First Advisor

Theoklitos Karipidis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

5-2026

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Psychological Sciences, SPS Student Work

Abstract

This paper will explore whether collegiate student-athletes at the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) engage with art-based pre-performance rituals (PPRs) and, if so, examine their perceived effects on mental preparation prior to competition. Research has discussed traditional preparatory routines (PRs)—breathing techniques, visualization, goal setting, and problem-solving—creating a gap for understanding how creative or symbolic rituals function in the realm of collegiate sports. Combining Clifford Geertz's (1973) anthropological framework of ritualized behaviors acting as “meaning-making systems” with empirical evidence supporting art therapy, this research positions symbolic art-based interventions as PPRs, helping athletes with focus, emotional regulation, and confidence prior to competition. This study implemented a cross-sectional, mixed-methods research design, where 84 student-athletes completed an online, Likert-scale and open-ended question survey. A majority of student-athletes reported engaging with an art-based PPR, with listening to music being the most frequently used strategy. Additionally, the results indicated that upperclassmen reported higher perceived effects than underclassmen. Overall, the participants perceived PPRs as beneficial for emotional regulation, specifically in regard to confidence, focus, and mental readiness. The findings suggest that art-based PPRs are meaningful tools for mental preparation, further emphasizing the need for additional research regarding creative interventions in sports psychology.

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Collegiate student athletes; art-based pre-performance rituals (PPRs); emotional regulation; mental preparation; art therapy; sports psychology

Language

English

Extent

22 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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Psychology Commons

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