Emotions-decision-making in sport: Theoretical conceptualization and experimental evidence

We review current evidence on the linkage between emotion and decision-making (DM) in sports, and the appraisal, emotions, and cognitions linkage under temporal and societal pressure. The conceptual framework proposes that perceptions and actions are stored and retrieved from the same representation structure, and thus stimuli are either negatively or positively appraised and evoke emotions, which in turn activate cognitive processes linked to DM. The emotion-cognition congruence concept relies on the notion that neural network in long-term memory is activated when events occur, and influences the capacity of the cognitive system to make the decision for response execution. The quality of this process is considered by us as the underlying mechanism of functioning in or out of the individual or team zone of optimal functioning. We also claim that basic regulations stabilize the action system under conditions which vary in perceived pressure. Using mental routines stabilize the emotional level required to perform the task. Process regulations are used for capturing environmental cues to direct attention selectively, and make the response-selection and DM for action execution. The interface between the two coping regulations influences the quality of both the DM and consequent performance. This concept is applied to individual and team processes alike.