Sport Psychology Research Articles

Individual psychological characteristics of under-17 football players in Indonesia and Malaysia: sport psychology approach

Football is complex because it involves physical aspects, technical competence, the ability to understand tactics, and psychological conditions. This study focuses on exploring the psychological characteristics needed by U17 football players in Indonesia and Malaysia to become professional football players in the future. The researcher used a qualitative method with a grounded theory approach to find these psychological characteristics. The researcher conducted interviews, observations, and document analysis to collect data from 25 football coaches in Indonesia and Malaysia who already have a football coaching license and have at least five years of experience as U17 football coaches who were participants in this study. The license and knowledge of the coaches are expected to be valuable sources of information in this study. The data collected were analyzed through several steps, starting from open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, to find themes that emerged from the coach's information. In addition, to facilitate data grouping, the researcher also conducted data analysis with the help of software in qualitative research, namely NVivo 14. This study found five psychological characteristics that can help U17 football players to rise professionally. The first characteristic is the cognitive aspect of the player's intellectual ability, goal setting, imagery, focus, and willingness. Second, affective factors involve self-confidence, happiness, motivation, and self-control. Third, behavioral factors include discipline, attitude, commitment, and respect. Fourth, personality factors include courage, adaptability, and mental toughness. The last factor is the spiritual aspect, which requires players to have ritual and social worship. The psychological element is not the main factor in the success of football players, but it is a determining factor. With the development of scientific collaboration for football, football coaches or stakeholders in Indonesia and Malaysia can use the results of this study as a basis for creating programs for the development of football in both countries. Keywords: individual, psychological characteristics, developmental pathways, football, Indonesia, Malaysia

Continuing education in sport psychology: a survey of where we are and where we need to go

ABSTRACT A fundamental competence for psychology practitioners is to practice according to ethical standards and principles. One way to achieve these standards includes continuing education (CE). Sport psychology practitioners (SPPs) have frequently noted the importance of engaging in CE to improve professional practice, yet more research is needed on the effectiveness of the CE available to SPPs and what SPPs think they desire in terms of CE. In this exploratory study, a multinational sample of 291 (female = 158; male = 128) SPPs at different levels of professional development participated in an online survey to gather information about their CE opportunities and their perceived effectiveness. Most SPPs (n = 223) reported that CE was mandated by their professional organizations, believed in its importance, and had experienced eight CE events on average in the previous 12 months, which were generally focused more on service delivery-related issues. Participants also offered their views on the effectiveness of the CE programmes they attended and their hopes for future topics offered by CE programmes (e.g., ethics, EDI, effective service delivery). Based on the results from this study, we share some reflections on the current status quo of CE within the sport psychology profession and offer recommendations to support professional organizations to provide effective CE opportunities to their members.

“The story just brings the science to life”: exploring the use of stories to translate knowledge about self-regulatory processes during goal striving in running

ABSTRACT Storied representations of research have been recommended and identified as an effective pedagogical tool to facilitate knowledge transfer to end users. However, storied forms of representation have not yet been used to communicate knowledge of self-regulation during goal striving in running. Therefore, building upon a previous programme of research represented via a traditional realist tale (Jackman et al., 2024), the study aims were twofold: (1) to construct stories that communicate runners’ lived experiences of self-regulation during goal striving in distance-running; and (2) to share these stories with relevant knowledge users to explore what they do on and for them in the short-term (1–2 weeks) and long-term (six months). Stories were constructed and represented through vignettes. To accommodate diverse views and appreciate different knowledge bases, we invited athletes, coaches, and sport psychologists to witness the vignettes and explored their responses via qualitative surveys and multiple interviews over time. Data analysis identified how the stories were useful for translating knowledge into practice, the reasons why, and how they acted on and for the participants. The accessibility of the stories enabled participants to connect meaningfully with the research. This expanded their knowledge, which some used in performances and to support other runners. Overall, our findings support an evolving body of research illustrating the potential of storied forms of representation to facilitate knowledge transfer, and extend understanding by providing a subject-specific (i.e., self-regulation and goal striving) and population-specific (i.e., running) example of how stories can work on and for athletes and practitioners.

