Showing papers on "Sport psychology published in 2014"

Psychological resilience in sport performers: a review of stressors and protective factors

Abstract: Psychological resilience is important in sport because athletes must utilise and optimise a range of mental qualities to withstand the pressures that they experience. In this article, we discuss psychological resilience in sport performers via a review of the stressors athletes encounter and the protective factors that help them withstand these demands. It is hoped that synthesising what is known in these areas will help researchers gain a deeper profundity of resilience in sport, and also provide a rigorous and robust foundation for the development of a sport-specific measure of resilience. With these points in mind, we divided the narrative into two main sections. In the first section, we review the different types of stressors encountered by sport performers under three main categories: competitive, organisational and personal. Based on our recent research examining psychological resilience in Olympics champions, in the second section we discuss the five main families of psychological factors (viz. positive personality, motivation, confidence, focus, perceived social support) that protect the best athletes from the potential negative effect of stressors. It is anticipated that this review will help sport psychology researchers examine the interplay between stressors and protective factors, which will, in turn, focus the analytical lens on the processes underlying psychological resilience in athletes.

20 years later: deliberate practice and the development of expertise in sport

Abstract: Twenty-one years ago, Ericsson, Krampe and Tesch-Romer published their seminal work expounding the notion of deliberate practice in explaining the development of expertise. This concept has since become extremely influential in the fields of sport psychology and motor learning. This review evaluates current understanding of deliberate practice in sport skill acquisition with an emphasis on the role of deliberate practice in distinguishing expert athletes from non-experts. In particular, we re-examine the original tenets of Ericsson et al.'s framework to (a) evaluate the sport-related research supporting their claims and (b) identify remaining research questions in this area. The review highlights the overall importance of deliberate practice in the development of expert sport performers; however, our understanding is far from complete. Several directions for future research are highlighted, including the need for more rigorous research designs and statistical models that can evaluate changes in developmen...

The myth of the team captain as principal leader: extending the athlete leadership classification within sport teams

Abstract: Although coaches and players recognise the importance of leaders within the team, research on athlete leadership is sparse. The present study expands knowledge of athlete leadership by extending the current leadership classification and exploring the importance of the team captain as formal leader of the team. An online survey was completed by 4,451 participants (31% females and 69% males) within nine different team sports in Flanders (Belgium). Players (N = 3,193) and coaches (N = 1,258) participated on all different levels in their sports. Results revealed that the proposed additional role of motivational leader was perceived as clearly distinct from the already established roles (task, social and external leader). Furthermore, almost half of the participants (44%) did not perceive their captain as the principal leader on any of the four roles. These findings underline the fact that the leadership qualities attributed to the captain as the team’s formal leader are overrated. It can be concluded ...

A critical review of career research and assistance through the cultural lens : Towards cultural praxis of athletes' careers

Abstract: In this review article, a content area of athlete career in sport psychology is analyzed through the cultural lens: that is, through paradigmatic perspectives of cross-cultural psychology, cultural psychology, and cultural studies. Based on previous review papers, but mainly on the chapters of the anthology Athletes’ Careers across Cultures, we identified three dominant (North American, Australian, and European) and two emerging (Asian and South American) cultural discourses in the career topic. These discourses are characterized by research foci, theoretical frameworks, and career assistance programs in action. Our critical analysis of career research and assistance around the world further indicates a need for more contextualized and culturally competent career projects, which blend theory/research, applied work, and lived culture into cultural praxis. To satisfy this need, a new paradigm termed cultural praxis of athletes’ careers is suggested. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of review papers in negotiating emerging terminology, values, principles, and approaches underlying the career topic, and share some ideas for future reviews in career research and assistance.

Teamwork in sport: a theoretical and integrative review

Abstract: A commonly held belief in sports is the need for team members to be able to work well together in order for that team to be successful. Despite this assumption, research in the field of sport psychology has yet to formally or sufficiently conceptualize what is meant by teamwork. In this theoretical and integrative review, we draw from the extant organizational psychology and team development literature to present a multidimensional conceptual framework of teamwork in sport. We provide a working definition of teamwork in sport and discuss how teamwork sits within a broader model of team effectiveness. We conclude by providing an overview of salient research avenues on teamwork and team effectiveness in sport, which have potential implications for guiding interventions with sports teams.

