The influence of mental toughness on responses to feedback in snooker: A real-time examination.

Two experiments investigated whether mental toughness (MT) is associated with the ability to respond to and/or overcome unwanted information during real-time sport performance. Participants were male snooker players ranging from club to professional level, and MT was measured using the MTQ48 (Clough et al., 2002). In experiment 1, players performed five break-off shots and received deceptive feedback (either positive or negative) from the researcher about their performance relative to other players. Then they performed another five break-offs. Results showed a significant decline in performance following feedback, but no interaction with the nature of feedback or MT variables. In experiment 2, feedback was delivered by a coach and yielded a significant effect on performance. Specifically, negative feedback improved performance while positive feedback impaired performance. The Life Control subscale of the MTQ48 was a significant covariate. The results suggest that negative feedback, delivered constructively by a respected figure, may act as a catalyst for performance enhancement in snooker and that this is moderated by MT.

Assessment of primary care practitioners' attitudes and interest in pharmacogenomic testing.

Aims: Identify the attitudes and interests of primary care providers (PCPs) in applying clinical pharmacogenomics (PGx) test results. Materials & methods: A questionnaire was designed and then disseminated to PCPs across the MedStar Health System. Results: Ninety of 312 (29%) PCPs responded and were included in analyses. Seventy-six (84%) had heard of PGx and 12 (13%) previously ordered PGx testing. Most, 68 (76%), believed PGx can improve care; however, a minority, 23 (26%), reported confidence in using PGx in prescribing decisions. Sixty-four (70%) wanted a pharmacist consultation. PCPs desired PGx for antidepressants (75%), proton pump inhibitors (72%) and other medications. Conclusion: Most PCPs felt unprepared to interpret PGx results and desired pharmacist consultations. These data can inform future PGx implementations with PCPs.