The Impact of Color on Marathon Runners

Based on years of experience in marathon events, this study examines the impact of color on marathon runners from the perspectives of color science, sports physiology, and sports psychology. It aims to help coaches and athletes scientifically enhance the positive role of color in marathon sports, stimulate the athletes' potential, and improve their performance.

“What Goes on Tour, Shouldn’t Stay on Tour”: Composite Vignettes of the Challenges of Being on Tour, Emotional Labor, and Self-Care for Sport Psychology Practitioners

Sport psychology practitioners (SPP) are often required to work unsociable hours and in atypical settings (e.g., during transport, in a gym or canteen). To maintain competence while facing the demands of their role, SPPs regulate their emotions and demonstrate emotional performativity in line with perceived role requirements. Grounded in the first author’s experiences, we critically reflect on how being on tour exacerbated these professional challenges wherein the demands became more prevalent and pervasive across time and settings, leading to negative emotional (e.g., burnout) and professional (e.g., poor quality of service delivery) outcomes. In two composite vignettes, we illustrate the impact the demands of touring can have in the face of significant emotional labor and the absence of adequate SPP self-care. Finally, we share several lessons learned, pragmatic self-care strategies, and implications for SPPs and supervisors, and offer our vignettes as a developmental resource to be used in education and training.

THE EFFECTS OF ANXIETY ON SPORTS PERFORMANCE

This study investigates, from a cognitive-behavioural standpoint, the connection between anxiety and performance. Previous studies in this field show that anxiety is the main cause of consultations with sports psychologists. An examination of the theoretical foundations of anxiety and its relationship to performance is included. There is also discussion of research on the connection between anxiety and performance. There is also an exploration of the cognitivebehavioural therapies that have been applied in the field of athletics to improve performance and reduce anxiety. The conclusion includes a number of recommendations for further research as well as useful suggestions.

Personality traits and sporting level of athletes

Background and Study Aim. Personality traits significantly influence athletic performance and the development of athletes. However, these traits vary at different levels of sport. This knowledge gap makes it difficult to effectively tailor training and support programs. Thus, the purpose of this article is to identify differences in the expression of personality traits among professional athletes, competitive athletes, and amateur athletes. Material and Methods. The respondents (N=83) were sport seniors from Poland, aged 23 years, studying at the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences. They were classified into three groups: 1) n=23 professional athletes; 2) n=30 competitive athletes; and 3) n=30 amateur athletes. The Big Five model was used, and the NEO-FFI personality questionnaire was administered. Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0, with a statistical significance level set at α = 0.05. Results. Differences in neuroticism intensity among athletes from different sport levels were noted. Professional athletes showed the lowest level of neuroticism. However, no differences were observed in the intensity of individual personality traits among athletes by gender. Furthermore, correlations were noted between sport level and athletes’ personality traits: neuroticism (strong and negative), extraversion (weak and positive), and conscientiousness (weak and positive). Conclusions. Findings underscore the importance of considering personality traits when developing tailored training and support programs for athletes. The absence of gender differences in personality traits suggests that such programs can be designed without gender-specific adjustments. The identified correlations between sport level and personality traits provide valuable insights for coaches and sport psychologists to better understand and support athletes' psychological profiles.

International society of sport psychology position stand: elite athlete mental health revisited

ABSTRACT Athlete mental health, though long present within research and practice, has recently become a central topic area within the sport and exercise psychology field. The International Society of Sport Psychology has been at the forefront of these discussions, evidenced by a foundational position stand in 2018 and subsequent consensus statements derived from international think tanks. Within this position stand, contributors from the international community spanning five continents collaborated to present key, updated ideas and emerging concepts relating to clinical understandings of athlete mental health, trends in athlete mental health status, the role of the sport environment, mental health in relation to athlete careers, the global treatment of athlete mental health, cultural considerations in relation to understanding this topic, and nine synthesising postulates.