Sport Education as a Pedagogical Application for Ethical Development in Physical Education and Youth Sport.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to consider four pedagogical applications within the Sport Education model to examine the ways in which a young person can become a literate sports person and develop ethical behaviour through engagement in physical education and youth sport. Through a systematic review of the Sport Education research literature we present evidence to suggest that although notions such as inclusion, responsibility and ownership, personal and social development and social justice are part of the architecture of this pedagogical model, our findings show that rather than simply being caught, ethical conduct must be taught. Consequently, in the final part of the paper, we present four pedagogical applications within Sport Education that physical education teachers as well as youth sport practitioners and administrators may find useful to promote ethical development: (1) ethical contracts; (2) sports panels; (3) modified games; and (4) awards and rewards.

Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy With Athletes

Abstract: The use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) in sport psychology has received scant research attention. Therefore, little is known about how REBT can be adopted by sport psychology practitioners. This paper principally outlines how practitioners can use REBT on a one-to-one basis to reduce irrational beliefs in athletes. Guidance is offered on the introduction of REBT to applied contexts, the REBT process through which an athlete is guided, and offers an assessment of the effectiveness of REBT with athletes. It is hoped that this paper will encourage other practitioners to adopt REBT in their work and to report their experiences.

Feasibility of Training Athletes for High-Pressure Situations Using Virtual Reality

Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) has been successfully applied to a broad range of training domains; however, to date there is little research investigating its benefits for sport psychology training. We hypothesized that using high-fidelity VR systems to display realistic 3D sport environments could trigger anxiety, allowing resilience-training systems to prepare athletes for real-world, high-pressure situations. In this work we investigated the feasibility and usefulness of using VR for sport psychology training. We developed a virtual soccer goalkeeping application for the Virginia Tech Visionarium VisCube (a CAVE-like display system), in which users defend against simulated penalty kicks using their own bodies. Using the application, we ran a controlled, within-subjects experiment with three independent variables: known anxiety triggers, field of regard, and simulation fidelity. The results demonstrate that a VR sport-oriented system can induce increased anxiety (physiological and subjective measures) compared to a baseline condition. There were a number of main effects and interaction effects for all three independent variables in terms of the subjective measures of anxiety. Both known anxiety triggers and simulation fidelity had a direct relationship to anxiety, while field of regard had an inverse relationship. Overall, the results demonstrate great potential for VR sport psychology training systems; however, further research is needed to determine if training in a VR environment can lead to long-term reduction in sport-induced anxiety.

Metacognition and action: a new pathway to understanding social and cognitive aspects of expertise in sport

Abstract: For over a century, psychologists have investigated the mental processes of expert performers - people who display exceptional knowledge and/or skills in specific fields of human achievement Since the 1960s, expertise researchers have made considerable progress in understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms that underlie such exceptional performance Whereas the first modern studies of expertise were conducted in relatively formal knowledge domains such as chess, more recent investigations have explored elite performance in dynamic perceptual-motor activities such as sport Unfortunately, although these studies have led to the identification of certain domain-free generalizations about expert-novice differences, they shed little light on an important issue: namely, experts’ metacognitive activities or their insights into, and regulation of, their own mental processes In an effort to rectify this oversight, the present paper argues that metacognitive processes and inferences play an important if neglected role in expertise In particular, we suggest that metacognition (including such processes as ‘meta-attention’, ‘meta-imagery’ and ‘meta-memory’, as well as social aspects of this construct) provides a window on the genesis of expert performance Following a critique of the standard empirical approach to expertise, we explore some research on ‘metacognition’ and ‘metacognitive inference’ among experts in sport After that, we provide a brief evaluation of the relationship between psychological skills training and metacognition and comment on the measurement of metacognitive processes Finally, we summarize our conclusions and outline some potentially new directions for research on metacognition in action

