Individual patterns of positive-negative affect (PNA) were studied in 25 Olympic level
soccer players (age 17-21). Recall idiographic scaling following the methodology of
the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model was used to identify PNA
items related to each player's effective and ineffective game performance. Individual
zones for each item were then estimated on the Borg's Category Ratio (CR-10) scale.
Optimal and non-optimal PNA patterns were revealed in the selection of idiosyncratic
items, their intensity ranges and functions. All PNA items were functionally either
facilitating (23.1 %), debilitating (42.3 %), or both (34.6 %). Significant differences
in PNA content and intensity (zones) were revealed only at intra- and inter-individual
but not at the group level. Pre-game negative ineffective affect in successful players
anticipated two days before the important tournament deviated more from non-optimal
zones than in less successful players. The data support the findings obtained in ice-hockey
and extend Hanin's IZOF model to performance PNA in soccer. Implications for idiographic
assessments and application of the IZOF model in team sports are suggested.
Key words
Performance - affect - soccer - idiographic - IZOF model
