The use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to increase the self-determined motivation and psychological well-being of triathletes.

Abstract

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and its relationship with self-determined motivation has received scant research attention despite growing interest in the motivational effects of REBT with athletes. Recent evidence suggests that reductions in irrational beliefs brought about by REBT may facilitate increases in self-determined motivation. The current study seeks to replicate and build this initial research using an idiographic single-case design to assess the effects of one-to-one REBT on the irrational beliefs, self-determined motivation, vitality, and sleep quality of four amateur triathletes. Self-report data were collected prior to, during, and after the REBT intervention. Visual analysis revealed that reductions in irrational beliefs were met with concomitant increases in self-determined motivation, vitality, and sleep quality. Social validation data supported the visual analysis findings. This current study supports and extends research by offering further advances in our understanding of the potential relationships between REBT, self-determined motivation, and athlete wellbeing. Keywords: CBT; counselling; sport; mental health; case-study