A Preliminary Investigation into the Use of Humor in Sport Psychology Practice

‘Creative efforts’, such as the use of humor,have been found to be beneficial to the nurse-patient, teacher-student , and psychologist-patient alliance. Potentially humoruse might benefit the working alliance in applied sport psychology, yet to datethere is limited research. Sportpsychology consultants (n = 55) completedan online survey that explored humor use within their practice. Statisticalanalyses revealed most participants used humor for adaptive purposes such as tofacilitate the working alliance, reinforce knowledge, and create healthylearning environments. Therefore, possible client change is likely to befacilitated by practitioners’ personal qualities and skills such as humor useand humor style. Recommendations are made for sport psychology practitioners inrelation to humor use and further research.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Going Pro: Exploring Adult Triathletes’ Transitions Into Elite Sport

The transition into elite or professional sport plays a critical role in the overall athletic career (Stambulova, Alfermann, Statler, & Côté, 2009). However, studies of this transition have been conducted almost exclusively with adolescent, student-athlete populations. The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop a contextualized perspective of transitioning from amateur to professional sport as an adult. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith, 1996) approach was adopted to explore 7 elite triathletes’ transition experiences. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews pertaining to the change process, the influence of athletic and nonathletic factors, and how these were managed. Five themes emerged: athletic development, social support (sport performance), social support (family and friends), financial resources, and self-identity. This study provides novel insight into the key factors impacting adult athletes in transition and how their experiences differ from those of younger athletes, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions for individuals at different developmental levels. Preliminary evidence is also provided for the relevance of the scheme of change for sport psychology practice (Samuel & Tenenbaum, 2011) for practitioners seeking to optimize adult athletes’ transition experiences

Where is the evidence in our sport psychology practice? A United Kingdom perspective on the underpinnings of action.

Practitioners place the importance of engaging in evidence-based practice at the forefront of issues regarding the provision of applied sport psychology. Accordingly, the present study sought to contextualize the process of theory–research–practice. Specifically, 4 attentional-based techniques established within the sport psychology literature were depicted as applied scenarios and presented as a survey task. Experienced United Kingdom–based practitioners (n = 14) and individuals currently undergoing training (n = 14) were recruited to ascertain their theoretical and mechanistic knowledge and whether the techniques were being used in the applied environment. Results suggested that application of the techniques, in addition to theoretical and mechanistic knowledge, may decrease from trainee to experienced practitioner. The study highlights the need for an increase in research designed to be effective in the applied setting and that addresses the needs of sport psychology practitioners if our discipline is to advance and remain evidence based

IDENTIFYING THE KEY TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF RUGBY PLACE KICKING: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY OF AN ELITE COACH

Place kicking plays an important role in the outcome of rugby union matches. However, the understanding of rugby place kicking technique is currently limited and this study aimed to start ‘bridging the gap’ between contemporary coaching expertise and the biomechanical understanding of rugby place kicking. An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of a semi-structured interview with an elite kicking coach was used to identify the key technical features of rugby place kicking and thus provide direction for future biomechanical research. Ball placement, the approach, body position at support leg contact, support leg mechanics, the path of the foot during the kicking phase and its orientation at ball contact, energy dissipation during the follow through, and overriding coordination issues were all identified as key areas in need of future research

Things ain’t what they used to be? Coaches perceptions of commitment in developing athletes

Appropriate levels of commitment are fundamental to the adolescent athlete, if they are to be successful in progressing through their high-performance environments (e.g., Hill, McNamara, & Collins, 2015). Accordingly, the present study sought to ascertain academy coaches’ perceptions regarding commitment in their developing athletes. Specifically, to understand the levels of perceived commitment, associated behaviors, commonalties and contrasts apparent across a range of sporting environments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 male UK-based academy coaches (M age = 41.25, SD = 8.76 years), whom worked full time with elite youth performers between the ages of 15 to 18 years. The sample comprised four soccer coaches, four coaches from other team sports (rugby union, rugby league, and cricket) and four coaches from individual sports (swimming, tennis, judo, and badminton), with a mean of 13.67 years’ coaching experience (SD = 8.42 years). Inductive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) identified the following overarching themes: a) what do we want? b) what are they like? and c) what do we do? The study provides a valuable insight into the ideal commitment characteristics and the reality of the adolescent athlete, along with current strategies coaches are employing within their practice. By adding to the understanding of this important area, we hope sporting organizations, practitioners, parents, and coaches can use the information to tailor their interventions and service provision accordingly in supporting their athletes negotiate key developmental opportunities