Mental Visualization in science learning and teaching: incomes from sport psychology

Mental Visualization in science learning and teaching: incomes from sport psychology

The relationship between physical exercise and problematic internet use in college students: the chain-mediated role of self-control and loneliness

ObjectiveFrom the perspective of exercise psychology, to investigate the antefacts of problematic internet use (PIU) in college students, and to reveal the chain mediating effect of self-control and loneliness between physical exercise and PIU.Methods1081 college students in Chongqing, China were investigated by Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Self-control Scale (SCS), Loneliness Scale (UCLA), and Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R), and the data were statistically analyzed by SPSS25.0 and AMOS21.0 software.Results(1) There was a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and PIU, and the former has a direct negative predictive effect on the latter. (2) Physical exercise could indirectly influence the PIU of college students through the partial mediating effect of self-control and loneliness, respectively. (3) Physical exercise could also indirectly influence PIU through the chain mediation of “self-control → loneliness”.ConclusionMaintaining regular physical exercise can promote the improvement of self-control and the weakening of the loneliness experience of college students, and then help to prevent or alleviate PIU behavior, which is of great significance for psychological and behavioral health.

Gender Differences in Physical Performance and Psychological Assessment Among Cuban National Athletics Team

Introduction: Elite sports pose potential health risks, but are vital to the well-being of society. In Cuban society, sport is an integral part of personal development and public health, fostering unity and promoting female participation for sustainable growth. Athletics is one of the most important sports in Cuban sport, and should be approached both from the point of view of sports training and sports psychology. Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a description of conditional variables in a countermovement jump (CMJ), mood profile, self-efficacy, and the leg-hip height index among athletes from the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team, differentiated by gender. Methods: Our sample consisted of the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team. Results: Mood profile analysis using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) did not reveal significant gender differences, with a small effect size for gender. Men showed a slightly greater trend towards vigor compared to women. Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed between men and women in their confidence levels to achieve jump heights between 21 and 40 cm using the CMJ. However, no significant differences were found for jumps exceeding 40 cm, highlighting the importance of strategies to enhance athletes’ psychological needs and self-efficacy. Conclusions: This study suggests that the association between tension-related anxiety and performance indicators related to jump height may play a crucial role in determining specific profiles in male and female Cuban athletes. Our comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding gender differences in performance factors. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and athlete development strategies.

Emotional Intelligence and Sports: How Is the Emotional Intelligence Theory Viewed in Sports Psychology?

Emotional Intelligence and Sports: How Is the Emotional Intelligence Theory Viewed in Sports Psychology?

Exploring Coach-Athlete Relationships in University Basketball and Their Influence on Athlete Growth and Success Towards Building Champions

In order to study the relationship between coaches and players in college basketball and its impact on the growth and success of athletes, this paper investigated all the players of the basketball team of Yulin University. The interviewed athletes identified the relationship between their coach and athlete relationship and athlete growth and success. In this study, a combination of face-to-face survey and quantitative analysis was used to collect and compare data. There are 34 basketball players in the school, all of them selected as the study sample. The results are as follows: 1). Based from the findings of the study, the researcher came up with the following conclusions: 2). Majority of the athletes are male of not more than twenty-two years of age from level 1 and have been playing basketball for few years. 3). The dynamic and interpersonal connection between the coach and the basketball athletes is highly evident among the teams. 4). Basketball athletes have relatively the same perceptions on the coach-athlete relationships regardless of their sex, age, year level, and years of basketball experience.5). The growth and success of the basketball athletes is highly influenced by the coaching and the athletes’ experiences in the field of basketball sports. 6). Athletes have relatively the same assessment on their growth and success regardless of their sex, age, year level, and years of experience in basketball. 7). The growth and success of the basketball athletes is highly influenced by how the coaches and the athletes are being connected which involves communication, trust, mutual respect, and the exchange of feedback. This paper provides valuable insights and evidence-based strategies for both coaches and athletes to refine their techniques and ultimately improve athlete performance and personal growth. The research can enhance the ability of coaches, inspire athletes, provide information for managers, and promote the research of sports psychology, and ultimately promote the overall growth and success of college basketball players.

Empowering Women Through Sport: Developing for Competition and Life

Development through sport has a long and varied history in sport psychology. Unfortunately, there appears to be an under-representation of females in sport psychology research, both generally and in this important area. Thus, it is fair to assume that female athletes are likely receiving coaching, guidance, and psychological strategies focused on their development, but informed by evidence based primarily on males. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to introduce that females need their own specific research to best help them build empowering psychological characteristics. Reflecting the comparatively small numbers who make it to the top, such systems must not only help them in their sport, but also help them succeed in life. Indeed, we propose that the development of the necessary psychological characteristics could help females face the equality challenges they face in sport and in future leadership roles. Furthermore, that there needs to be a shift in focus when it comes to sport, and female athletes should not only be developed for their sport but also from their sport.

