L12 - MST planning

Question 1

What is the definition of MST (Vealey, 1986)

Answer 1

The learning and implementation of cognitive behavioural techniques to assist sport participants in the development of mental skills to assess monitor and adjust their thoughts/feelings to achieve performance success and personal well being

Question 2

What 3 components comprise MST (holland et al, 2010; Woodcock et al, 2011)

Answer 2

Techniques - develop mental skills (goal setting, self talk)
Skills - regulate mental qualities (maintaining confidence)
Qualities - psychological characteristics displayed by athletes that facilitate optimal performance

Question 3

What are the 3 paths to resilience?

Answer 3

Goal setting -> recognising own strengths - resilience
Action planning -> sticking to plans/routines - resilience
Reframing -> staying positive - resilience

Question 4

What is Williams and Krane (2006) definition of MST?

Answer 4

An individually designed combination of methods selected to attain the athletes psychological needs
-eg. Goal setting. Arousal management, imagery etc

Question 5

What did Sheard and Golby (2006) find when looking at effects of MST on swimming performanc?

Answer 5

Results showed that 64% of swimmers improved overall swimming performance. Also 94% of swimmers showed improvements in positive psychological development

Question 6

Why do coaches/athletes often neglect MST?

Answer 6

Lack of time, misunderstanding on how/why it works, lack of knowledge of how to teach/practice MST, considered a sign of weakness

Question 7

Describe some barriers facing sport psychologists?

Answer 7

Perceptions about SPC - sport psychology can provide quick fix solutions, for problem athletes only, fear it may make athletes think too much

Coach level - lack of coach cooperation/knowledge, not knowing how to identify and assess SPC, not understanding the process of SP consulting

Athlete level - athletes not interested, athletes too tired to attend, previous bad experiences with consultants

Question 8

What are the 3 ways Gould et al (1999) made MST more user friendly?

Answer 8

1. A need for concrete, hands on MST examples and activities
2. Develop MST resources
3. Engage and actively involve coaches in MST

Question 9

Describe the models of MST programs (Martens, 1987)

Answer 9

Education -> acquisition -> practice/implementation

Question 10

Describe Thomas (1990) MST program model?

Answer 10

Phase 1 : orientation 
Phase 2 : sport analysis
Phase 3 : individual/team assessment 
Phase 4 : conceptualisation 
Phase 5 : MST
Phase 6 : implementation 
Phase 7 : evaluation

Question 11

Briefly discuss the diagram of planning MST

Answer 11

• Who (delivers programme, receives programme)
• when/ where (will training sessions be carried out)
• what (skills to include)
• how (education, acquisition, implementation)

Question 12

What is needs analysis in relation to athlete and sport??

Answer 12

Athlete - psychological testing, performance profiling, interview observation
Sport - rules and strategies, nature of training and competition, culture of sport

Question 13

What skills/techniques should you use in MST?

Answer 13

Foundation skills/techniques - goal setting, commitment, self-confidence

Psychosomatic skills/techniques - stress reactions, fear control, relaxation

Cognitive skills/techniques - imagery, mental practice, focusing, refocusing, competition planning

Question 14

Describe the preparatory phase of training??

Answer 14

6-9 months

• acquiring and improving general training methods
• improve physical / motor abilities
• acquire psychological techniques
• improve skills and movement patterns

Question 15

Describe the competition phase of training?

Answer 15

4-6 months

• further improve abilities and psychological readiness
• define skill level and techniques
• define tactics and strategies
• maintain general preparation

Question 16

Describe the transition phase of training ?

Answer 16

(3-4 weeks)

• facilitate psychological rest and relaxation
• maintain general preparation

Question 17

What did Holland et al (2010) find when performing a needs analysis on rugby players??

Answer 17

Found these key qualities : adaptability, squad spirit, confidence, mental toughness, determination, self-responsibility, optimal performance state, game sense

Found these key techniques : personal strategies, reflections on action, team strategies, supportive climate, environment

Question 18

What were the challenges and attributes found at ST BASIL

Answer 18

Challenges : motivational difficulties, lack of confidence, social issues, benefits system

Attributes : life skills, interpersonal skills, self regulation , confidence/ resilience