The Effect of Imagery on Taekwondo Athletes Performance in Semarang

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of imagery on the performance of taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category in Semarang. In addition, differences in the use of imagery types among athletes indicate the need to examine the influence of each imagery type as well as their overall contribution to taekwondo athletes’ performance. This study employed a quantitative non-experimental approach with a cross-sectional design and a questionnaire method. The participants consisted of 101 taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category aged 12–18 years from several dojangs in Semarang, who had participated in at least provincial-level competitions. The independent variable was imagery, which consisted of five types Cognitive Specific (CS), Cognitive General (CG), Motivational Specific (MS), Motivational General Mastery (MGM), and Motivational General Arousal (MGA), measured using the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ). The dependent variable was athlete performance, measured using Perceived Performance in Sport Questionnaire (PPS). Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the assistance of SPSS 30. The results showed that partially, none of the five imagery types had a significant effect on the performance of taekwondo athletes in Semarang. However, simultaneously had a significant effect on athlete performance. The coefficient of determination (R²) indicated that imagery contributed 15.5% to athlete performance, while the remaining variance was influenced by other factors outside this study. In conclusion, this study is that imagery, as an integrated mental system, plays a role in supporting taekwondo athletes’ performance, although its contribution remains relatively low. Therefore, structured and integrated imagery training needs to be developed within taekwondo athlete development programs.