The study examined whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between social support and subjective well-being, as perceived by athletes. It also investigated the structural relationships between these variables. Participants were 333 athletes attending high school or university. Structural equation analysis showed that self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between social support and subjective well-being. To test the stability of the model, a multiple group analysis was performed according to sex of participant and school level, and this demonstrated that the model had similar fit to the data regardless of group. The confirmation that self-compassion plays an intermediary role in the relationship between social support and subjective well-being demonstrates that self-compassionate attitudes can be fostered by social support, and that, in turn, has a positive effect on an individual’s subjective well-being.

According to Self-Determination Theory, sports coaches’ autonomy-supportive behaviors positively influence athletes’ different aspects, such as motivation, well-being, and performance, while controlling behaviors of coaches tend to diminish such variables. Although many researchers agree that autonomy-supportive coaching style should be promoted rather than a controlling style, there is scarce research investigating the antecedents of such behavioral styles. The aim of this study was to examine a model of potential determinants of coaches’ interpersonal behaviors by investigating the relationship between passion for coaching and their behavioral styles and verifying the mediating role of coaches’ perceived relationship quality with their athletes. A total of 172 coaches participated in the survey, and data sets were analyzed using structural model analysis. Results revealed that coaches’ harmonious passion positively predicted autonomy-supportive behaviors but negatively predicted controlling behaviors, and these pathways were mediated by coaches’ perception of the relationship with their athletes. The implications for coaches and researchers from those results are discussed.

The flow field contained within ten planes inside a cylinder of a 3.5 liter, 24-valve, V-6 engine was mapped using a three-dimensional Laser Doppler Velocimetry (3-D LDV) system. A total of 1,548 LDV measurement locations were used to construct the time history of the in-cylinder flow fields during the intake and compression strokes. The measurements began during the intake stroke at a crank angle of 60° ATDC and continued until approximately 280° ATDC. The ensemble averaged LDV measurements allowed for a quantitative analysis of the dynamic in-cylinder flow process in terms of tumble and swirl motions. Both of these quantities were calculated at every 1.8 crank degrees during the described measurement interval. Tumble calculations were performed about axes in multiple planes in both the Cartesian directions perpendicular to the plane of the piston top. Swirl calculations were also accomplished in multiple planes that lie parallel to the plane of the piston top. In addition, tumble and swirl calculations were performed on a volume basis which utilized 75% of the cylinder's volume. Two types of origins were facilitated to place the axes of revolution in these calculations; a moving and a fixed origin. Circulation calculations were implemented as a means for quantifying the air flow activities utilizing the ensemble averaged velocities within the cylinder. Similar to the tumble and swirl calculations, circulation calculations were performed about multiple planes enclosed within the cylinder. The results showed that the impact of the nearly symmetric intake geometry, in conjunction with the four-valve design, produced relatively low tumble and swirl ratios even though two strong counter rotating vortices developed during the intake stroke. Furthermore, the applicability of these quantities should be carefully considered when evaluating characteristics resulting from the complex in-cylinder flow motions.

This preliminary study developed pre-performance routines for tenpin bowlers and instructed them. To develop the routine, the situations before throwing the ball were divided into four phases; participants were examined through interviews and observations. This study used an A–B design; the A stage included the development of the routines for 3wk., while the B stage included the instruction and two evaluations of the routine consistency. Practice was implemented for 4 hr. per day for 9 wk. The participants noted they understood the developed routine easily and experienced an atmosphere similar to that of a competition during training through the routines. They found it difficult to practice the relaxation phase, but emphasized that the relaxation phase was helpful. Consistent routines were associated with an improved mental state and performance in a competition. This study suggests that pre-performance routines stabilize the mental state of the athletes, apparently giving them a competitive advantage.