Parenting in Youth Sport: From Research to Practice

Abstract: Being the parent of a young athlete is a complex and challenging endeavour. Parents play a pivotal role in the development of young people in reaching their full potential in sport – indeed, the psychological and practical support of parents can be as vital to young athletes as the appropriate coaching and facilities. This book brings together current research into the impact of parenting in youth sport and examines the relationships between athletes, coaches and parents, whilst also discussing topics such as parenting styles, behaviour at competition and talent development. This book not only outlines the theories of parenting in youth sport, but also utilises research and examples from several countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. It has a research-to-practice theme and includes numerous suggestions for research projects (and getting research published). Parenting in Youth Sport is an essential text for students, lecturers and practitioners with an interest in youth sport, sport psychology or sport development.

Role of Sport Medicine Professionals in Addressing Psychosocial Aspects of Sport-Injury Rehabilitation: Professional Athletes' Views

Abstract: Context: Research from the sport medicine professional's (SMP's) perspective indicates that SMPs are often required to address psychosocial aspects of injuries during treatment. However, only a few...

Life Story Research in Sport: Understanding the Experiences of Elite and Professional Athletes through Narrative

Abstract: Introduction Chapter 1. Public portrayals of elite athletes Chapter 2. Life story research and the contribution of the insider Chapter 3. Our research journey Chapter 4. The performance narrative Chapter 5. The discovery narrative Chapter 6. The relational narrative Chapter 7. Learning the story: Enculturation of young athletes Chapter 8. Living, playing and resisting the part of 'athlete' Chapter 9. The consequences of stories at retirement Chapter 10. Asylum and the conditions for story change Chapter 11. Reflections

College Student-Athlete Wellness: An Integrative Outreach Model.

Abstract: College student-athletes face unique stressors that can contribute to compromised well-being. Additionally, there are a variety of barriers that prevent student-athletes from accessing mental health supports. This study used self-report questionnaires and qualitative interviews to examine the impact of an integrative outreach model that incorporated mental health education, sport psychology concepts, and mental skill techniques, on awareness and attitudes related to mental health and counseling. Findings indicate that this model may be effective in increasing awareness of mental health supports, reducing stigma, and development of performance enhancement and self-care skills. Keywords; mental skills, student-athletes, counseling Background There is a growing literature base that illustrates the unique stressors and mental health challenges faced by college student-athletes. College student-athletes have historically been a special population underrepresented within college counseling centers (Valentine & Taub, 1999). The unique nature of the student-athlete population presents challenges and stressors related to athletic status that can lead to compromised well-being. Research indicates that between 10-15% of student-athletes have clinical needs significant enough to warrant counseling services (Watson & Kissinger, 2007, Parcover, Mettrick, Parcover, & Griffin-Smith, 2009). Among the common stressors that student-athletes experience are the loss of the "star status" that they may have experienced in High School, potential of being benched (Wilson & Pritchard, 2005), injuries (Parham, 1993, Wilson & Pritchard, 2005), maintaining eligibility with full course loads (Birky, 2007), balancing social and leisure activities, and interpersonal challenges (Parcover, et al., 2009, Parham, 1993). In fact, "athletic participation in itself can become an additional stressor that traditional college students do not experience" (Wilson & Pritchard, 2005). Additionally, extensive time demands can play a significant role in the stress that student-athletes experience. Balancing the substantial time demands that student-athletes must devote to practice and participation can pose problems that can lead to increased susceptibility to mental and physical exhaustion (Ferrante, Etzel, & Lantz, 1996). These factors are particularly relevant when considering that stress can exacerbate existing mental health conditions (Thompson & Sherman, 2007). Further compounding the mental health and stress challenges faced by student-athletes is the fact that "college athletes who experience high levels of stress are more likely to practice bad health habits" (Wilson & Pritchard, 2005). The provision of services and supports to student-athletes can be complicated by a variety of barriers unique to the population of student-athletes. Often student-athletes experience a sense of celebrity status due to their participation in athletics, and thus may avoid seeking support from campus resources for fear of jeopardizing their image (Ferrante, et al., 1996). Additionally, practical limitations such as demands of academic schedules, travel, practices, and game preparation and participation, can significantly restrict opportunities for student-athletes to seek services (Watson, 2006). Perhaps most significantly, attitudes related to help-seeking and perceived stigma associated with counseling services by student-athletes can be significant barriers to accessing supports. Many student-athletes perceive needing help as a sign of weakness, which can be contradictory to the attitudes valuing strength and self-reliance that are often promoted through athletics (Birky, 2007). The social stigma associated with mental health counseling can lead to negative perceptions of help-seeking behaviors. These perceptions "might be a contributing factor to the underutilization of college and university counseling centers among this population" as student-athletes are "apprehensive of being stigmatized by coaches, teammates, student peers, and fans" (Watson, 2005). …

