Purpose: This study examined the self-efficacy of certified athletic trainers (ATC)s in their use of imagery, goal setting, and self-talk with injured athletesMethods: A demographic and self-efficacy survey was distributed to 1,000 members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association in the "certified" category. 131 participants completed the survey. Results: Results found that ATCs were most confident using goal setting, followed by self-talk, and imagery. Canonical correlation analysis revealed two functions. First, feelings of success in using the mental skill technique and in having education about the mental skill technique were the highest predictors of ATCs' self-efficacy in using the mental skill technique with injured athletes. The second canonical function revealed that beliefs about the importance of using mental skills techniques with injured athletes were predictors of ATCs' self-efficacy in using mental skills technique with injured athletes. Conclusion: This study concluded that ATCs who are most confident in using a mental skill technique are more likely to be confident in using other mental skills techniques when aiding injured athletes. Therefore, it is important that ATC education programs include information on imagery, goal setting, and self-talk. In addition, having previous success using the mental skill technique and education about the technique are two of the greatest predictors of self-efficacy in using the technique.
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