Sports Psychology: A Repeatable Process edit
The sports psychology consultation process can be overwhelming. However, the benefit to great processes is that they are structured and repeatable. With the result of sport psychologist generally is a performance improvement. This methodology has behaviorist roots and formulates performance as an interactive effect of behavior and the environment[1].
Below is a general outline of the Spots Psychology as a repeatable process that prompts behavior modification in the form of performance improvement. This general process is tailored based on the specific needs of the athlete and methodology used by the sports psychologist.
1. Initial Assessment edit
As with all things, the beginning sets the stage for success. The initial assessment is a really important step in the consultation process. This is where the sport psychologist meets with the athlete or athletic team to understand the needs and goals. Various techniques can be used during this step such as interviews, observations, psychological tests.
2. Goal Setting edit
Based on the assessment, the sports psychologist and athlete will collaborate to set achievable goals. The goals can be performance related or focused on improving mental skills. Goals can even focus on processes; the actions, strategies and techniques surrounding excellent performance.
3. Intervention Implementation edit
Although sport psychologist interventions are not standardized, there are a few that are common in the field. Some of the common interventions include but are not limited to visualization, relaxation and breathing, self talk, pre-performance routines, resilience training, and team cohesion.
Resilience training has had some positive experimental outcomes. Due to the pressure of competitive nature of sports and the amount of energy it takes to excel, ensuring healthy mental wellbeing is paramount. Several studies suggest that mental resilience is increased via a reduction of psychological distress[2]. Cognitive therapy also has applications related to behavior modification with reference to sports and exercise. Cognitive interventions has been suggested to be important in the maintenance of results[3] Becoming aware of negative thought patterns, even if not does not bring about significant change is an important preliminary step to improvement[3].
4. Monitoring and Adjustment edit
In order to substantiate an athlete's or team's improvements, progress must be monitored. During the monitoring step feedback is provided and the necessary adjustments follow thereafter. It is important to remember this is a feedback loop and operates in a manner that the feedback feeds into adjustments made and vice versa.
5. Follow Up edit
It is essential that progress or improvements are maintained. It can also be good to follow up to see if the goal was met. Follow up can be a way to end the consultation process, but it can also serve as a basis to repeat the consultation process.
This is a general outline. Based on the source and background, the above process could vary. This process demonstrates the essence of Sports Psychology, it's method, and how it is used today.
References edit
- ^ Giberson, Tomas R. (2015-07). "Industrial-Organizational Psychology and the Practice of Performance Improvement". Performance Improvement Quarterly. 28 (2): 7–26. doi:10.1002/piq.21191. ISSN 0898-5952.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Adler, Amy B.; Williams, Jason; McGurk, Dennis; Moss, Andrew; Bliese, Paul D. (2015-03). "Resilience Training with Soldiers during Basic Combat Training: Randomisation by Platoon: Resilience Training at Basic Training". Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. 7 (1): 85–107. doi:10.1111/aphw.12040.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b Kalodner, Cynthia R.; DeLucia, Janice L. (1991-01-01). "The individual and combined effects of cognitive therapy and nutrition education as additions to a behavior modification program for weight loss". Addictive Behaviors. 16 (5): 255–263. doi:10.1016/0306-4603(91)90018-D. ISSN 0306-4603.