Narcissism and antisocial behaviour in sport: The moderating role of self-compassion

Narcissism, which features the chronic disposition to seek the opportunity to construct and maintain an inflated self, is a known risk for antisocial behaviour. However, knowledge of factors that mitigate the effects of narcissism on antisocial behaviour is lacking. In two studies we explored the hypothesis that self-compassion would protect against the link between narcissism and antisocial behaviour, such that narcissism would be less related to antisocial behaviour when self-compassion was high. Study 1 was a cross-sectional study with a sample of professional footballers (N = 208). Study 2 utilised a sample of competitive athletes from a variety of sports (N = 324) over an eight-month period. The data from both studies supported the hypothesis: Greater self-compassion was associated with a null (Study 1) or significantly attenuated (Study 2) relationship between narcissism and antisocial behaviour. We discuss the implications of the findings, including the benefits of incorporating self-compassion in sport settings

Provision of decentralised mental health services - an option appraisal

This paper consists of the report of an option appraisal. It is exactly in the form in which it was presented to the Management Team and the Authority in the DIstrict to which it relates. The only changes are that ficticious names have been substituted for the originals to maintain anonymity. The purpose in publishing the report is to provide an example of how an appraisal may be conducted and presented. The appraisal is not claimed to be a "model" one in the sense that others should slavishly follow it or in the sense that it is perfect. However, we do believe it was adequate for its purpose - aiding a decision on a fairly complex service development and that others may find it useful to follow its spirit. At present, services for the mentally ill in the north Midshire area are centralised to a considerable degree in a large institution, High Ridge hospital. This centralisation is consistent with the aims of the Joint Strategy for Mental Illness services in Midshire agreed bwteen Midshire Health Authority and Midshire County Council, and with the objectives of the Midshire Health Authority's Strategic Plan. The thrust of the Strategic Plan is towards better integration of patients with the community, and increased liaison between clinical specialties. The Plan envisages the development of decentralised acute services in the Almhurst sector as forming an early part of the strategy and acting as a pilot scheme for the north Midshire mental health unit. This paper identifies the options available to carry this strategy forward; the criteria by which they should be judged; and makes an appraisal of the alternative. A project team was set up to carry out the option appraisal, consisting of two planners, a nursing officer, a local authority representative, the unit administrator directly affected, two consultant psychiatrists, works and finance officers and two consultant economists.mental health

Obsessive passion: a dependency associated with injury-related risky behaviour in dancers

Grounded in self-determination theory, obsessive passion for an activity has been associated with increased risky behaviour and rigid persistence, both symptomatic of dependence. However, it is unknown whether obsessive passion may predict the development of dependence, and furthermore, theoretically important relationships between basic need satisfaction, passion, exercise dependence and subsequent risky behaviour have not been fully explored. A sample of 100 professional dancers (50fs; 50ms; Mage = 20.88; SD = 2.69) completed self-ratings of risk-related behaviours (doctor visits; following treatment, and warming up), passion for dance and dance dependence. Findings supported the maladaptive nature of obsessive passion in relation to risky behaviour and as predicted dance dependence mediated this relationship. Interestingly, need satisfaction was positively related to both obsessive passion and harmonious passion. Results are discussed in the light of self-determination theory and dysfunctions of obsessive passion, suggesting that professional dancers are at risk of employing maladaptive behaviours if high in obsessive passion, which may be detectable via symptoms of dance dependence

Choking under pressure : mechanisms and individual differences

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Narcissism, social anxiety and self-presentation in exercise

In an exercise setting where impression motivation might be high but self-presentation efficacy low, social anxiety is likely to occur (Schlenker & Leary, 1982). Narcissism is, however, associated with low anxiety, high confidence, and a keenness for social evaluation (Wallace, Baumeister, & Vohs, 2005) and therefore may protect exercisers from social anxiety. One hundred and sixty undergraduates (88 males and 72 females; Mage = 20.45 years, SD = 2.49 years) completed measures of narcissism, social anxiety, and self-presentation in exercise. In females, narcissism moderated the impression motivation/construction– social anxiety relationships. Findings extend our understanding of the self-presentational processes involved in exercise and, specifically, how narcissism protects individuals from experiencing high social anxiety.N/