Exploring the Incorporation of Imagery Based on PETTLEP

This study was based on PETTLEP, an imagery framework for athletes incorporating seven key elements (physical, environment, task, timing, learning, emotion, and perspective), valuable for effectively structuring imagery into sport performance. The research included Japanese college athletes in Study 1 (422 students) and Study 2 (378 students) to investigate the incorporation of PETTLEP imagery into their sports. Through confirmatory factor analysis, Study 1 revealed the multidimensional nature of PETTLEP, demonstrating that the timing element is best explained when separated into three specific elements: timing-real, timing-slow, and timing-fast. Additionally, the first- and third-person perspectives were better explained as distinct elements. The 10-element model thus developed revealed that athletes use PETTLEP in ways that vary depending on their years of experience, competitive level, and the sport they play, but no sex differences were found. Athletes who reported use of imagery for performance enhancement scored higher across these 10 elements. Stability and test–retest reliability analyses yielded acceptable results. Implications for sport performance enhancement are discussed.