Our work within the LEGO is dedicated to researching emotions and group dynamics, and the links between the two, at individual, group, leader, and organizational levels in sport and other performance settings. In addition, we are passionate about translating our findings and knowledge back to performers, teams, and organizations in the field and collaborating with them to generate and investigate new and relevant research questions.
To get insight into our latest activities and endeavors, please follow us on Twitter and TikTok (@LEGOFSU).
United in Joy and Misery? Investigating the Links from Collective Emotions to Team Integration
Project lead: Dr. Svenja A. Wolf
Research questions: Does greater emotional agreement predict increased social integration (i.e., cohesion, entitativity, identification, commitment)? Does emotional valence (i.e., pleasant as in happiness and excitement vs. unpleasant as in anxiety, dejection, and anger) moderate this relationship?
Method: Cross-lagged multilevel correlational field study of competitive adult sport teams responding to questionnaires on emotions and perceived social integration.
Status: In data-collection
Everything Is Cool When You're Part of a Team? The Effects of Interdependence on Cognitions, Emotions, Effort, and Performance Under Pressure
Project lead: Dr. Svenja A. Wolf
Research questions: To what extent does outcome interdependence (i.e., coactive/independent vs. conjunctive/worst team member counts task structure) change the effects of situational pressure on cognitions (i.e., perceived indispensability, primary and secondary appraisal), emotions (i.e., excitement and anxiety), effort, and performance? Does task type (i.e., effort-based/conditioning vs. skill-based/coordination) moderate these changes?
Method: Field experiment of competitive adult basketball players performing sprint and free throw tasks and responding to questionnaires on cognitions, emotions, and effort under conditions of low vs. high pressure and independence vs. interdependence
Status: In preparation
The Light and Dark Side of Positional Indispensability: Understanding the Relationship between
Project lead: Carly Block
Research questions: What is the most perceived indispensable playing position on a sports team and what makes them indispensable? How does perceived indispensability impact athletes’ cognitions, emotions, and behaviors? Does the team environment impact the outcomes of indispensability?
Method: A cross-sectional study design where collegiate team sport athletes will respond to questionnaires on their own perceived indispensability on their team, their perception of indispensability of positions in their sport, and on how their perceived indispensability predicts their levels of motivation/effort, enjoyment, concerns over mistakes, perceived pressure, and emotion (i.e., anxiety and excitement).
Status: In data-collection
Exploration of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation in Dyad Sports on Emotion, Effort and Ego Depletion of the Regulator
Project lead: Rebecca R. Foti
Research questions: To what extent do interpersonal emotional regulation behaviors predict (a) motivation, (b) emotion, and (c) ego depletion of the regulator? To what extent do interpersonal emotion regulation behaviors predict their partner’s emotions?
Method: A multiple time point correlational field study in which dyad athletes will complete questionnaires on ego depletion and eight emotions prior to a match and on 10 IER behaviors, eight emotions, task effort and ego depletion following a match to determine change in variables.
Status: In data collection
Is Teammate Success Inspirational or Destructive? Pride Display, Envy, and Performance
Project lead: Jordan C. Smith
Research questions: How does teammate(s)’ display of pride incite envy and affect individual and team athletic performance?
Method: A correlational study of athletes in competitive individual sport teams will respond to a questionnaire on teammate(s)’ display of pride and experienced envy and what social behaviors (goal setting, antisocial behaviors, and compassion) affect individual and team athletic performance.
Status: In data collection
A Group of Individuals or A Singular Team? Examining the Moderation Effect of Team Type on The Relationships Between Previous Season Success, Team Tenure and Group Size and Cohesion Over Time
Project lead: Taylor Wilhelmy
Research questions: What is the relationship between previous season success, team tenure and group size and team cohesion? How does team type moderate the relationship between previous season success, team tenure and group size and cohesion? How does cohesion change over time?
Method: A combination of a correlational and longitudinal study design where collegiate athletes will respond to a questionnaire on their perception of team cohesiveness with the opportunity to complete a second questionnaire four weeks after the completion of the first to see how cohesion varies over time.
