scholarly journals Athlete–Coach Conflict and a Sport Psychologist Caught in the Middle: A Case Study of Consultancy During Athlete Preparation and Performance in Olympic Games Athletics

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-42
Author(s):  
Jonathan R. Males ◽  
John H. Kerr ◽  
Joanne Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Elite Athlete ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Demand Model ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Basic Performance ◽  
Sport Psychologist ◽  
And Performance

This case study examines the personal experiences of an elite athlete, coach, and sport psychology consultant (SPC) during the athlete’s preparation and performance in a recent Olympic Games. The qualitative research details how the consultancy process was affected by the athlete’s late admission of the deteriorating relationship with his coach. The concepts of closeness, commitment, complementarity, and co-orientation provided a theoretical perspective to the SPC’s interpretation of athlete performance and the interpersonal conflict that developed between athlete and coach. The basic performance demand model provided an applied perspective. The SPC’s commentary adopts a reflexive discursive style that also focuses on the SPC’s role in the consultancy process and the effectiveness of the performance demand model materials. Five important recommendations arise from the case study, and these might inform other SPCs’ future athlete–coach consultancies and interventions.

The Transition From Sport Psychology to Psychotherapy: The Journey of a Young Athlete Fighting Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (S1) ◽  
pp. S1-36-S1-43
Author(s):  
Sara Biondi ◽  
Cristiana Conti ◽  
Emmanouil Georgiadis ◽  
Maurizio Bertollo
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Young Athlete ◽  
Current Case ◽  
Individual Zone ◽  
Optimal Functioning ◽  
Sport Psychologist ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Counseling Approach

The current case study reports an intervention with a young volleyball athlete who was diagnosed with cancer during his early sporting career. The athlete requested both performance-enhancement support and psychotherapeutic intervention (the latter during his illness) from his sport psychologist. The article explores the transition from sport psychology intervention, which started before the appearance of the disease, to psychotherapy and the reflections concerning this unique situation. The fluctuation of the athlete alongside the mental health continuum ranging from a normal (illness-free) state to a mental-illness state was taken into consideration. The theoretical framework adopted by the sport psychologist/psychotherapist consisted of the integration of different approaches: the psychobiosocial model of Individual Zone for Optimal Functioning and relational psychoanalysis, both oriented around the existentialism counseling approach. Reflections on the case include the changes of setting and the development of the relationship between the psychologist/psychotherapist and the athlete during the two intervention phases.

scholarly journals Alterations in Redox Homeostasis During Recovery From Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome in an Elite International Rower

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan A. Lewis ◽  
Ann Redgrave ◽  
Mark Homer ◽  
Richard Burden ◽  
Wendy Martinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elite Athlete ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Performance Indices ◽  
Critical Difference ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
Plasma Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Plasma Antioxidant ◽  
Β Carotene

Purpose: To examine a diagnosis of unexplained underperformance syndrome (UUPS, or overtraining syndrome) in an international rower describing a full recovery and return to elite competition the same year. Methods: On diagnosis and 4 and 14 mo postdiagnosis, detailed assessments including physiological, nutritional, and biomarkers were made. Results: Clinical examination and laboratory results for hematology, biochemistry, thyroid function, immunology, vitamins, and minerals were unremarkable and did not explain the presentation and diagnosis. Redox biomarkers including hydroperoxides, plasma antioxidant capacity, red blood cell glutathione, superoxide dismutase, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E (α- and γ-tocopherol), and carotenoids (lutein, α-carotene, β-carotene) provided evidence of altered redox homeostasis. The recovery strategy began with 12 d of training abstinence and nutritional interventions, followed by 6 wk of modified training. At 4 mo postintervention, performance had recovered strongly, resulting in the athlete’s becoming European champion that same year. Further improvements in physiological and performance indices were observed at 14 mo postintervention. Physiologically relevant increases in concentrations of carotenoids were achieved at each postintervention time point, exceeding the reported critical-difference values. Conclusions: Increasing athlete phytonutrient intake may enhance recovery and tolerance of training and environmental stressors, reducing the risk of unexplained UUPS. Alterations in redox homeostasis should be considered as part of the medical management in UUPS. This is the first reported case study of an elite athlete with alterations in redox homeostasis in conjunction with a diagnosis of UUPS.

scholarly journals A Reflective Case Study of Sport Psychology Support at the Lacrosse World Cup

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-51
Author(s):  
Philippa McGregor ◽  
Stacy Winter
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
World Cup ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Performance Setting ◽  
Solution Focused ◽  
Informal Communications ◽  
Feedback Time

The purpose of this paper is to share and reflect on personal experiences of providing sport psychology support to an international lacrosse squad during their World Cup participation. Based on the needs analysis assessments from observation reports and informal communications, key areas of support included: (1) creating structure and routine, (2) facilitating team reflections, (3) goal setting, (4) game preparation, and (5) providing off-field support. Working with this team exposed the dynamic nature of sport psychology consultancy, and the unpredictability of what is required from a team in a high-performance setting. Individual consultancy through informal communications with players signaled the importance of supporting the person beyond their role as an athlete. Team-level support via group workshop sessions was predominantly performance-related, and required the adoption of solution-focused approaches given the time pressure on strategies to be effective. The support facilitated team organization and preparation, which enabled players to be both mentally and physically ready for each game. Establishing stable routines, game plans, and clear goals, and having adequate reflection and feedback time were reported by the players as important facets of their World Cup experience and success.

