The Multi-States (MuSt) Theory for Emotion- and Action-regulation in Sports

Feeling states – including emotional experiences – are fundamental to human adaptation, as they influence effort, attention, decision making, memory, and behavioural responses of individuals, as well as their interpersonal interactions. Thus, the ability to self-regulate is crucial for athletic success. This chapter presents the multi-states (MuSt) theory as a holistic approach for both emotion- and action-centred self-regulation for performance enhancement and optimisation. Central to the MuSt theory is the notion that a combination of emotion- and action-regulation strategies is more effective than focusing on one aspect alone. In this chapter, we describe psychobiosocial feeling states and core action components – the most relevant components of functional performance – as the targets for self-regulation. We then present guidelines for the identification, prediction, and regulation of optimal and dysfunctional psychobiosocial feeling states and core action components. Finally, we discuss avenues for future research and practical implications.