1. The role of sport and exercise psychologists

Question 1

Role of Sport Psychologists

Answer 1

Understand how psychological factors affect an individual’s performance in sport and work with athletes.

Question 2

Role of Exercise Psychologists

Answer 2

understand how a person’s participation in sport, exercise and physical activity affects psychological health and well-being in general population

Question 3

6 themes that make an effective applied sport psychologist

Answer 3

1. Good communicator
2. Personable
3. Provider of good practical service
4. Knowledgeable and experienced in sport and sport psychology
5. Honest and trustworthy
6. Exhibits professional skills

Question 4

3 key characteristics needed for sport psychologists to establish an effective relationship:

Answer 4

1. Building a connection with the athlete to create positive change.
2. Building a professional consulting relationship.
3. The relationship meets the athlete’s needs.

Question 5

5 conditions needed to facilitate an effective relationship between psychologist and athlete

Answer 5

1. Openness from the athlete
2. Athlete commitment to change
3. Coach involvement
4. Confidentiality
5. Client awareness

Question 6

Elite athletes include:

Answer 6

Current national squad members and/or perform at the highest level in their sport.

Question 7

Elite teams operate in environments that are (4):

Answer 7

1. Highly stressful
2. Pressurised
3. Highly competitive
4. Success obsessed.

Question 8

Main approaches within psychology that a practitioner will adopt and base their practices on these principles:

Answer 8

1. Psychophysiological approach
2. Cognitive - Behavioural approach
3. Social – Psychological approach
4. Humanistic/athlete-centred approach

Question 9

Psychophysiological approach

Answer 9

Understanding athlete behaviour through examining physiological processes on brain and influence on actions (e.g., biofeedback, brainwave patterns)

Question 10

Cognitive - Behavioural approach:

Answer 10

Understanding athlete behaviour through examining their thoughts. Cognitions are central in determining behaviour

Question 11

Social – Psychological approach

Answer 11

Understanding athlete behaviour through examining the interaction between the social environment and the athlete themselves

Question 12

Humanistic/athlete-centred approach

Answer 12

Understanding athlete behaviour through examining the athlete as a person as well as a performer. Adopts a holistic approach to achieving optimal performance

Question 13

All accredited BPS psychologists must adhere to a code of conduct that focusses on 4 primary ethical principles:

Answer 13

1. Respect
2. Competence
3. Responsibility
4. Integrity

Question 14

Ethical issues for Sport Psychologists

Answer 14

1. Competence/ boundaries:
2. Consent and confidentiality:

Question 15

1. Competence/ boundaries:

Answer 15

– Refrain from entering multiple relationships with clients.

– Where work falls outside of these boundaries of competence, the client should be referred to a specialist who is qualified to deal with the issue.

– A challenge in sport is where the psychologist may work in multiple roles/ be ‘expected’ to attend non-formal engagements.

Question 16

2. Consent and confidentiality:

Answer 16

– Make clear who the client is e.g. when working with a team, minor etc.

– Always ask the client (athlete/coach/team) to give informed consent prior to delivery of any service.

Question 17

Exceptions to confidentiality:

Answer 17

1. When the athlete has provided written consent, yet some issues need to be discussed with their coach (for athlete’s benefit)
2. Where the law requires it
3. When a psychologist speaks to a supervisor for advice and guidance (all identifying information withheld, and supervisor is bound by same confidentiality)

Question 18

Main aim for a sport psychologist:

Answer 18

Allow the athlete to self-regulate – ultimately, they become their own sport psychologist.

Question 19

3 phases when working with athletes and coaches:

Answer 19

1. Education phase
2. Acquisition phase
3. Practice phase

Question 20

1. Education phase:

Answer 20

Emphasising importance of using psychology to enhance performance and gaining ‘buy-in’.

Question 21

2. Acquisition phase:

Answer 21

Focus on learning psychological strategies and techniques.

Question 22

3. Practice phase:

Answer 22

Integration of strategies and techniques into performance through regular practice.

Question 23

Psychological skills training (PST) is:

Answer 23

The systematic and consistent practice of mental or psychological skills for the purpose of enhancing performance.

Question 24

PST aims to:

Answer 24

1. Build mental toughness and
2. Build athlete’s ability to focus,
3. Rebound from failure,
4. Cope with pressure
5. Persist in the face of adversity

Question 25

Barriers to PST:

Answer 25

1. Lack of knowledge
2. Lack of time
3. Lack understanding/expectations

Question 26

1. Lack of knowledge:

Answer 26

– Many coaches etc don’t understand how to teach or practice psychological skills

– Shouting commands such as ‘concentrate’ and ‘relax’ and expecting the athlete know innately what to do and react immediately

Question 27

2. Lack of time

Answer 27

– ‘Only got players for a few days’
– ‘Time geared to fitness and tactics’
– ‘The SP could never deal with individuals in the time available’
– ‘People want to steal coaching time’

Question 28

3. Lack of understanding/expectations

Answer 28

– Misconception that great athletes are born rather than nurtured

– To become a successful athlete requires hours of learning, practicing and developing physical skills and techniques, along with the systematic practice and integration of psychological skills

– Many expect immediate success following implementation of intervention