The role of self-care and professional quality of life in sustaining a long-lasting career in sport psychology: A qualitative exploration

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to explore experienced and senior sport psychology professionals’ (SPPs’) understanding of and experiences with the relationship between their professional quality of life and self-care. Adhering to the philosophical stance characterizing the consensual qualitative research methodology, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Following criterion-based sampling, we interviewed 10 male and 10 female experienced and senior (M years of practice = 23.9; SD = 8) SPPs from seven countries and four continents who worked in university (n = 10), private practice (n = 7), and governmental (n = 3) settings. We constructed one main domain encompassing seven categories (viz. Inextricably interrelated, Personal relationships, Professional relationships, Role model, Influence of SC on SP-PQL, and Enhancement of professional effectiveness) that highlight quality of life and self-care as inextricably linked and combined to provide a foundation for one’s professional journey. The participants highlighted the importance of concurrently engaging in practices aimed to take care of themselves. They also described their professional experiences to protect and preserve themselves and their ability to guarantee the delivery of ethical and effective care to their clients as well as to their students. These can be interpreted to highlight the key interplay between practitioner holistic well-being, effectiveness, and a meaningful and lasting career in the sport psychology profession. Recommendations for professionals are discussed in terms of implications for professional bodies, supervisors and employees. Lay summary: Sport psychology practitioners (SPPs) are the main agent for their interventions with clients. Twenty SPPs shared their understanding of and experiences with the relationship between their professional quality of life and self-care. The data highlight the interrelated nature of these constructs and their links to effective and ethical practice. Implications for practice Sport psychology professionals may engage in practices devoted to positively enhancing their professional experience to support a long-lasting and effective career. Sport psychology professionals may explore, develop and implement strategies to protect and enable personal flourishing and as a way to enhance their professional career. Sport psychology professionals may benefit by dedicating meaningful time to their own personal and professional development to foster congruent, complementary, and reciprocally nurturing aspects of their lives.