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 Sport Psychology Consultants’ Reflections on the Role of Humor: “It’s Like Having Another Skill in Your Arsenal”

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
Stephen Pack ◽  
Monna Arvinen-Barrow ◽  
Stacy Winter ◽  
Brian Hemmings
Keyword(s):  
Working Alliance ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Working Alliances ◽  
Real Relationship ◽  
Client Knowledge ◽  
The Way

Previous research demonstrates that sport psychology consultants use humor to facilitate working alliances, reinforce client knowledge, and create healthy learning environments. The current study sought to gain further insights into consultants’ reflections on the role of humor, humor styles, purposes for humor, and experiences of humor use. Forty-eight sport psychology consultants completed an online survey comprising open-ended questions. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: “It’s the way I tell ’em,” “It’s the way I don’t tell ’em,” “This is why I tell ’em,” and learning to use humor in consultancy. Participants used 2 styles of humor (deadpan and self-deprecating), each with the goal of facilitating the working alliance. Although not all participants used humor during consultancy, its incorporation might render the working alliance and real relationship as resources in ways (e.g., a “barometer” that predicts consultancy outcomes) previously not considered in applied sport psychology.

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 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 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.

An investigation into the experiences of school counsellors working with adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Cathy G. Bettman ◽  
Alexander Digiacomo
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
School Context ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
School Staff ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
School Counsellors ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Currently, Australia’s school counsellors are increasingly being called upon to respond to adolescent mental health needs. Through semistructured interviews with seven school counsellors working with adolescents, this qualitative study aimed to capture the lived experiences of this group of practitioners. By adopting a phenomenological approach and using thematic analysis, this study provides insight into their profession: the current ambiguity surrounding their role; the opportunities and obstacles they face; as well as the often-present tension between stakeholders including parents, other school staff and external agencies. The findings of this study indicate that school counsellors are challenged by the need to be advocates not only for their students but also for themselves and their roles within the school context.

scholarly journals “Is It Overtraining or Just Work Ethic?”: Coaches’ Perceptions of Overtraining in High-Performance Strength Sports

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Lee Bell ◽  
Alan Ruddock ◽  
Tom Maden-Wilkinson ◽  
Dave Hembrough ◽  
David Rogerson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Diagnostic Symptoms ◽  
Careful Manipulation ◽  
Sport Coaches

Optimal physical performance is achieved through the careful manipulation of training and recovery. Short-term increases in training demand can induce functional overreaching (FOR) that can lead to improved physical capabilities, whereas nonfunctional overreaching (NFOR) or the overtraining syndrome (OTS) occur when high training-demand is applied for extensive periods with limited recovery. To date, little is known about the OTS in strength sports, particularly from the perspective of the strength sport coach. Fourteen high-performance strength sport coaches from a range of strength sports (weightlifting; n = 5, powerlifting; n = 4, sprinting; n = 2, throws; n = 2, jumps; n = 1) participated in semistructured interviews (mean duration 57; SD = 10 min) to discuss their experiences of the OTS. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in the identification of four higher order themes: definitions, symptoms, recovery and experiences and observations. Additional subthemes were created to facilitate organisation and presentation of data, and to aid both cohesiveness of reporting and publicising of results. Participants provided varied and sometimes dichotomous perceptions of the OTS and proposed a multifactorial profile of diagnostic symptoms. Prevalence of OTS within strength sports was considered low, with the majority of participants not observing or experiencing long-term reductions in performance with their athletes.

The Meaning of Summer Camp Experiences to Youths with Disabilities

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna L. Goodwin ◽  
Kerri Staples
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Behavioral Disabilities ◽  
Therapeutic Landscapes ◽  
Perceptions Of Disability ◽  
Self Reliance ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Document Review

The purpose of the study was to capture the meaning of segregated summer camp experiences to youths with disabilities. The experiences of nine youths with physical, sensory, or behavioral disabilities between the ages of 14 and 19 were captured using the phenomenological methods of semistructured interviews, document review, and field notes. Mothers’ perceptions were also gathered. The thematic analysis revealed three themes: not alone, independence, and a chance to discover. Camp experiences provided a reprieve from perceptions of disability isolation often felt in their home communities. The campers experienced increased self-reliance, independence, and new understandings of their physical potential. The findings are discussed within the context of identity development and therapeutic landscapes.

Changes and Challenges: Parenting Challenges in Iranian Mothers

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davoud Hajkhodadadi ◽  
Ozra Etemadi ◽  
Mohammad Reza Abedi ◽  
Rezvanossadat Jazayeri
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Cultural Background ◽  
Parental Training ◽  
Purposive Sampling ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Power And Control ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
And Control ◽  
New Situation

Abstract Having adolescents affect many aspects of the parent's lives. The aim of this study was to investigate the parenting challenges within the cultural background of Iranian mothers. The participants consisted of 24 mothers who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed for further analysis. To analyse the data, a thematic analysis was carried out. The analysis of the data shows that for Iranian mothers, parenting challenges are categorised into seven themes: (a) Sense of diminished power and control, (b) Sense of inadequacy, (c) Lack of father's participation, (d) New situation, coping and resolve, (e) Altered relationships issues, (f) Unfulfilled expectations, and (g) Environmental threats. Based on the findings of our study, parenting challenges are culture-bound and controversial, and dealing with them requires parental training.

Exploring novice Indian school counsellors’ experiences collaborating with teachers and administrators

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Aashna Sadana ◽  
Aneesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
School Climate ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Indian School ◽  
School Counsellors ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Collaboration Strategies

Abstract Previous studies have shown that collaboration between school counsellors and other stakeholders such as teachers and administrators leads to improved outcomes for students and a better school climate. The current qualitative study explored the experiences and perceptions of novice school counsellors in India regarding collaboration with teachers and administrators. The sample included 11 novice school counsellors working in five different cities who were recruited using purposive sampling. The thematic analysis of the data collected via semistructured interviews revealed six main themes: ‘Counsellors’ perceptions about collaboration’, ‘Collaboration with teachers’, ‘Collaboration with administrators’, ‘Challenges faced during collaboration’, ‘Strategies helpful in collaboration’ and ‘Impact of training’. Implications discussed include the need for school counsellors to advocate for their role, the need for training programs to prepare stakeholders for collaboration, and the need for policies to integrate the role of a school counsellor into schools.

“Women Are Cancer, You Shouldn’t Be Working in Sport”: Sport Psychologists’ Lived Experiences of Sexism in Sport

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Aura Goldman ◽  
Misia Gervis
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Power Differentials ◽  
The Feminine ◽  
Gendered Power ◽  
The Impact

Though sexism has been recognized as problematic in sport, its impact on female sport psychologists in the United Kingdom has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of sexism and its influence on practice. Four semistructured focus groups were conducted, comprising 11 sport psychologists who worked in the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis revealed four general themes: the environment, privileging masculinity, acts of sexism, and the feminine. Participants’ discourse suggests that female sport psychologists are impacted by sexism in their workplaces. Gendered power differentials, coupled with the low status of sport psychology within sport, exacerbated the challenges faced by female sport psychologists. This study contributes to making up for the dearth of research on the impact of sexism on sport psychologists. Suggestions are made with regard to implications for practice.

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