Introduction To Psychological Skills Training (PST)

Question 1

describe what it is meant by the key term - PST

Answer 1

PST is the systematic and consistent practice of psychological skills

Question 2

state the purpose of PST

Answer 2

the purpose of PST is to enhance performance and enjoyment/satisfaction, and to develop ‘mental toughness’

Question 3

what is the effectiveness of PST ?

Answer 3

PST can be used to enhance performance in both the short and long term

Question 4

what do athletes feel primarily accounts for day-to-day fluctuations in performance ?

Answer 4

athletes feel that psychological factors primarily account for day-to-day fluctuations in performance

Question 5

state what it is meant by the key term - ‘mental toughness’

Answer 5

mental toughness is an athletes ability to focus, rebound from failure, cope with pressure, and persist in the face of adversity

Question 6

what do mentally tough/skilled athletes have a lot of ?

Answer 6

mentally tough/skilled athletes have a high sense of self-belief that they can control their own destiny

Question 7

state the 4 components of mental toughness, as stated by Jones et al, 2002

Answer 7

1. motivation
2. concentration
3. confidence
4. dealing with pressure

Question 8

when is mental toughness relevant ? (Jones et al, 2002)

Answer 8

mental toughness is relent before, during, and after competition

Question 9

who came up with, and when did they come up with, the 4C model of mental toughness ?

Answer 9

Clough et al, 2002

Question 10

as stated by Clough et al (2002), what are the 4C’s of mental toughness ?

Answer 10

1. confidence
2. challenge
3. commitment
4. control

Question 11

with reference to the 4C model of mental toughness, presented by Clough et al (2002), define what it is meant by the key term - confidence

Answer 11

the ability to maintain self-belief in spite of setbacks, and not being intimidated by opponents (eg - imagine facing and coming through difficult times)

Question 12

with reference to the 4C model of mental toughness, presented by Clough et al (2002), define what it is meant by the key term - challenge

Answer 12

being able to perceive potential threats as opportunities for personal growth as well as thriving in constantly changing environments (eg - increased familiarity with change)

Question 13

with reference to the 4C model of mental toughness, presented by Clough et al (2002), define what it is meant by the key term - commitment

Answer 13

being deeply involved with pursuing goals and striving to achieve them despite difficulties (eg - goal setting and goal achievement)

Question 14

with reference to the 4C model of mental toughness, presented by Clough et al (2002), define what it is meant by the key term - control

Answer 14

the ability to handle lots of things at once and remain influential rather than controlled (eg - train in the presence of distractions)

Question 15

state 4 coaching guidelines to building mental toughness (8 possible)

Answer 15

1. positive motivational environment
2. intense competitive practices
3. creating simulations of pressure
4. setting clear goals
5. providing instructual and supportive feedback
6. rigorous physical preparation
7. enhancing attentional control
8. attributions for success and failure

Question 16

state 3 facts about ‘too much of a good thing’, with reference to mental toughness

Answer 16

1. what is perseverance and what is over-stretching
2. mental toughness can lead to overtraining and injury
3. mentally tough athletes may avoid seeking mental health counselling

Question 17

state 3 reasons to why PST can be neglected

Answer 17

1. coaches lack knowledge/comfort to teach them
2. misunderstanding about mental skills (eg - you have it or you don’t)
3. lack of time

Question 18

how can sports psychologists help coaches with PST for their athletes ? (3 points)

Answer 18

1. hands on concrete examples and exercises
2. mental skills training resources
3. involving coaches in mental skills programmes

Question 19

state 4 PST myths

Answer 19

1. only for athletes with ‘issues’ (all can benefit)
2. for elites only (also developing)
3. provides a quick fix (a LT factor)
4. PST is not useful (evidence shows the opposite)

Question 20

state 4 facts about PST in special population groups

Answer 20

1. development of trust and rapport is crucial
2. must work with their level of understanding
3. solicit help from important others
4. sessions/instructions should be fun and simple

Question 21

state 5 things you must do (in order) when developing a PST programme

Answer 21

1. discuss your approach
2. assess the athletes current mental skills
3. determine which skills must be included
4. design a PST schedule
5. evaluate and modify a programme

Question 22

state what it is meant by the key term - self regulation

Answer 22

self regulation is the ability to work towards ones short and long term goals by effectively monitoring and managing ones thoughts, feelings and behaviours

Question 23

state the 3 phases of PST

Answer 23

1. education phase
2. acquisition phase
3. practice phase

Question 24

explain the ‘education’ phase (phase 1) of PST (3 points)

Answer 24

1. get the athlete to reflect on the importance of psychology
2. psychological skills need to be taught and learnt
3. increasing awareness of an athletes psychological skills

Question 25

explain the 'acquisition phase' (phase 2) of PST (3 points)

Answer 25

1. identification --> learning 2. tailor programme for individual needs 3. test strategies and techniques

Question 26

state the 3 objectives of the 'practice phase' (phase 3) of PST

Answer 26

1. automate skills through over-learning 2. integrate psychological skills into the athletes current lifestyle 3. move from practice to competition

Question 27

what is the overall point of Vealey's model of Mental Skills

Answer 27

multiple types of mental skills are key to success and well-being

Question 28

state the 4 types of skills in Vealey's model of Mental Skills

Answer 28

1. foundation skills 2. performance skills 3. developmental skills 4. team skills

Question 29

with reference to Vealey's model of Mental Skills, state what it is meant by the key term - foundation skills

Answer 29

foundation skills are intra-personal resources that are basic mental skills necessary for achieving success

Question 30

with reference to Vealey's model of Mental Skills, state what it is meant by the key term - performance skills

Answer 30

performance skills are mental abilities critical to the execution of skills during the execution of sports tasks

Question 31

with reference to Vealey's model of Mental Skills, state what it is meant by the key term - developmental skills

Answer 31

developmental skills are mental skills that represent significant maturational markers of personal development. clarity on self-concept, feelings of well-being, and a sense of relatedness to others

Question 32

with reference to Vealey's model of Mental Skills, state what it is meant by the key term - team skills

Answer 32

team skills are collective qualities of the team that are instrumental to an effective climate and overall team success

Question 33

state 4 things you should try to use during the time frame of a PST intervention

Answer 33

1. hold frequent, shorter meetings rather than longer, frequent ones 2. hold informal as well as formal meetings 3. whenever possible, begin PST before the session begins 4. systematically schedule a PST as a part of daily practice

Question 34

state 3 facts about evaluating a PST programme

Answer 34

1. ethical obligation to evaluate effectiveness 2. use interviews, written assessments, objective performance measures, and get feedback from other parties 3. modify when suitable, progress > perfection