Критерии психологической подготовленности спортсменов в аспекте оценки эффективности их психологической подготовки

Abstract

Introduction. The level of psychological preparedness of athletes is an important component in the analysis and qualitative assessment of effectiveness of psychological training in sports. The purpose of the article is to develop criteria to identify the level of psychological preparedness. Materials and methods. The method of research is a theoretical analysis of approaches to psychological readiness of athletes. Results. Based on the analysis of the already existing studies on psychological preparedness, the authors propose the following definition: psychological preparedness of an athlete is a combination of his/her personal traits and special skills that determine the possibility of acquiring and maintaining an optimal psychological state (state of psychological readiness) during competitions as well as a certain mental state to maximize the effectiveness of training. The level of psychological preparedness of an athlete at a particular point in time does not correlate with the effectiveness of prior psychological training alone. The objective assessment of an athlete’s psychological fitness as a result of psychological training has to be based on the criteria that are not related to an athlete’s individual characteristics or external factors. The research produced the following criteria: 1) the development of psychological self-regulation; 2) constructive motivation; 3) stability of positive self-image; 4) the development of psychological competence. Conclusion. The conclusions of the study support the possibility of an objective assessment of psychological training in sports. This possibility lies in the evaluation of psychological preparedness of athletes at various stages of training using the proposed criteria and indicators. The study contributes to modern sports psychology, in particular, in the aspect of psychological preparedness of athletes. This gives the study a theoretical value. On the practical side, the study offers a possibility of an objective assessment of psychological preparedness, primarily, as a result of psychological training.