Lecture 14: Psychological Skills Training

Question 1

The mental factor

Answer 1

• Performance = psychology, equipment, tactics, skill, fitness

Question 2

Attitudes toward psychological skills (negative)

Answer 2

• Lack of knowledge = for ‘problem’ athletes only?
  = nature vs. nurture?
  = quick fix?
• Misunderstandings about psychological skills training = being a sport psychology consultant (SPC) is often not a registered profession
  = ‘anyone’ can offer mental training.coaching
  = this situation is now changing
• Lack of time (to learn + develop)

Question 3

PST

Answer 3

• ‘Systematic and consistent practice of mental or psychological skills for the purpose of enhancing performance, increasing enjoyment or achieving greater sport/PA satisfaction’
• ‘Mental toughness’ -> ability to focus, rebound from failure, cope with pressure, persist in face of adversity, and mental resilience

Question 4

Psychological skills

Answer 4

• Arousal regulation
• Attentional control
• Thought control
• Imagery
• Goal setting

Question 5

Getting started

Answer 5

• Intake (problem identification)
  = interview -> probe, ask q, review info talked about
  = assessment -> personality traits (psychological testing)
  -> psychological skills

Question 6

Getting started

Answer 6

• Intake (problem identification)
  = interview -> probe, ask q, review info talked about
  = assessment -> personality traits (psychological testing)
  -> psychological skills
• Training plan (commitment) = agreed by athlete & person
• Start of PST program

Question 7

Assessment factors

Answer 7

1. Self-talk (e.g. talk positively to get most of comp.)
2. Emotional control (e.g. emotions keep me from performing my best)
3. Automaticity (e.g. don’t think about performance too much)
4. Goal setting (e.g. set specific goals)
5. Imagery (e.g. imagine competitive routine before I do it)
6. Activation (e.g. increase energy to right level)
7. Negative thinking (e.g. thoughts of failure)
8. Relaxation (e.g. able to relax if get too nervous)

Question 8

What does it look like?

Answer 8

- Education = role of psychological skills
 = working of psychological skills
 - Acquisition = acquire general skill
 = tailor to athlete's needs
 - Practice = automate skills
 = integrate in practice
 = integrate in competition
 - Time course = 3-6months