A Reflection on the Process of Incorporating Psychological Skills Training Within Strength and Conditioning Programming and Future Implications for Service Delivery

Date of Award

Spring 6-15-2018

Document Type

Masters Research Paper

Degree Name

M.A. in Sport & Performance Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Artur Poczwardowski

Second Advisor

Lyndsey Seewald

Third Advisor

Jonathon L. Rowe

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Psychological skills training, Strength and conditioning, Service delivery

Abstract

Utilizing a holistic approach to performance training in numerous sports is supported by research (Asken, Christiansen, & Sell, 2016; Strean & Strozzi-Heckler, 2009), but few reports examine the implementation of psychological skills training (PST) for athletes within strength and conditioning (S&C). The benefits of using an approach that implements PST with S&C are, for example, more direct connections to and greater engagements with physical and psychological training, consistent exposure to PST, and more opportunities for direct interaction with a performance consultant throughout PST (Asken, Christiansen, & Sell, 2016). Teaching PST with S&C also provides a more efficient SPP service delivery model for sport and performance consultants (SPC) and their clients because it promotes increased accessibility of services by using a singular location without diminishing the benefits of utilizing a holistic approach to performance training. The purpose of this project was to reflect on the first author’s personal experiences as an SPC implementing an eight-week long PST program alongside S&C programming. The SPC chose to employ a collaborative approach to implement the PST program, specifically highlighting the usefulness of incorporating a peer mentor (PM) as a mechanism for consistent feedback throughout implementation. Based on the recommendations for self-reflective practice (Gibbs, 1988), this report will apply the case study approach and will focus on the following: (a) the viability of training PST for sport performance within an S&C setting, (b) the lead consultant’s experience of receiving peer mentorship during such the program’s implementation, and (c) the experience of the peer mentor in providing mentorship to a fellow student practitioner. The authors present areas for future research and implications for practical application.

Copyright Date

5-2018

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Stephanie M. Hale

Provenance

Received from Authors

File Format

applications/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

44 pgs

File Size

691 KB

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