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 were investigated in this study within the context of psychological crisis. These behaviors were against the rules of the competitive situation and were either (a) fair or unfair, and (b) called or not called by the officials. Twenty-eight basketball experts responded to a “rule- and norm-related behavior” questionnaire and were asked to assess the crisis relevance of the 4 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.