Coach Learning and Coach Education: Portuguese Expert Coaches’ Perspective

Abstract: Article published in The Sport Psychology in June 2014 available at https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2011-0117

The Impact of Athlete Leaders on Team Members’ Team Outcome Confidence: A Test of Mediation by Team Identification and Collective Efficacy

Abstract: Research on the effect of athlete leadership on pre-cursors of team performance such as team confidence is sparse. To explore the underlying mechanisms of how athlete leaders impact their team’s confidence, an online survey was completed by 2,867 players and coaches from nine different team sports in Flanders (Belgium). We distinguished between two types of team confidence: collective efficacy, assessed by the CEQS subscales of Effort, Persistence, Preparation, and Unity; and team outcome confidence, measured by the Ability subscale. The results demonstrated that the perceived quality of athlete leaders was positively related to participants’ team outcome confidence. The present findings are the first in sport settings to highlight the potential value of collective efficacy and team identification as underlying processes. Because high-quality leaders strengthen team members’ identification with the team, the current study also provides initial evidence for the applicability of the identity based leadership approach in sport settings.

Driving and sustaining culture change in Olympic sport performance teams: a first exploration and grounded theory.

Abstract: Stimulated by growing interest in the organizational and performance leadership components of Olympic success, sport psychology researchers have identified performance director-led culture change as a process of particular theoretical and applied significance. To build on initial work in this area and develop practically meaningful understanding, a pragmatic research philosophy and grounded theory methodology were engaged to uncover culture change best practice from the perspective of newly appointed performance directors. Delivered in complex and contested settings, results revealed that the optimal change process consisted of an initial evaluation, planning, and impact phase adjoined to the immediate and enduring management of a multidirectional perception- and power-based social system. As the first inquiry of its kind, these findings provide a foundation for the continued theoretical development of culture change in Olympic sport performance teams and a first model on which applied practice can be based.

Psychology of Motivation

Abstract: This chapter provides the core psychology grounding that you’ll need in order to truly comprehend how motivational design patterns work. Too much of what you may have read in other sources simply presents a design “trick,” without justifying if or how it has the desired effect on users. It’s my goal to take you deeper into the science of psychology, not just to show you how the existing motivational design patterns work, but to give you the understanding you’ll need to come up with your own patterns.

“It’s Not About Taking the Easy Road”: The Experiences of Ultramarathon Runners

Abstract: Ultramarathon (UM) running is a rapidly growing sport throughout the world, yet to date it has received little attention in sport psychology literature. To obtain further insight into this sport, the current study examined the training and competition experiences of UM runners. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 26 participants ranging in age from 32 to 67 years (M = 44.1 yrs, SD = 8.1). Qualitative analysis of the interview data identified meaning units, which were grouped into major themes. A final thematic structure revealed five major themes that characterized the participant’s experience of UM running: preparation and strategy, management, discovery, personal achievement, and community. Taken together, the present results extend previous research on UM running and provide a number of suggestions for sport psychology consultants working with UM runners.

