scholarly journals The Self-Practice of Sport Psychologists: Do They Practice What They Preach?

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Pack ◽  
Brian Hemmings ◽  
Monna Arvinen-Barrow
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Cognitive Techniques ◽  
Psychology Literature

The maturation processes of applied sport psychologists have received little research attention despite trainees and practitioners having often reported experiencing challenging circumstances when working with clients. Within clinical psychology literature the self-practice of cognitive techniques, alongside self-reflection, has been advocated as a means of addressing such circumstances, and as a significant source of experiential learning. The present study sought to identify the possible types of, and purposes for, self-practice among twelve UK-based sport psychology practitioners. Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews indicated all participants engaged in self-practice for reasons such as managing the self, enhancing understanding of intervention, and legitimising intervention. Some participants also described limitations to self-practice. Subsequently, three overriding themes emerged from analysis: a) the professional practice swamp, b) approaches to, and purposes for, self-practice, and, c) limitations of self-practice. It is concluded that self-practice may provide a means of better understanding self-as-person and self-as-practitioner, and the interplay between both, and is recommended as part of on-going practitioner maturation.

scholarly journals The Use of Counseling Principles and Skills to Develop Practitioner-Athlete Relationships by Practitioners Who Provide Sport Psychology Support

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fran Longstaff ◽  
Misia Gervis
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Counseling Skills ◽  
Working Alliances ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

This study examined how practitioners who provide sport psychology support use counseling principles and skills to develop practitioner-athlete relationships. Semistructured interviews were conducted with thirteen competent practitioners (Mean age = 41.2 ± 10.9 years old, five men, eight women). Thematic analysis revealed that the participants used a range of counseling principles to develop practitioner-athlete relationships including: the facilitative conditions, self-disclosure, counseling skills, the formation of working alliances, and awareness of the unreal relationship. The participants also described using noncounseling strategies (e.g., gaining an understanding of the athlete’s sporting environment) to build relationships with their athletes. There was considerable variation between the participants both in the training that they had received in counseling principles and skills, and how they applied them. It was concluded that counseling principles and skills play a significant role in the development of practitioner-athlete relationships.

scholarly journals The Self-Regulatory and Task-Specific Strategies of Elite-Level Amateur Golfers in Tournament Preparation

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarred Pilgrim ◽  
Peter Kremer ◽  
Sam Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
Strategy And Structure ◽  
And Task

Little is known regarding the factors that are important for tournament preparation in golf. Eighteen elite amateur golfers and 12 expert coaches/practitioners were interviewed to identify the self-regulatory and task-specific strategies important for tournament preparation. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: understanding tournament preparation, planning, tournament preparation strategies, and self-reflection. Players used specific strategies to optimize their physiological and psychological state, develop course strategy, and structure and implement preparatory routines. The findings of this study have implications for coaches and players in developing a system for preparation, and could provide a framework to improve coaching curricula and guide further research.

scholarly journals Female Athletes’ Perceptions of Teammate Conflict in Sport: Implications for Sport Psychology Consultants

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas L. Holt ◽  
Camilla J. Knight ◽  
Peter Zukiwski
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Team Meetings ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Sport Teams ◽  
Varsity Athletes ◽  
Personal Conflict

The purpose of this study was to examine female varsity athletes’ perceptions of teammate conflict. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 female varsity athletes (M age = 21.17 years) from four sport teams. Analysis revealed that conflict was a prevalent feature of playing on their teams. Conflict relating to performance and relationships was identified. Strategies athletes thought may help create conditions for managing conflict were to (a) engage in team building early in the season, (b) address conflict early, (c) engage mediators in the resolution of conflict, and (d) hold structured (rather than unstructured) team meetings. It also seemed that athletes required personal conflict resolution skills. These findings are compared with previous research and offered as implications for professional practice.

Brazilian Elite Soccer Players: Exploring Attentional Focus in Performance Tasks and Soccer Positions

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael A.B. Tedesqui ◽  
Terry Orlick
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Peripheral Vision ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Positive Thinking ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
And Performance

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the attentional focus experienced by elite soccer players in different soccer positions and performance tasks of both closed and open skills. No previous studies have explored elite soccer players’ attentional skills from a naturalistic and qualitative perspective in such detail. Data collection consisted of individual semistructured interviews with eight highly elite Brazilian soccer players from five main soccer positions, namely goalkeeper, defender, wing, midfielder, and forward. Important themes were positive thinking, performing on autopilot, and relying on peripheral vision. For example, thematic analysis indicated that in tasks where there may be an advantage in disguising one’s intentions (e.g., penalty kick), relying on peripheral vision was essential. Early mistakes were among the main sources of distractions; thus, players reported beginning with easy plays as a strategy to prevent distractions. Implications for applied sport psychology were drawn and future studies recommended.

scholarly journals Experiential Learning Program to Strengthen Self-Reflection and Critical Thinking in Freshmen Nursing Students during COVID-19: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chuan Cheng ◽  
Li-Chi Huang ◽  
Chi-Hsuan Yang ◽  
Hsing-Chi Chang
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
The Self ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Teaching Concept ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test

This article focuses on the unique needs and concerns of nursing educators and nursing students in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. During social distancing, interacting with other human beings has been restricted. This would undermine the experiential learning of nursing students. Hence, it is important to develop and evaluate an experiential learning program (ELP) for nursing education. A pre-test and post-test design were used. The study was conducted in a university in Central Taiwan. A total of 103 nursing students participated in the study from February to June 2019. The study intervention was the experiential learning program (ELP), including bodily experiences and nursing activities with babies, pregnant women, and the elderly. After the intervention, the students completed the self-reflection and insight scale (SRIS) and Taiwan Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (TCTDI) as outcome measures. An independent t-test showed that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test in both SRIS and TCTDI (p < 0.01). The Pearson product–moment correlation analysis showed that SRIS and TCTDI were significantly positively correlated (p < 0.01). ELP has a significant impact on the self-reflection and critical thinking of first-year nursing students, which can be used as a reference for the education of nursing students. During these turbulent times, it is especially vital for faculties to provide experiential learning instead of the traditional teaching concept.