Status: In data-collection
Publications
Beauchamp, M. R., Liu, Y., Dunlop, W. L., Ruissen, G. R., Schmader, T., Harden, S. M., Wolf, S. A., Puterman, E., Sheel, A. W., & Rhodes, R. E. (2021). Psychological mediators of exercise adherence among older adults in a group-based randomized trial. Health Psychology, 40, 166-177. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001060
Tamminen, K. A., Kim, J., Danyluck, C., McEwen, C. E., Wagstaff, C. R. D., & Wolf, S. A. (2021). The effect of self- and interpersonal emotion regulation on athlete's anxiety and goal achievement in competition. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 57, 102034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102034
Wolf, S. A., Steiner, S., Jokuschies, N., & Hesselmann, T. (2021). Zusammen sind wir stärker. Ein Aufruf zur Integration von Forschung und Praxis in der Sportpsychologie [We are stronger together. A call for integration of sport psychology research and practice]. Zeitschrift für Sportpsychologie [German Journal of Sport Psychology], 27. https://doi.org/10.1026/1612-5010/a000301
Presentations
Block, C.(d), & Wolf, S. A. (presented 2021, May). The lone defender: Understanding the appraisal of demands, resources, and subsequent coping behaviors of goalkeepers. Presentation at Annual meeting, German Association of Sport Psychology, Tübingen, Germany (Virtual). (International)
Wolf, S. A., Pauly, H.(m), & Reisch, E.(m) (presented 2021, May). Comparing individual and relay races in biathlon: The effects of social indispensability on effort- vs. skill-based task performance. Presentation at Annual meeting, German Association of Sport Psychology, Tübingen, Germany (Virtual). (International)
Wolf, S. A., & Wachsmuth, S. (Chair). (2021, May). Talententwicklung als Teamsport: Eine ökologische Perspektive auf Talentbestimmung und -entwicklung in Forschung und Praxis [Talent development as a team sport: An ecological perspective on talent identification and development in research and practice]. Symposium conducted at the meeting of Annual meeting of the German Association of Sport Psychology, Tübingen, Germany (Virtual).
Wolf, S. A., & Wergin, V. V. (Chair). (2021, May). Carrying the weight of the team on your shoulders: Task-related, positional, situational, and role-related social indispensability and its consequences. Symposium conducted at the meeting of Annual meeting of the German Association of Sport Psychology, Tübingen, Germany (Virtual).
The Wolf Pack
Dr. Svenja A. Wolf
Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology, LEGO Leader
Where are you from? Most recently, Munich, Germany
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Astronaut (until I discovered that required perfect eyesight)
What is your favorite quote? “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” - Neal Donald Walsch
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? Tough to play favorites, but today I will pick the G because (the right) groups do make life better and more enjoyable.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? Hiking in the mountains, ideally with at least one friend.
Ashlyn Fesperman
Sport Psychology Doctoral Student, Graduate Assistant
Rebecca R. Foti
Sport Psychology Doctoral Student, Graduate Assistant
Where are you from? Bedford, New Hampshire
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Teacher (and ironically I have stayed true to that path as a current online instructor for undergraduate students)
What is your favorite quote? “If you want something you have never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” - Thomas Jefferson
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? G, as although I also love emotions, I find it most interesting to consider how emotions from different individuals impact one another and find groups to be essential for success, whether in sports or personal experiences.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? In order to move forward, you must challenge yourself to be uncomfortable, appreciate past experiences and let them go to progress into better opportunities and growth.
Jared Hrabcak
Sport Psychology Doctoral Student, Graduate Assistant
Tyler Moore
Sport Psychology Doctoral Student, Graduate Assistant
Jordan C. Smith
Sport Psychology Doctoral Student, Graduate Assistant at the COE Technology Sandbox
Where are you from? Graduated high school - Solon, Iowa; Where I actually say - New York, NY
When you were a child, what was your dream job? To become a professional volleyball player who was able to medal in the Olympics.
What is your favorite quote? "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." - Milton Berle
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? My favorite letter from the four LEGO letters is E for Emotions. I believe emotions play a significant role in our decision making, whether it is positive by driving the passion behind competing or negative by causing anxiety and self-doubt. Emotions can be seen as a catalyst for rational and irrational action.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The worst thing people can say is no, but at least you swung the bat.
Pups
Talia Aronson
Sport Psychology Master's Student
Where are you from? Atlanta, Georgia
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Olympic swimmer
What is your favorite quote? “It’s the journey that teaches a lot about the destination.” - Drake
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? My favorite letter of LEGO is E because mental health is an important topic, but is it extremely overlooked in athletes. Athletes need to be allowed to express their emotions without feeling belittled.
What is your dream vacation destination? I was able to study abroad my whole freshman year in Valencia, Spain, so I crossed many dream vacation destinations off my list. However, one place I was not able to go to that I hope to visit is Norway.