Reflective Practice in the Sport and Exercise Sciences : Contemporary issues

Abstract: Part 1: Introduction 1. Reflecting on reflection and journeys Part 2: Critical perspectives within reflective practice 2. Using reflective practice in the development of exercise-related interventions 3. Where's the evidence? A review of empirical reflective practice research within sport 4. Reflecting forward: Exploring reflective methodologies with/for children 5. Keeping the cat alive: 'getting' reflection as part of professional practice Part 3: Pedagogical approaches to reflective practice 6. Sink or Swim: Case Study Reflections from an undergraduate Football Scientist 7. Enhancing the skills of students through the use of reflective practice in a physical activity and health curriculum 8. Reflections on Reflection: Some Personal Experiences of Delivering Higher Education Coach Education 9. Facilitating reflective practice in graduate trainees and early career practitioners 10. Reflective Practice and the realms of Physiotherapy Part 4: Applied practice: Reflective practice in action 11. "They never bought me flowers": Storytelling as a means of critical reflection on applied sport psychology practice 12. Critical reflections from sports physiology and nutrition: Tales from pitch side to ringside 13. Using critical incident reflection in qualitative research: Transferable skills for sport psychologists 14. Mindful Supervision in Sport and Performance Psychology: Building the Quality of the Supervisor-Supervisee Relationship 15. The utility of reflective practice during the provision of sport psychology support 16. Reflective practice in talent development: A narrative inquiry of a coaching psychology intervention Part 5: Reflecting forwards 17. Reflecting back and forwards 18. References

Encyclopedia of sport and exercise psychology

Abstract: How do athletes overcome fears, slumps, mental blocks, or injuries? How do they deal with stress and anxiety, be it from competitors, teammates, audiences, parents, coaches, or themselves? What psychological techniques prove effective in mental training for peak performance, maintaining concentration, motivation, and competitive drive? How can an athlete enhance his or her commitment to a training regimen, or how might the average person better adhere to a program of fitness and exercise? Readers will find answers to these questions and more in the Encyclopedia of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Features & Benefits: Entries explore the theory, research, and application of psychology as it relates to sport and fitness in a manner that is accessible and jargon-free to help readers better understand human behavior in sport and exercise settings. From personal factors to situational factors influencing performance to specific psychological techniques for enhancing performance, this work provides comprehensive coverage of the field via approximately 350 to 400 signed entries. Entries conclude with cross-references and suggestions for further readings to guide students further in their research journey. Available in print and online, this monumental work is edited by two leading figures in the field with a distinguished international Editorial Advisory Board to select and assign entries, ensuring authoritative content readers can trust. Key Themes: Career Transition Certification, Credentialing, and Roles of Sport and Exercise Psychologists Disability Emotion Exercise Health Group Dynamics History and Foundation Leadership Morality, Aggression, and Ethics in Sport Motivation Motor Control Perception and Cognition in Sport Personality and Psychological Characteristics in Sport Psychobiology Psychological Skills/Interventions Psychosociocultural Self-Concept/Self-Perceptions, and Identity Youth Sport

Disability, sport, and impaired bodies : A critical approach

Abstract: There is a growing amount of sport psychological research that examines disability and sport. It is, however, extremely rare that this work explicitly adopts and promotes a critical approach. This chapter addresses this absence by first connecting sport psychology with Critical disability studies (CDS) and, second, by highlighting the potential of the Social Relational Model (SRM) for developing a critical study of the Psychology of Disability, sport, and physical activity. The chapter concludes with a series of future directions for continued critical work on the topic of disability, sport, and physical activity. Sport psychological research on disability, either knowingly or unknowingly, has often been framed by a medical model understanding of disabled people. The chapter encourages the sport psychologists not just to think more critically about and with disability, but also to cross into other fields and consider, with a critical reflexive attitude, connecting with various ideas that can expand how people understand disability sport.

Becoming a Coach in Developmental Adaptive Sailing: A Lifelong Learning Perspective.

Abstract: Life-story methodology and innovative methods were used to explore the process of becoming a developmental adaptive sailing coach. Jarvis's (2009) lifelong learning theory framed the thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the coach, Jenny, was exposed from a young age to collaborative environments. Social interactions with others such as mentors, colleagues, and athletes made major contributions to her coaching knowledge. As Jenny was exposed to a mixture of challenges and learning situations, she advanced from recreational para-swimming instructor to developmental adaptive sailing coach. The conclusions inform future research in disability sport coaching, coach education, and applied sport psychology.

