PSY FPX 6840 Assessment 4 An Informational Interview with Dr. John Lesaine

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6840 Current Issues in Sport Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Sport Psychology and Social Identity

The domain of sport psychology has conventionally concentrated on enhancing athletes’ physical prowess to optimize their performance in sports. However, an often overlooked dimension is the plethora of stressors individuals may face even before attaining competitive levels. Particularly during adolescence, the quest for social belonging becomes paramount as youths negotiate shifts in their self-concept while transitioning from the protected environment of home to the social milieu of peers (Chamberlain et al., 2021). Interactions with friends and society significantly mold their self-perception and performance.

State of the Field

Dr. John Lesaine, a distinguished figure in the Department of Sport Professions at Newberry College, brings a wealth of experience as a sport psychology consultant working directly with athletes. His educational background, including a B.S. in Sport Management from Newberry College, an M.S. in Sport Psychology from Capella University, and an Ed.D. in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy, underscores his expertise (Chamberlain et al., 2021). In our exchange of information, Dr. Lesaine explored the intersection of sport psychology and social identity, particularly among youth and professional athletes. Social identity, as defined by Chamberlain et al. (2021), constitutes an integral part of an individual’s self-concept, shaped by their membership in social groups and the emotional significance attached to it.

Applications and Interventions

Dr. Lesaine advocates for the technique of “probing” as a primary application of sport psychology in his interactions with student athletes and professionals. By employing a series of targeted questions, he fosters a comfortable environment to delve into underlying issues affecting athletes, distinguishing between sport-related and off-field challenges (Karamitrou et al., 2017). The ultimate objective is to cultivate a foundation for positive self-talk, a pivotal aspect of athletic performance enhancement (Lefebvre et al., 2022).

Additionally, Dr. Lesaine underscores the significance of social identity in athletes’ career transitions post-retirement. The cessation of an elite sports career often triggers a profound loss of identity, necessitating support during this potentially isolating phase (Edwards, 2021). Leveraging technology, such as apps and social media, offers innovative avenues for athletes to explore and reinforce their identities, albeit with ethical considerations regarding confidentiality (Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2021).

Developmental Plans and Goals

As an African American male, I acknowledge the emotional toll of racial injustices and aim to leverage my experiences to foster empathy and support for athletes irrespective of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Recognizing the detrimental effects of rigid masculine norms on men’s mental health, I aspire to facilitate an environment where athletes can express themselves authentically (O’Neil, 2008).

To chart a successful career path in sport psychology, I intend to engage in continuous learning and self-assessment, aligning with recommendations from APA Division 47 for competency-based development (Fletcher & Maher, 2013). Dr. Lesaine’s advice to connect theory with practice resonates deeply, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to addressing athletes’ needs.

Conclusion

The nexus between social identity crises and sport psychology demands concerted efforts to bridge gaps and provide comprehensive support for athletes. By equipping myself with the requisite tools and empathy, I endeavor to empower athletes to navigate their identities confidently, fostering a culture of acceptance and authenticity in sports.

References

Association for Applied Sport Psychology. (2021). ETHICS CODE: AASP Ethical Principles and Standards. Retrieved from https://appliedsportpsych.org/about-the-association-for-applied-sportpsychology/ethics/ethics-code/

Chamberlain, J. J., Hall, C. R., & Benson, A. J. (2021). How team socialization processes relate to youth ice hockey players’ social identity strength and cohesion. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 10(4), 475–488. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000262.supp

PSY FPX 6840 Assessment 4 An Informational Interview with Dr. John Lesaine

Edwards, A. (2021). A parallel journey: The varied roles of coaching in an elite athlete’s transition to a second career. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, Spec Iss 15, 154–170.

Fletcher, D., & Maher, J. (2013). Toward a competency-based understanding of the training and development of applied sport psychologists. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 2(4), 265–280. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031976

Karamitrou, A., Comoutos, N., Hatzigeorgiadis, A., & Theodorakis, Y. (2017). A self-determination approach to understanding of athletes’ automatic self-talk. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 6(4), 340–354. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000104

Lefebvre, J. P., Sadler, P., Hall, A., & Woody, E. (2022). The interpersonal nature of self-talk: Variations across individuals and occasions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000405.supp

PSY FPX 6840 Assessment 4 An Informational Interview with Dr. John Lesaine

O’Neil, J. M. (2008). Summarizing 25 years of research on men’s gender role conflict using the Gender Role Conflict Scale: New research paradigms and clinical implications. The Counseling Psychologist, 36, 358–445. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000008317057