Revisions to the Sport Psychology Service Delivery (SPSD) Heuristic: Explorations With Experienced Consultants

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artur Poczwardowski ◽  
Clay P. Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Lower Order ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Client Variables ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Client Relationship ◽  
Psychology Service

Sport psychology service delivery (SPSD) heuristic (Poczwardowski, Sherman, & Henschen, 1998) included key components of applied work. Nevertheless, the complexities of sport psychology consulting need an even broader representation. In individual, semistructured interviews, 10 experienced sport psychology consultants explored the usefulness of the original heuristic and newly added elements in their professional practice. Inductive analysis (Lincoln & Guba, 1985) resulted in a total of 2409 meaning units that were grouped into 127 lower-order themes and 32 higher-order themes that were used to clarify, expand, and revise the SPSD model as interpreted by the participants. Based on the new elements (i.e., consultant-client relationship, the consultant variables, the client variables, immersion, and the goodness of fit) and two meta-themes (i.e., interrelation and person-focused values), a newly configured heuristic is proposed (SPSD-Revised). Future researchers will benefit from different research methods and diversified conceptualizations of sport psychology service delivery to account for professional practice variables in various contexts.

Countertransference and the Self-Aware Sport Psychologist: Attitudes and Patterns of Professional Practice

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Winstone ◽  
Misia Gervis
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
The Self ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Peer Networks ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Personal Support ◽  
Professional Supervision ◽  
Sport Psychologist ◽  
Psychologist Attitudes

The literature in psychotherapy and sport psychology has supported the importance of self-awareness and countertransference management (Ellis, 2001; Leahy, 2001; Van Raalte & Andersen, 2000) and its applicability in all psychological settings (Hayes, 2004). This study was an audit of (n = 58) accredited UK sport psychology practitioners that explored the importance they attached to self-awareness and their behavior in practice that supported the management of these concerns. Results indicated that practitioners regarded self-insight and self-integration as important (Mdn = 4), but relied upon themselves and informal peer networks rather than regular supervision for professional support. Most practitioners never (Mdn=1) used counseling or therapy for personal support. Recommendations are made for piloting post-accreditation professional supervision in sport psychology and developing the provision of general counseling and sport psychology sessions for trainees.

scholarly journals Practitioners’ Use of Motivational Interviewing in Sport: A Qualitative Enquiry

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Author(s):  
Rory Mack ◽  
Jeff Breckon ◽  
Joanne Butt ◽  
Ian Maynard
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Communication Styles ◽  
Training Curriculum ◽  
Contact Points ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Counseling Approach

This study explored the use of motivational interviewing (MI) in sport contexts by experts in that approach. Specifically, the purpose was to understand which aspects of the MI approach are deemed valuable for working in sport and to begin to understand how these aspects are best applied. Nine practitioners participated in semistructured interviews, and thematic analysis identified themes related to core and subcomponents of MI (e.g., relational spirit, technical microskills, applied tools, and the MI communication styles continuum). Additional themes relate to integrating MI with other interventions, the challenges of working with athletes (e.g., mandated attendance, ambivalence about change), and unique aspects of working in sport contexts (e.g., frequency, duration, and location of contact points). The participants also outlined essential ingredients for an MI training curriculum for practitioners in sport. This counseling approach appears to have valuable relational and technical components to facilitate the building of the therapeutic alliance, enhance athlete readiness for change, and support delivery of action-oriented interventions in applied sport psychology.

What Works When Working with Athletes

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 356-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Fifer ◽  
Keith Henschen ◽  
Daniel Gould ◽  
Kenneth Ravizza
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
What Works ◽  
Highly Effective ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
History Of ◽  
Practice Knowledge ◽  
Applied Sport Psychology

A highly effective method for disseminating knowledge is to observe the most experienced individuals in the field of interest. Although business, teaching, and coaching have been mentoring and apprenticing students for years, the field of applied sport psychology does not have a long formal history of doing so. The purpose of this article is to capture and present the thoughts, theories, and techniques employed by highly experienced applied sport psychology consultants to formally record what they believe “works when working with athletes.” General topics discussed include: gaining entry, techniques of assessment, delivery of information, and approaches for preparing athletes for “major competitions.” Common ideas and practical guidelines are summarized from the authors and discussed in light of current scientific and professional practice knowledge in the field. These consultants do not claim they have all the answers, but rather share their experiences in hopes of providing ideas and facilitating self-reflection concerning consulting effectiveness on the part of the reader.

Practioner Reflection That Enhances Interprofessional Collaborative Practices for Serving Children Who Are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (9) ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina M. Blaiser ◽  
Mary Ellen Nevins
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Collaborative Practices ◽  
Interprofessional Teams ◽  
Client Care

Interprofessional collaboration is essential to maximize outcomes of young children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (DHH). Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, educators, developmental therapists, and parents need to work together to ensure the child's hearing technology is fit appropriately to maximize performance in the various communication settings the child encounters. However, although interprofessional collaboration is a key concept in communication sciences and disorders, there is often a disconnect between what is regarded as best professional practice and the self-work needed to put true collaboration into practice. This paper offers practical tools, processes, and suggestions for service providers related to the self-awareness that is often required (yet seldom acknowledged) to create interprofessional teams with the dispositions and behaviors that enhance patient/client care.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document