What little do we know: content analysis of disability sport in sport management literature.

Abstract: As the field of sport business management develops, it is critical to assess its literature. A content analysis of 34 sport business management journals between 2002 to 2012 was conducted relative to sports, physical activity, recreation, and leisure for individuals with disabilities. Journals were selected based on their alignment with sport management curriculum standards. Results show that of the 5,443 articles reviewed in this study, merely 89, or .016%, pertained to disability sport, leisure, recreation, or physical activity. Information insufficiency was found across all sport management curriculum domains. Similarities and differences are discussed relative to other content analyses conducted in sport management and disability sport. Results provide direction for future scholarship and advancement of studies in disability sport in sport business management.

Preparing footballers for the next step: An intervention program from an ecological perspective

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to present practitioners and applied researchers with specific details of an ecological-inspired program and intervention in a professional football (soccer) club in Denmark. Based on an ecological agenda, the aim is to reinforce the culture of psychosocial development in the daily practice of a professional football academy, provide the skills required to succeed at the professional level and create stronger relations between the youth and professional departments. The authors suggest six principles as fundamental governing principles to inform an intervention inspired by the holistic ecological perspective. Descriptions of the intervention program and findings are presented in four interconnected steps. Insights are provided into delivery of workshops, the supervision of the coach, on-pitch training, evaluation of the program, and integrating sport psychology as a part of the culture within the club.

Into the mix: Personality processes and group dynamics in sport teams

Abstract: Preface Foreword Part I: The Self in Groups Chapter 1: Emotional Intelligence - A Framework for Examining Emotions in Sport and Exercise Groups Chapter 2: 'Into The Mix': Personality Processes and Group Dynamics in Sport Teams Chapter 3: A Social Identity Perspective on Group Processes in Sport and Exercise Part II: Leadership in Groups Chapter 4: Transformational Leadership in Sport Chapter 5: Coach-Athlete Relationships and Attachment Styles Within Sport Teams Chapter 6: Proxy Agency and Other-Efficacy in Physical Activity Chapter 7: Athlete Leadership in Sport Part III: Group Environment Chapter 8: Role Perceptions in Sport Groups Chapter 9: Group Cohesion in Sport and Exercise Settings Chapter 10: Group Integration Interventions in Exercise: Theory, Practice, and Future Directions Chapter 11: Efficacy of a Group-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral Intervention: A Decade of Physical Activity Research Chapter 12: The Family as a Context for Physical Activity Promotion Chapter 13: Coping, Social Support, and Emotion Regulation in Teams Chapter 14: Coordination in Sports Teams. Part IV: Motivation in Groups Chapter 15: Self-Determined Motivation in Sport and Exercise Groups Chapter 16: Group Functioning Through Optimal Achievement Goals Chapter 17: Collective Efficacy Beliefs and Sport Part V: Socio-environmental Issues in Groups Chapter 18: Cultural Diversity Within Group Dynamics in Sport Chapter 19: Gendered Social Dynamics in Sport

The acculturation experiences of (and with) immigrant athletes

Abstract: The acculturation processes of immigrant athletes have recently been considered in sport psychology [Kontos, A.P. (2009). Multicultural sport psychology in the United States. In R.J. Schinke & S.J. Hanrahan (Eds.), Cultural sport psychology (pp. 103–116). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; Schinke, R.J., Yukelson, D., Bartolacci, G., Battochio, R.C., & Johnstone, K. (2011). The challenges encountered by immigrated elite athletes. Sport Psychology in Action, 2, 1–11. doi:10.1080/21520704.2011.556179]. The practical relevance of the findings is limited, leaving practitioners with an insufficient understanding of how to engage with immigrant athletes during acculturation processes and enhance psychological outcomes in sport contexts. In the present article, the authors explore limitations within sport acculturation literature by drawing upon writings from cultural psychology to suggest that acculturation is a shared and fluid process [Chirkov, V. (2009). Critical psychology of acculturation: What do we study and...