Rule- And Norm-Related Behavior and the Individual Psychological Crisis in Competitive Situations: Theory and Research Findings

Four modes of behavior considered contrary to expectations and all associated with rules and norms of competition are investigated in this study within the context of psychological crisis. These behaviors are against the rules of the competitive situation and are (a) either fair or unfair, and (b) either called or not called by the officials. Twent-eight basketball experts responded to a “rule- and norm-related behavior” questionnaire. The experts were asked to assess the crisis relevance of the four behavioral modes. The Bayesian likelihood ratio (diagnosticity) was applied for assessing each behavior mode. Results revealed that officials' calls and fairness of violations substantially influence the diagnostic relevance of behaviors contrary to expectations with regard to competitive psychological crisis. Theoretical and practical aspects are discussed by the authors.