Sport Psychology Intervention Essay

Joe Bolton – Psychology Intervention 4000-word Essay

Introduction

Sport psychology was defined by the European federation of sport psychology as the study of psychological basis, processes and effects of sport. Gross (2005) defined psychology as the science of mind and behaviour. There is no single definition regarding being a sport psychologist, however the European federation of Sport psychology (1996) stated three areas which psychologists should be competent in, they include research, education and application. Research analyses all areas of sport psychology, education teaches athletes and students about sport psychology and application includes analysing psychological problems and applying an intervention. Cherry (2017) believed that

The role of the student practitioner within this case study is to help an athlete struggling with confidence, this study analyses the individual, his performance and a suitable intervention strategy created to help the athlete overcome his problem. The athlete is a rugby player at his local club, he has played there for 5 years having previously played at university. The athlete’s main problem is his lack of confidence during matches, he believes this is because he is one of the oldest members of the team meaning he does not have the physical fitness to be able to compete at the level he desires. This case study model of consultancy was structured using Bull’s (1989) framework. Bull’s framework titled ‘ The Four – Phase Framework consists on Phase 1, building rapport, Phase 2, formulating psychological profile, Phase 3, Developing mental training programme and Phase 4, Evaluation and crisis intervention. By using a triangulated approach this allows the sport practitioner to gain insight from other sources such as team mates and

The significant challenge when conducting this process is ethical concerns, this can be classed as role relationships and confidentiality, Brown and Cogan (2006). Moore (2003) believed several topics were related to ethics, they included, confidentiality, consent and practising within legal boundaries. Huang and Hung (2008) believed the term ethics was an awareness of knowledge and believes in a professional capacity. Ethics regarding sport psychology is a wide area of discussion, Durant (1973) focuses on the right and wrong when conducting research, whilst Bennett (2006) believes in minimising harm to the client. Sport psychologists often entails assisting the athlete in their pursuit of personal goals, a key factor of the relationship between the sport psychologist and athlete is to provide a safe and secure place which allows the athlete to discuss information with freedom, Katz and Hemming (2009). The key to an effective relationship is developing effective