American High School Football Coaches' Attitudes toward Sport Psychology Consultation and Intentions to Use Sport Psychology Services

Abstract

This study examined 235 American high-school football coaches' attitudes toward sport psychology (SP) consultation, intentions to use SP, and actual use of SP services. The coaches' attitudinal data fit the a priori hypothesized four factor model (i.e., stigma tolerance, confidence in SP consultation, personal openness, and cultural preferences). Of the coaches surveyed, 13% reported being familiar with the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) certification for SP consultants, 3% had used SP services, and 62% did not intend to use SP services within the next six months. Past coaching experience, age, and education level influenced their stigma tolerance, confidence, and personal openness of using SP services. American high-school football coaches who were confident in SP outcomes and open to suggestions were more likely to consider using SP services.