Affective responses to success and failure:: a study of winning and losing in competitive rugby

Affective responses to success and failure in a competitive sport setting were investigated using a reversal theory framework in a replication and extension of a previous study Kerr and van Schaik, 1995. Effects of game outcome on psychological mood states in rugby. cf11>Personality and Individual Differences, 19, 407-410.]. Participants were top-level Dutch male rugby players. Mood measures were administered pre- and postgame at four games: 2 games were won, 2 were lost. A mixed between and within subjects design was used for data analysis, in which game outcome (win or loss) was the between subjects factor, and the within subjects factor was time of testing (pre- vs. postgame). Numerous statistically significant results concerning the emotional states experienced prior to competitive sport and in response to winning and losing were obtained. Winning produced a range of pleasant emotional outcomes and reductions in arousal and stress: losing produced strong unpleasant emotional changes, a reduction in arousal but no reduction in stress.