The effects of goal-cueing rumination induction on the duration of pre-performance routines in golf

Abstract

Pre-performance routines (PPRs) are considered an essential psychological skill in golf, providing structure and focus before shot execution. Rumination is known to impair attention and emotion regulation, yet its impact on athletic routines has received little investigation. This study examined whether goal-cueing state rumination induction influences the duration of PPRs and shot execution duration among elite golfers. Fifty-one Icelandic golfers (M_age = 32.7, range 19–60; 38 men, 13 women) competing at competitive, elite, or professional levels participated in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were assigned either to a goal-cueing rumination induction task or a control condition. PPR duration (time from club selection to ball strike) and shot execution time (time from assuming shot position to ball contact) were coded from video recordings. Repeated measures ANCOVA revealed a significant main effect of time, with PPRs becoming shorter from pre-test to post-test across both groups. However, there were no significant group effects, no time × group interactions, and changes in state rumination (Δ pre–post) did not predict routine duration. Shot execution times showed no significant changes across time or between groups. These results indicate that golfers’ PPRs shortened with repeated testing, but this change was not attributable to induced rumination. Findings suggest that PPRs may adapt with practice yet remain robust against short-term cognitive disruptions. Future research should assess rumination effects under ecologically valid competitive conditions and examine qualitative aspects of routines beyond duration.Keywords: Pre-performance routines, State Rumination, Goal-cueing