Preston Hall
Undergraduate Student
Julia Hellman
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Teacher
What is your favorite quote? "Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you're right." - Henry Ford
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? My favorite letter of LEGO is G because team cohesion and group dynamics have always been interesting areas of research to me.
Julian Kafka
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? Bethesda, Maryland
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Dog whisperer/trombonist/percussionist/Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor/Broadway lighting designer/psychic detective
What is your favorite quote? “It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” - Chinese proverb
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? I love them all equally.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? Skiing, playing drums, and playing tennis
Caisa-Marie Lindfors
Psychology Bachelor's Student
Where are you from? Uppsala, Sweden
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Painter
What is your favorite quote? “The man in the arena” - Theodore Roosevelt
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? My favorite letter in the Lego lab is G, as in group. With a group you can feel like you belong and gain more and stronger social bonds with other people.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? Bora Bora
Ashis Mohanty
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Hannah Nease
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? Bradenton, FL
When you were a child, what was your dream job? A dolphin trainer!
What is your favorite quote? “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you have power over instead of craving control over what you don't." - Steve Maraboli
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? The ‘E’ for emotions is my favorite because it branches into all of the other areas. Emotions are individual and relational, yet something that can be often overlooked.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? Anything outdoors and adventurous!
Alexandria Nolan
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Seth Papineau
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? Alamosa, Colorado
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Archaeologist
What is your favorite quote? “Today is a beautiful day!” - Coach Damon Martin
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? My favorite letter in LEGO is G because group dynamics are very intriguing to me.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? Playing with my two dogs, Chavo and Olivia.
Dominique Salinas
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? Corpus Christi, TX
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Veterinarian
What is your favorite quote? “When you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails.” – H. Jackson Brown
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? “O” for organizations. Through being a part of different organizations at different parts of your life I truly believe you learn about yourself, find yourself, and get to learn and experience different views and perspectives from the other people in the organization.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? Walk my cat on a leash, workout, watch Netflix, read, and tend to my plant collection
Yanai Sayag
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? Yuvalim, Israel
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Professional Soccer Player
What is your favorite quote? “When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God’s light shines upon you” -Into the Wild
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? “G” because I see the magic that is created when people are merging in a group. Whether it’s family, friend groups, sport teams, or teams at the workplace, the power generated by the connection of people is special to me.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? I love spending time with my friends and playing soccer, when the two happen to co-occur, it is absolutely the best time.
Benjamin Seebold
B.S. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? York, Pennsylvania
When you were a child what was your dream job? Physical therapist
What is your favorite quote? “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” - Michael Altshuler
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? My favorite letter of LEGO is O because I am very interested in the dynamics and interactions of sport organizations on all levels.
What is your favorite way to spend free time? In my free time I like to stay active. Whether I’m in the gym or participating in recreational sports, I always enjoy working up a sweat.
Abbey Thomas
Sport Psychology Master’s Student
Where are you from? Raleigh, NC
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Dolphin Trainer
What is your favorite quote? “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”-Winston S. Churchill
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? “E” for emotions, because even though we all come from different backgrounds, emotions are universal. Since we all share emotions, they help us relate to others and build relationships.
What is your dream vacation destination? Lake Como, Italy
Taylor Wilhelmy
Sport Psychology MS Graduate
Where are you from? Jupiter, FL
When you were a child, what was your dream job? Neonatologist
What is your favorite quote? “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Tim Notke
Which of the four LEGO letters is your favorite, and why? My favorite letter would have to be G because I have always had interest in researching the development of cohesion amongst athletic teams and how team dynamics vary between individual and team sports.
What is your dream vacation destination? Australia
Collaborators
In Research
Dr. David Eccles, Florida State University
Dr. M. Blair Evans, Western University
Dr. Marc W. Heerdink, University of Amsterdam
Dr. Franziska Lautenbach, Humboldt University of Berlin
Dr. Katherine Tamminen, University of Toronto
Dr. Gerben A. van Kleef, University of Amsterdam
Dr. Svenja Wachsmuth, University of Tübingen
Dr. V. Vanessa Wergin, The University of Queensland
In the Field
Funding Sources
You can reach the entire LEGO Team here. In addition, we are on Twitter and TikTok (@LEGOFSU).
If you are interested in a particular project, please contact the respective LEGO lead person (see The People above). If you are interested in teaming up with the LEGO for research or knowledge translation, you can also contact Dr. Svenja Wolf directly.
If you would like to learn more about FSU’s Sport Psychology programs, please visit https://education.fsu.edu/sport-psychology.