Becoming a Sport Psychologist: Experiences of a Volunteer

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 77-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena-Mădălina Mărgărit
Keyword(s):  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Experiential Knowledge ◽  
Thought Process ◽  
Rhythmic Gymnastics ◽  
Sport Psychologist ◽  
Practicum Experience ◽  
Practical Experiences

Reflective practice is a tool that sport psychologists use in order to make sense of their experiences, manage themselves personally and professionally, and ultimately improve their consultancy effectiveness. Nonetheless, the final product of reflections offers important resources of knowledge-in-action, so much required in the sport psychology field (Anderson, Knowles, & Gilbourne, 2004). Thus, this article provides an account of a volunteer’s sport psychology practicum experience, making the case for reflective practice. The paper reports on the application of a selfdetermination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2000) and motivational interviewing (MI; Rollnick & Miller, 1995; Miller & Rollnick, 2002) based intervention with a rhythmic gymnastics trainee coach. The experiential knowledge gained by the volunteer is shared via a narrative in the form of a case study. The narrative is organized in different sections, offering an overview of the setting, the coach and her athletes, the intervention and self-reflections. The theoretical and practical underpinnings of the intervention, as well as the thought process which accompanied the work described are highlighted. A more in depth understanding of the process on how sport psychology services are delivered by a volunteer/trainee is depicted to guide other volunteers or aspiring professionals during their initial practical experiences.

scholarly journals Fostering Elite Athlete Development and Recreational Sport Participation: a Successful Club Environment

Motricidade ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Rafaela Galatti ◽  
Jean Côté ◽  
Riller Silva Reverdito ◽  
Veronica Allan ◽  
Antonio Montero Seoane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Elite Athlete ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Coach Education ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Sport Activities ◽  
And Performance

The overall aim of this article was to present a positive case study about how a sport club can foster both elite athlete development in parallel with offering a diverse range of sport activities to attract and maintain a greater number of children and youth for continued participation in a long term sport program.  To this end, an in-depth case study was conducted of a model Spanish Basketball Club, considered an example of success in achieving consistent level of performance and high rates of participation among their youth. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with administrators, setting observation, and analysis of current and archived club documents. The results show that the club has created changes over the years that have led to a clear organizational structure with a philosophy that connects its youth development teams and elite teams. An increase focus on youth development, the addition of recreational activities, and the implementation of a coach education program have been linked to enhanced participation rate and performance.

Applied Sport Psychology and Persons with Mental Retardation

1991 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 382-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl A. Travis ◽  
Michael L. Sachs
Keyword(s):  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Special Olympics ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Sport Psychologist

One of the largest groups of persons with disabilities is that of persons with mental retardation. More than 1,000,000 athletes with mental retardation, for example, participate in Special Olympics each year. Sport psychology can help with performance enhancement as well as enhancing the quality of the sport experience for persons with mental retardation. Additionally, participation in exercise and sport can result in increased benefits such as enhanced self-esteem, self-reliance, and willingness to take risks. The literature in this area is reviewed, and extensive suggestions on working with athletes with mental retardation are offered. Due to the cognitive limitations that are one characteristic of persons with mental retardation, the sport psychologist faces particular challenges in providing sport psychology services for this population. A case study is provided to illustrate some of the challenges and rewards in working with athletes with mental retardation.

Pain on the Run: Injury, Pain and Performance in a Distance Runner

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 540-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Heil
Keyword(s):  
Pain Tolerance ◽  
Track And Field ◽  
Distance Runner ◽  
Pain Experience ◽  
Sport Psychologist ◽  
Initial Injury ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Core Issues ◽  
Track And Field Athlete

Expectations regarding pain tolerance are imbedded in the culture of sport, and bear heavily on pain and injury management. The athlete’s experience of pain is an encounter with core issues in the ethos of sport. As such, pain behavior not only influences performance but also is seen as defining character. This case study looks at the pain experience of a track and field athlete over a several-hour period from initial injury to stabilization, blending the perspective of athlete and sport psychologist. As the injury experience evolved, a complex set of interacting biological, psychological and social factors came into play, which alternately facilitated and inhibited the pain experience and which influenced action taken in response to pain.

An Integrative Procedure for the Diagnosis of an Elite Athlete: A Case Study

1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veerle Van Mele ◽  
Yves Vanden Auweele ◽  
Randy Rzewnicki
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Sequential Analysis ◽  
Elite Athlete ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Critical Elements ◽  
Psychology Literature ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Selection Of

Making diagnoses is essential if one is to provide a meaningful service to clients, in sport psychology or elsewhere. Discussion of this topic in the sport psychology literature is rare and is usually limited to the use of standardized questionnaires or unspecified interview techniques. A procedure for the diagnosis of an elite athlete is described and explained as a case study. Critical elements include (a) using an integrative diagnostic procedure where the results of one phase are used to guide the generation of further hypotheses and selection of diagnostic tools, (b) attending to an athlete’s strengths and deficiencies, (c) individualizing the procedure and materials and actively involving the athlete where appropriate, and (d) objectively examining interactions between the data at the individual level. Questionnaires, a grid, and a sequential analysis were integrated in phases to refine, confirm, contrast, and clarify points of action to optimize the athlete’s performance.

The Role of a Clinical Psychologist in a Division I Athletics Program

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Division I ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Student Athlete ◽  
Sport Psychologist ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The University ◽  
University Setting

In recent years, Division I athletics programs have hired counseling or clinical psychologists as a resource for student-athletes who need assistance with clinical issues, personal difficulties, and performance issues. This article documents the evolution of this type of position at Virginia Tech and includes a discussion of the goals of the clinical sport psychologist position, an overview of the daily activities the position entails, and a discussion of the issues that comprise the assessment, conceptualization, and treatment of student-athlete concerns. Models for conceptualizing and delivering sport psychology interventions are also discussed. Evidence indicates that having access to a mental health professional familiar with the issues facing college athletes can be instrumental in helping many of these student-athletes achieve success in the university setting.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document