How do supporters perceive positive and negative psychological momentum changes during a simulated cycling competition?

• A dynamical systems approach is used to study supporters' psychological momentum (PM).
• Changes in PM perceptions are examined during a simulated cycling competition.
• PM perceptions rapidly change at the onset of both the positive and negative momentum sequences.
• Supporters' PM perceptions are characterized by a negative hysteresis pattern, implying an instable dynamical system.

ObjectiveThe present study examined changes in sport supporters' psychological momentum (PM) during a simulated cycling competition through the lens of the dynamical systems approach.DesignParticipants were asked to support one of two competing cyclists involved in a race that was displayed on a screen in a lecture hall.MethodThe race scenario was manipulated so that the image of the supported cyclist underwent either positive or negative momentum. At regular intervals, participants indicated their PM perceptions during the race.ResultsPM perceptions rapidly changed at the onset of both the positive and negative momentum sequences and then remained stable, reflecting negative hysteresis. Supporters tended to anticipate the future performance of a given athlete on the basis of their current performance. Moreover, this anticipatory tendency was stronger during the positive momentum sequence than during the negative momentum sequence.ConclusionThese results provide initial insights into how PM perceptions of sport supporters change during a competition.