, og hvordan rekrutter kan håndtere usikkerhet og press gjennom rekruttperioden. Samtalen kombinerer forskningsbaserte perspektiver med praktiske erfaringer fra både toppidrett og militært liv.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2025). Coaching is like riding a bike: To keep your balance, you have to keep moving. In Chroni, Stiliani; Olusoga, Peter; Kenttä, Göran & Dieffenbach, Kristen (Ed.), Coaching stories: Navigating storms, triumphs, and transformations in sport. Routledge. ISSN 9781032370675. p. 298–307. doi: 10.4324/b23184-35. Full text in Research Archive
• Grindaker, Eirik; Lobben, Stian Ellingsen; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Lognseth, Stig (2023). Hjernetrening. doi: https:/api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/57167332/download.mp3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hva legger vi i begrepet hjernetrening? Hva er mindfulness? Hvordan brukes hjernetrening/mindfulness innen idrett? Hvilke effekter kan vi oppnå ved hjernetrening/mindfulness og hvordan kan vi praktisere det?

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2022). Chapter 14: Culinary: "The proof is in the pudding!". In Castillo, Sarah; Wooding, Chelsea Butters; Barba, Douglas & Chroni, Stiliani (Ed.), Building Consulting Skills for Sport and Performance Psychology: An International Case Study Collection. Routledge. ISSN 9780367545406. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Building Consulting Skills in Sport and Performance Psychology is an international compilation of case studies that introduces students and early career professionals to pertinent issues within a variety of performance environments. With contributions from prominent international practitioners, the book offers case studies from a variety of performance environments including sport, performing arts, and high-risk occupations. Each chapter presents a case study and provides exploratory questions relating to ethical considerations, intervention planning, and awareness of diverse themes of race, culture, gender, immigration status, and disability, among others. These reflection questions encourage students to acknowledge the individual circumstances of all performers and to recognize their own unique background and how this impacts their attitudes, beliefs, and connection to potential clients. The text promotes honest self-reflection regarding consulting strengths and potential areas for improvement, and an online Instructors’ Manual looks at possible solutions for each case.

• Grindaker, Eirik; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Lognseth, Stig (2020). Motivasjon og målsetningsarbeid. doi: https:/api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/24686108/download.mp3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Denne podkastepisoden har fokus på motivasjon innen idrett og fysisk aktivitet. Episoden tar for seg hva motivasjon er, og forklarer sentrale motivasjonsteorier innen idrett. I tillegg belyses hensikten med målsetningsarbeid og hvor viktig dette er for prestasjon, utvikling og trivsel – både for idrettsutøvere og mosjonister.

• Haraldsen, Heidi; Halvari, Hallgeir; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Solstad, Bård Erlend; Nordin-Bates, Sanna M. & Ivarsson, Andreas (2019). Hva motiverer unge utøvere til å satse? Full text in Research Archive
• Haraldsen, Heidi; Halvari, Halgeir; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Solstad, Bård Erlend (2018). Linking Perfectionism and Controlling Conditions with Introjected Motivation, Exhaustion, and Anxiety via Competence Frustration: A moderated Mediation Model among Elite Junior Performers. Full text in Research Archive
• Haraldsen, Heidi; Halvari, Halgeir; Solstad, Bård Erlend & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2018). Successful failures? A test of the role of controlled learning conditions in the motivational processes of perfectionist elite performers from ballet, music, and sport in a moderated mediation model. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2016). Ungdomstreneren : rollen, lederen og fagpersonen. In Wallinus-Rinne, Antero (Eds.), Ungdomstreneren. Akilles forlag. ISSN 9788272862571. p. 15–45. Full text in Research Archive
• Chroni, Stiliani; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Skille, Eivind Åsrum & Hemmestad, Liv B (2016). I’ll Get By with a Little Help from my Boss. Full text in Research Archive
• Chroni, Stiliani; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Hemmestad, Liv B (2015). Stress at first sight but challenge at second: What makes the difference. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Chroni, Stiliani & Hemmestad, Liv B (2015). When caught in the eye of the storm, it is about mindset, interpretation and reflection. Full text in Research Archive
• Chroni, Stiliani; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Hemmestad, Liv B (2015). I reflect and learn, and learn, and learn, and I am challenged not stressed. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2014). Mental trening. In Fiskerstrand, Åke & Rimeslåtten, Erling (Ed.), Veien til toppidrett (2 utg.). Gyldendal Undervisning. ISSN 9788205463158. p. 66–85. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2014). Motivasjon. In Fiskerstrand, Åke & Rimeslåtten, Erling (Ed.), Veien til toppidrett (2 utg.). Gyldendal Undervisning. ISSN 9788205463158. p. 48–65. Full text in Research Archive
• Miller, Blake W.; Miller, Blake W.; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas; Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas & Roberts, Glyn C. [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2009). Predicting Sportspersonship in Competitive Youth Sport: How Influential are Coaches Anyway? Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Previous research has indicated that perceptions of the motivational climate may predict affect and behavior in sport more than individual goal orientations (see Roberts, 2001). However, investigation of the motivational climate and goal orientations as predictors of sport morality is lacking in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the predictive qualities of both the coach created motivational climate and player goal orientations regarding sportspersonship in organized youth soccer. Participants were 714 (N=512 male, N= 202 female, 12-14 years) youth soccer players from teams competing in a large international tournament. The PMCSQ (Seifriz et al., 1992), the POSQ (Roberts et al., 1998) were utilized to measure players? climate perceptions and their goal orientations respectively, while the MSOS (Vallerand et al., 1997) was employed to measure sportspersonship. A series of multiple regression analyses were conducted in order to regress mastery and performance climate perceptions and task and ego goal orientations over the four emerging sportspersonship subscales, namely respect for ones commitment to sport, respect for social conventions, respect and concern for one?s opponent, and lastly respect and concern for the rules and officials. For all of the four regression analyses, mastery climate emerged as the strongest predictor of sportspersonship. For three of the four regression models (commitment, social conventions, and rules/officials) task orientation also emerged as a positive, yet weaker predictor of sportspersonship than a mastery climate. In light of these findings it appears that in fact coaches do have a strong influence on the sport morality of youth athletes, and clearly a mastery climate emphasis is important if fair play and sportspersonship in the competitive youth sport arena is desired. Mastery climate structure and focus will also be discussed in respect to the coaching and mentoring of youth in organized competitive sport.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2008). Mental ferdighetsutvikling, Veien til toppidrett / Åke Fiskerstrand og Erling Rimeslåtten m.fl. Gyldendal Undervisning. p. 41–58. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Roberts, Glyn C. & Kristiansen, Elsa (2008). Climate change between training and competition - increasing stress in an international tournament. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristiansen, Elsa; Roberts, Glyn C. & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2008). Young elite athletes coping with "Olympic" demands. Full text in Research Archive
• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Roberts, Glyn C. (2008). Passion for soccer: Does it mediate the influence of the motivational climate on young players¿ sense of vitality? Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Types of passion were investigated in relationship to motivational climate and subjective vitality in youth soccer. Participants were 283 experienced young soccer players (aged 12-16 years) taking part in the Norway Cup soccer tournament 2004. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the construct validity of the harmonious and obsessive passion constructs, and Structural Equation Modelling analyses were utilized to test hypothesized paths between predictor, mediator and outcome variables. Subjective vitality was positively predicted by a mastery climate, harmonious passion and obsessive passion. In line with expectations, paths linking a positive mastery climate, harmonious passion and subjective vitality were also observed. Current findings illustrate the value of combining tenets of achievement goal theory (Nicholls, 1989) with the integrative sequence model of passion ((Vallerand et.al., 2003). However, the study findings also demonstrated the need for re-specification of the passion scales noticeably based on the positive relation found between obsessive passion and subjective vitality. Within the context of youth soccer, there is a need for further validation of the concepts of harmonious versus obsessive passion (Vallerand et al., 2006).

• Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas; Roberts, Glyn C.; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2007). Passion and the motivational patterns of youth football players. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Recent research investigating passion in sport participants (see Vallerand et al., 2006) reveals that harmonious and obsessive passions represent a great source of motivation for sport involvement. However, while harmonious passion has been associated with adaptive achievement striving, obsessive passion has been linked to maladaptive achievement outcomes such as increased stress and negative affect, interpersonal conflicts and unhealthy sport persistence. The present study was designed to examine the contribution of two types of passion (Vallerand et al., 2003) in predicting the perfectionist dispositions, the achievement goals as well as the perception of the team motivational climate of youth elite soccer players. Participants were 283 competitive football players (M= 177; F=106; 12-16 y/o) competing in the Norway Cup International Football Tournament. Findings revealed that young football players demonstrating high levels of obsessive passion for their sport reported having high personal standards as well as feeling concerned about making mistakes when playing football, these athletes were high ego orientation and perceived the team motivational climate as being performance oriented. When athletes balanced their obsessive passion with a high sense of harmonious passion, they expressed being simultaneously high in task and ego orientation, they also felt they had high personal standards when playing football and perceived the team climate as being mastery oriented. The findings support a dualistic model of passion in sports (Vallerand et al., 2006). Harmonious and obsessive passion yields qualitatively different motivational patterns in youth football participants.

• Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas; Roberts, Glyn C.; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2006). Passion, Motivation and Well-Being in Youth Soccer Players. Full text in Research Archive
• Lemyre, Pierre-Nicolas; Roberts, Glyn C.; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2006). Passion, Motivation, and Well-Being in Youth Soccer Players. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristiansen, Elsa; Roberts, Glyn C. & Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2006). Coping with Competitive Stress and State of Involvement. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Roberts, Glyn C. & Pensgaard, Anne Marte (2005). Motivation and Preferred Stress Coping Strategies among Elite Level Athletes. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The study examined the effect of gender, motivational orientation, and motivational climate on preferred stress coping strategies among elite athletes. A total of 190 athletes from different individual sports participated. Participants included athletes on junior national teams, and teams participating in the 2004 National Championships in Norway. Questionnaires included the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ), the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire (PMCSQ), and the Brief Cope. The POSQ and PMCSQ provided adequate reliability. Some items were deleted from subscales to heighten internal consistency, which gave Ego orientation (&#945; = .86), Task Orientation (&#945; = .84), Performance Climate (&#945; = .82), and Task Climate (&#945; = .80). The Brief Cope consists of fourteen sub dimensions consisting of two items each, where internal reliability ranged between &#945; = 46 and &#945; = 79 for these subscales. Higher order stress coping strategies gave adequate reliability as well; problem focused (PF &#945; = .79) and emotional focused strategies (EF &#945; = .83). It has been forwarded that male and female athletes competing at high level share the same motivational profiles. Therefore a MANOVA over the motivational variables was conducted, and as expected; there were no gender differences. ANOVA was conducted over the higher order stress coping strategies, because gender differences have previously been reported. No difference was found on problem focused strategies, however females reported to use emotional stress coping strategies more often than males. Motivational orientations (men and women together) were significantly correlated with problem focused coping strategies. Further analyses are provided, identifying the subscales which contributed most to the results. Discussion of the results and suggestions for future research is provided as well.

• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Roberts, Glyn C. (2003). Moral functioning in youth soccer : the effect of gender, motivational climate and moral atmosphere. Full text in Research Archive
• Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik (2007). Stress in elite sport : a motivational perspective. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. ISSN 9788250204058. Full text in Research Archive

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