From Barcelona to Tokyo: Counseling a High-Performance Center Through the Disruption Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic and the Postponed Games

As part of a growing line of interventions, sports psychology practitioners focus on supporting organizations and their members to better cope with the demands of career transitions. The aim of this article is to share our experience of counseling a High-Performance Center through two concurrent non-normative transitions: the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to the Tokyo Olympic/Paralympic Games. We report our reflections on what it means to consult for an organization rather than for individuals, and what adaptation to a period of constantly changing circumstances means in and for an organization. We also describe the lessons learned and share our evaluation of strengths and points of improvement for future interventions.

Identifying the Characteristics of a Sport Psychologist Competencies: Athletes' and Consultants' Perspective

Background: In the process of psychological programs as a specialized stream, the psychologists should know their clients better and finally find the right solution to solve the problem Methods: The research method was mixed. In the qualitative, content analysis method was used and in the quantitative section, structural equation model was used. First, 11 interviews were conducted with experts in the field of sports psychology. In the latter stage, the number of samples was 108 (including 44 sports psychologists and 64 national team athletes). Qualitative and quantitative methods of descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation analysis were used for data analysis using PLS Smart 3.2 software. Results: Results indicated that the extracted categories in qualitative part of the study included personality traits, consulting skills, knowledge and expertise, professional ethics, sports knowledge, and cognitive ability. The exploratory factor analysis showed that communication skills component was replaced with the knowledge and expertise. Conclusions: According to the results, both sports consultants and athletes believed that characteristics and abilities of a good psychologist include consulting skills, personality traits, communication skills, cognitive skills, and professional ethics. However, regarding the variable of sports knowledge, the athletes emphasized this factor more and believed that an effective sports psychologist should have the necessary sports knowledge in the field.

“Are you here for performance or are you here for well-being?” Using participatory research to promote thriving in a British Olympic sport organization

To support the growing calls to safeguard athlete health and well-being in the pursuit of sporting success, empirical research into thriving may offer practitioners potential mechanisms to promote both outcomes simultaneously. Yet, given that elite sport environments are increasingly characterized as complex and volatile, applying theoretical knowledge is often not straightforward. In this novel study we aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by partnering with a sport psychologist to explore their experiences of promoting thriving within an Olympic sport organization. Using a participatory research approach in a typically inaccessible context, we sought to support the specific needs of the practitioner through a form of collaborative inquiry. Together, over a 9-month period, we navigated the complexities of translating knowledge into practice and present novel insights into the realities of effectively creating systems-level change. Namely, the need for practitioners to deftly negotiate complex interpersonal relationships and organizational cultures, and to democratize responsibility for psychological change to wider stakeholders. Regarding thriving, we demonstrate that the promotion of thriving requires an in-depth understanding of the athletic environment and organizational systems. Further, an array of athlete perspectives is needed when determining what contributes to and constitutes a thriving experience. Through our collaboration with an applied practitioner, this study makes a significant contribution toward bridging the gap between theory and practice. In doing so, we draw attention to the complex and challenging scenarios practitioners face when promoting change at an environmental level within elite sport organizations.

