Superstitious behavior and ritualistic practices among former athletes

Superstitious and ritualistic behaviors in sport have been well documented (Brevers, Dan, Noel, & Nils, 2011a, 2011b; Buhrmann & Zaugg, 1983 Foster, Weigand, & Baines, 2006). Studies have identified several benefits athletes gain from these practices such as: reduction of sport anxiety (Jackson, Ashford, & Norsworthy, 2006), and reaching peak performance (Krane & Williams, 2010). Other research has studied the effects that personality antecedents, such as locus of control (LOC) and Athletic Identity (AI), might have on these practices (Griffith & Johnson, 2002). To date however, there has been little to no research done on whether former athletes would continue ritualistic or superstitious practices once out of organized sport. Accordingly, the present study evaluated the relationship between athletic career ritual/superstition (ACR/S) and post-athletic career ritual/ superstition (PACR/S); in addition to looking for any moderating variables using an adaptation of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (Brewer, van Raalte, & Linder, 1993), an adaptation of the Exhausted Eligibility Transition Scale (Moreland-Bishop, 2009), and the Religion Subscale from the Personal Life Values Questionnaire (Hyde & Weathington, 2006). Analysis of the data showed a positive correlation between ACR/S and PACR/S . Perceived success in sport was shown to moderate the relationship between ACR/S and PACR/S , while Athletic Identity, transition out of sport and religious importance had no significant effect on the relationship

Gender differences in memory recall

Past research suggests that males and females differ in memory associated with genderstereotyped objects. Specific findings, however, have been inconclusive with regards to the specifics of these differences. The purpose of this study was to extend this literature by evaluating gender differences in memory recall when participants are presented with stereotypically masculine items, stereotypically feminine items, and neutral items. Results found that females recalled more items overall and performed better on recalling gender neutral and female stereotyped items. No differences were found between males and females in recalling male stereotyped items. Additionally, no difference was found between males and females in incorrectly recalling items that were not presented in the recall task. Results suggest the ability to recall objects is influenced by an interaction between stimulus and participant gender. Implications and directions for future research are discussed