Lifting the Mind: A Case Study of Applied Sport Psychology in Powerlifting

Abstract

The sport of powerlifting has extensive research within the areas of physical and physiological training and the impact these factors have on competitive performance, yet there is a lack of research examining the impact applied mental training has on meet performance. Over the course of this four-month sport psychology intervention, the case of Matt highlights the positive psychological, emotional, and competitive effects applied mental training can have on an elite powerlifter. Examining topics such as training burnout and staleness, competitive goal setting and self-talk, and in – competition arousal control and energy management, this study’s results suggests the importance the growing field of applied sport and exercise psychology may play in the emerging sport of powerlifting. Though case study in nature, the qualitative reports and significant quantitative results of this case will hopefully reshape the way trainers, coaches, and athletes think about powerlifting meet preparation, on and off the platform.