Psychology of Distance Running

Highlights • Distance running is unique from a psychological perspective • Thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interlinked and play an important role in distance running performance • The role of psychological factors: confidence, motivation, and emotions are discussed in relation to the demands of distance running • To facilitate these psychological factors, the evidence surrounding the use of psychological strategies in distance running is outline

More than carrying a bag? The role of the caddie in facilitating a golfer’s psychological performance

Psychological factors affecting golfing performance have been widely researched within the sport psychology literature. Although there is a general consensus on these, the sport offers a unique environment whereby at the highest-level golfers compete with a caddie. Despite the proximity and potential influence on the golfer, the role and perspective of the caddie has been overlooked. This study therefore sought to ascertain caddies’ perceptions of their role in facilitating a golfer’s psychological performance. One semi-structured interview was conducted with seven male active caddies (M age = 35.57, SD = 9.78), working across six professional tours. Caddies reported a mean experience of 9.25 years (SD = 8.39) and 1.7 years with their current player (SD = 1.09). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: a) it’s more than carrying a bag, b) caddying, it’s a people thing, and c) confidence is a two-way street. The study provides an insight to the role of the caddie, the specific processes employed, and the factors which influence their ability to facilitate a golfer’s psychological performance. It is intended that findings and implications for practice will enhance understanding for professionals and sport psychologists working within golf. In addition, educational tools are warranted to develop the knowledge and subsequent evidence-based practice of aspiring and currently active caddies

“I still wake up with nightmares”…The long-term psychological impacts from gymnasts’ maltreatment experiences

Within the elite environment, female gymnasts have been exposed to various forms of maltreatment. While the effects of child maltreatment have documented physical and psychological consequences stemming into and throughout adulthood, no researchers in the sporting context have included neglect within their focus of athlete experiences. This study sought to provide an understanding of retired gymnasts’ maltreatment experiences, including both acts of commission (physical and emotional abuse) and omission (neglect), and the subsequent long-term psychological impacts from being part of the elite gymnastics culture. One semi-structured interview (M = 96 min, SD = 46.62) was conducted with 12 retired International and National level women’s artistic gymnasts (M age = 29 years, SD = 4.76). Participants reported being retired from the sport between seven and 20-years (M = 12; SD = 4 years), with career lengths between eight and 15-years (M = 11; SD = 2.1 years). Through reflexive thematic analysis three themes were constructed: what we went through; how it’s affecting us now; and will things ever change? Findings highlighted the multiple forms of maltreatment endured by gymnasts, had a prolonged psychological impact, including clinically diagnosed disorders, on their lives up to 20-years post-retirement, lending initial support to attachment theory. We hope this understanding demonstrates the need to change the beliefs surrounding the culture and the relational coaching practices. Further, that effective provisions are implemented to both prevent the abuse from happening and support those gymnasts who have been affected both during and after their retirement from the sport

Narratives of recovery over the first year after major lower limb loss

The objectives of this research were to extend previous research by exploring the psychosocial experiences of patients over the first year after major lower limb amputation (MLLA) and identify implications for rehabilitation practice. This research took place at a UK-based, National Health Service-operated prosthetic rehabilitation centre. Thirty patients were recruited who had experienced MLLA within the last year and were undertaking prosthetic rehabilitation. Data were collected through semi-structured narrative interviews, observation, and a reflexive journal, and analysed using dialogical narrative analysis. The concept of well-being was used to map patients’ recovery trajectories, and five narrative typologies were identified: accelerated decline, adaptation, illusory cure, muddling along, and projection. This article advances knowledge by opening up new possibilities for anticipating patients’ future needs through the stories they are telling in the present and provides the basis for additional resources supporting psychosocial recovery

X-QUEST: A Comprehensive X-ray Study of Local ULIRGs and QSOs

We present results from the X-ray portion of a multi-wavelength study of local ULIRGs and QSOs called QUEST (Quasar-ULIRG Evolution STudy). The data consist of new and archival X-ray data on 40 ULIRGs and 26 PG QSOs taken with Chandra and XMM-Newton. A combination of traditional and hardness ratio spectral fitting methods is used to characterize the X-ray properties of these objects. The absorption-corrected 2-10 keV to bolometric luminosity ratios of the ULIRGs and PG QSOs suggest that the likelihood for dominant nuclear activity increases along the merger sequence from "cool" ULIRGs, "warm" ULIRGs, infrared-bright QSOs, and infrared-faint QSOs. The starburst dominates the total power in ULIRGs prior to the merger, and this is followed by rapid black hole growth during and after coalescence. These results are in general agreement with those obtained in the mid-infrared with Spitzer and recent numerical simulations.Comment: 63 pages preprint style including 16 figures and 11 tables; accepted by Ap