SYNERGY OF PHYSIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND TACTICS: KEY TO SUCCESS IN HANDBALL

This article highlights the unique experience of the development of handball in Australia. The study focuses on the participation of the Sydney Uni Handball Club team in the “Europe Tour 2024”, which is an important step towards international recognition and exchange of experience with leading European clubs. The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between physiological training, psychological stability, tactical flexibility and their contribution to the sports performance of the team. The object of study is the process of training in handball at the professional level. The subject of the study is the physiological aspects of training in the context of the specifics of the training process in handball. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological sources on the topic of the research, pedagogical observations. Research results. The authors analyze key aspects that influence team performance, including adaptation to new conditions, tactical flexibility, fatigue and recovery management, and the effectiveness of finishing attacks. Particular attention is paid to the impact of jet lag on the physical and cognitive functionality of the athletes, emphasizing the need to develop strategies to adapt to flights and time zone changes. The proposed measures are aimed at minimizing the negative impact of jet lag and increasing the competitiveness of the athletes at international competitions. The study highlights the role of tactical flexibility and cognitive adaptation in dynamic gaming environments. Attention is focused on how important it is for the athletes and the coaching staffs not only to develop a variety of tactical plans, but also the ability to reassess quickly the game situation and adapt to the strategies of the opponents in real time. This requires players not only to have a high level of physical fitness, but also to developed cognitive abilities such as attention, concentration under stress, pressure and uncertainty. Conclusions. Success in international competitions requires not only a high level of technical, tactical and physical preparation, but also the development of effective recovery strategies, adaptation to various competition conditions and psychophysiological stress management. The study contributes to the understanding of how little-known sports can develop and achieve significant success on the international stage, highlighting the importance of intercultural and sporting exchange in the globalized world. Thus, to achieve optimal results, teams need to implement training programs that stimulate the development of both physical and mental qualities of the athletes, preparing them for the high demands of competitive activity. The results of the study are of interest not only to specialists in the field of sports science, but also to coaches, sports psychologists and managers involved in the development of handball and other sports in conditions of limited popularity and resources.

Coaches Behaviour Towards Motivational Climate and Performance Satisfaction of College Volleyball Players in Guangdong China

Coaches plays a significant role on how an athlete behave, perform and act. Each coach utilizes different method and approach in coaching which describe their coaching behaviour. Coaching behavior represents the personal characteristics and attitudes of the coaches. The impact of coaching behaviour has been an extensive topic of study in sports psychology where continuous arguments on how coaching behaviour affects motivational climate and performance of the athletes. Therefore, the researcher in this study deemed to bridge the knowledge gap through identifying the impact of coaching behaviour, motivational climate and performance satisfaction of the climate and performance satisfaction of college volleyball players in Guangdong, China. In conducting the study, the researcher employed descriptive correlational design. Two hundred collegiate volleyball players in selected universities in Guangdong, Chine were selected through stratified simple random sampling technique as respondents of the study. Validated self-made questionnaire was used as the main instrument of the study in describing coaching behaviour of the team coaches in terms of action, belief and attitude, motivational climate in terms of task/mastery and ego-oriented climate and performance satisfaction in terms of individual, team and coach’s performance. The data was analyzed through the use of Pearson r. The result of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the coaching and the motivational climate within the team as perceived by the respondents. Furthermore, coaching behaviour is significantly related to performance satisfaction in terms of individual, team and coach’s performance. Finally, the study formulated a proposed program of action to better enhance the coaching behaviour of the volleyball team coaches.

Journeying into postqualitative inquiry: an exploration of the opportunities and tensions for graduate students in sport and exercise psychology

ABSTRACT Postqualitative inquiry (PQI) has emerged in recent years as a potential-filled approach to inquiry for researchers seeking to move beyond humanist paradigms such as postpositivism and interpretivism. PQI offers researchers exciting opportunities to shift from method-focused scholarship to theory-focused scholarship, amongst other moves. As a graduate student conducting research in sport and exercise psychology (SEP), PQI caught my (i.e., first author) attention and drew me into the dynamic whirlwind of immanence, materiality, and relationality. In the present commentary paper, the purpose is to explore the opportunities and tensions of PQI for SEP graduate students. Specifically, I do so by sharing my experiences engaging with PQI in attempts to help other SEP graduate students navigate their PQI journeys. The paper first situates what PQI is/is not and what it does, followed by some of the opportunities related to engaging in PQI, which include stimulating intellectual openness, working towards social justice, and addressing methodological critiques. Despite these opportunities, some tensions do exist, such as the labours of reading hard, onto-epistemological juggling, and the rush to application. In grappling with these opportunities and tensions, recommendations are offered to SEP graduate students who do decide to journey into PQI. These recommendations consist of reframing the return on investment as rhizomatic, remaining aware of the exclusionary effects of labelling PQI, and understanding the ramifications of a decentred human in SEP research. Concluding thoughts are offered in the form of reflections from both the first and second authors.