Trait self-presentational concerns and performance in a maximal isometric strength test.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate (a) gender differences in performance (i.e., mean force) and trait self-presentational concerns (i.e., fear of negative evaluation [FNE] and social physique anxiety [SPA]) and (b) the relationship between trait self-presentational concerns and performance (force) on a maximal isometric strength test as commonly occurs in strength training studies. Participants consisted of 50 women and 46 men. All participants were right handed and physically active and were recruited from the general population of Brock University (Mage = 23.1 years, SD = 2.7). They completed measures of trait self-presentational concerns (SPA, FNE) before undergoing 5 maximal voluntary contractions of the elbow flexors. Results showed that, after adjusting for years weight training experience, men scored higher on force and women scored higher on SPA and FNE (all p's < 0.05). Further, for men, FNE significantly predicted force (p < 0.001). Thus, trait concerns over being evaluated by others are related to men's performance in a strength test. In strength testing settings, researchers and trainers should consider trait self-presentational concerns, which may impact actual performance.