Sport psychology consulting with athletes with disabilities

Abstract

Athletes with disabilities, like all athletes, can benefit from working with sport psychology professionals. My goal in the present article is to update and expand upon my (1999) paper describing a human development model of psychological skills training. I present research findings and recommendations within the above conceptual framework based on three related categories of psychological skills and methods, along with unique considerations for working with athletes with disabilities. First, I discuss foundation skills such as the development of self-determination and self-esteem. Then, I present information on traditional performance skills and techniques like goal setting and anxiety management. Finally, I provide a review of facilitative factors that impact on performance and quality of life such as coaching quality and injury awareness.‘You’ve got to keep your mental attitude positive all the way … even if you think a little negatively, your just toasted. Once the water temperatures get colder, you have to have a really strong attitude to carry on. Believe it or not, you have to ignore the cold water. And that’s very hard to do with a negative attitude – with every stroke your probably thinking, Damn, this is cold water! You’re not supposed to do that! Your supposed to be thinking, Don’t worry it’ll only be a few more hours.’