The e-S.F.E.R.A. Questionnaire: A New Tool For Sport Psychologists Working In Mental Training

Abstract

Background: Esports are gaining worldwide recognition. Given the characteristics of this discipline, esporters need proper mental preparation. The S.F.E.R.A. model is widely used in sport psychology practice in Italy, aiming to maximize athletes' performance and improve five mental factors: Synchrony, Strength, Energy, Rhythm, and Activation. Objectives: The present study aims at 1) developing a questionnaire to detect those factors and 2) investigating their similarity with more classical psychological dimensions. Methods: A sample of 211 players of competitive online games filled out the "e-S.F.E.R.A. Questionnaire". Confirmatory Factor Analysis for each factor and regressions on Engagement, Flow and Addiction were performed. Results: Results 1) confirm the monofactorial structures of mental factors and 2) show the positive relations of Energy with Vigor and Dedication of Engagement and Activation with all dimensions considered, including Addiction. Conclusion: This study provides sports psychologists with a new framework and tools for esporters' mental optimization.