Sport PsychologySport PsychologySport PsychologySport Psychology

Chapter 18Chapter 18

Sport Psychology• Sport Psychology is the study of the

effect of variables such as life stress, mood, motivation on sport performance.

• Overall sport psychologists aim to improve the life and performance of athletes.

Three major roles• Research to better understand variables

effect on individuals

• Educating the sports medicine techniques to enhance performance

• Work directly with athletes in a clinical setting to help them cope with stressors

Athletic Anxiety• It may be hard to admit but most

athletes have some form of anxiety prior to competition. More often then not they are able to overcome it on their own.

• Some athletes become physically ill because of this anxiety. Ever been on a team with someone who pukes before each competition.

Depression• Feeling of despair and hopelessness

that cause behaviors such as not wanting to be around other people, not being excited about things that make others excited, not talking very much, not taking initiative to do things.

• Possible causes:– Biological, Environmental, Sociological

PTRPost Traumatic

Response• A sustained emotional disorder that

results from a extremely traumatic and stressful experience. (ex: witness a death)

• May exhibit relationship problems, impaired concentration, possible attempt suicide.

• Note: doesn’t just effect athletes!!!

Suicide• Common things to watch for are

CHANGE in BEHAVIORS and ATTITUDES

• Athlete may have a history of depression

• Recently experienced a loss of a loved one or friend

Eating Disorders• Guidelines:

– Males 5-7% body fat– Females 12-14% body fat

• Minimum levels of fat are necessary for the body to function. Dipping below these levels can cause damage to organs.

• Can Stem from control issues- the need to control something in their lives, usually something else is out of (their)control.

Most Common in:• Appearance based sports such as:

– swimming, diving, gymnastics, skating, dance

• Weight class sports such as: – Wrestling, boxing, martial arts

• Sports where weight can effect performance such as track.

Anorexia• Characterized by an intense fear

of being fat• Patterns of starvation

Bulimia• Characterized by periods of binge

and purge

Death of an Athlete• Can alter the fabric of a school

community• On the so called social ladder most

athletes are well liked and respected by their peers in their own school.

• Can also have a profound effect on a community

• What happens to the adults in the athletic arena- Coaches, Athletic trainers, Athletic Directors?

The Injured Athlete

Denial• Deny that there is a real problem

“no big deal, I’ll be back in a couple of games”

• May become emotionally disorganized– Unable to gather thoughts and state

things clearly

Anger• Often directed at the nearest

person, once athlete realizes that injury is real and he/she is not returning as expected.

• Remember this is not a personal attack- but it is an important step in the recovery process.

Bargaining• Starts to try to bargain with

anyone who will listen and entertain the possibilities

“If I everything I am supposed to can I play 5 minutes?”

Depression• Looks the same as clinical

depression• Hopeless, withdrawn, lack of

motivation

IMPORTANT TO BREAK OUT OF THIS STAGE EARLY!!

Acceptance• Athlete is finally able to accept what is

going on. • Able to progress through rehab at a

quicker pace• Important to allow time for the athlete

to mingle with teammates at this point to stave off feelings of isolation.

Techniques to help athletes

• Modeling- find an athlete with a similar injury or discuss what has happened in the past with similar injuries- try to remain positive.

• Physical Environment- should be comfortable clean and welcoming in order to best support your athletes!!!!!!

Relaxation• Relaxation- breathing, music, massage,

muscle relaxation techniques, imagery

• All of these are important and worth while however not for everyone. The athlete should be willing to try but may also have one that works best for him/her