Alternative Health Blog

The sport of golf is not exactly an activity that gets you thinking about the emotional benefits of support from family and friends. But a new British study confirms just that point on a scientific basis.

Researchers at the University of Exeter’s School of Sport and Health Sciences report a statistical association between social support and performance among nearly 200 male amateur golfers who all play at highly competent levels (handicaps of 2 to 4 or golfers who play near par on difficult courses). The study participants answered questionnaires covering the support in their personal lives, plus confidence before a round and what causes stress for them. The study was published this month in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology.

What the researchers found was that golfers who played under stress could still improve, on average, one shot per round if they enjoyed strong social support in their lives. In contrast, golfers with low social support and under similar stress could suffer three additional strokes per round (more is worse in golf scoring).

The researchers were willing to extend social support to good things happening in many athletic endeavors, whether high-level or youth recreational leagues. Take note, overzealous sports parents (or pass this blog link to ones you know). It might not be how you or your loved wins the game or even plays the game as much as how he or she feels once the game is finished.

"Our study reveals the ongoing support of friends and family to be one of the most important factors influencing sports performance," said Tim Rees, lead researcher. "While training, tactics and luck all play a part, the encouraging words or kind gestures of a partner or friend can make the difference between a player scoring that winning goal or a sprinter achieving a record time. The encouragement and support of friends and family clearly plays a massive part in building confidence, which is so important when the pressure is on."

Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.