PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 2 Interview and Summary

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 8842 Applied Sport Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Ethical Considerations and Diversity in Sports Psychology

Abstract

Diversity and ethical challenges are inherent in the realm of sports psychology, affecting mental trainers, performance enhancement specialists, and psychologists regularly. Professionals in this field must consistently uphold ethical standards to address potential dilemmas effectively. This paper aims to explore methods for resolving ethical dilemmas in sports psychology, focusing on the well-being of professionals and athletes. Insights from a recent interview with Dr. James Giantomisino, a seasoned sports psychologist, will be analyzed to illustrate ethical decision-making processes.

Interview of a Sports Psychologist: Results from a Recent Interview with Dr. James Giantomisino

In a recent interview with Dr. James Giantomisino, a prominent figure in sports psychology, insights into the educational background and professional experiences were obtained. The interview aimed to delve into his interactions with athletes from diverse backgrounds and explore ethical dilemmas he encountered and their resolutions.

Question and Answer Summary of the Interview

The interview commenced with inquiries about Dr. Giantomisino’s educational journey and inspirations for pursuing sports psychology. Subsequently, discussions revolved around key principles in sports psychology, emphasizing transparency and building trusting relationships with athletes. Dr. Giantomisino shared instances of ethical dilemmas he faced, highlighting the importance of adhering to ethical standards and reporting misconduct to relevant authorities. Additionally, he recounted experiences involving diversity-related challenges and demonstrated how actions aligned with ethical principles can address such issues effectively.

Ethics and Diversity in Sports Psychology

Ethical considerations and diversity are intertwined in the athletic domain, necessitating adherence to established ethical guidelines such as those outlined by the American Psychological Association. Trust and respect are pivotal in navigating ethical dilemmas, often requiring tangible evidence to foster understanding. Competence and integrity are paramount in applied psychology, shaping perceptions of professionals’ reliability and credibility.

Conclusion

Insights from the interview underscore the prevalence of dilemmas in sports psychology and the importance of familiarizing oneself with ethical codes of conduct. Collaborative discussions with peers can offer valuable perspectives in resolving ethical challenges. Upholding ethical standards and maintaining open communication are crucial for fostering trust and achieving success in the field of sports psychology.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Washington, DC.

PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 2 Interview and Summary

Association for Applied Sport Psychology. (n.d.). Ethics code: AASP ethical principles and standards. Retrieved from http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/about/ethics/ethics-code/

Brown, J., & Cogan, K. (2006). Ethical clinical practice and sport psychology: When two worlds collide. Ethics & Behavior, 16(1), 15-23.

Greenfield, B. H., & West, C. R. (2012). Ethical issues in sports medicine: a review and justification for ethical decision making and reasoning. Sports Health, 4(6), 475–479.

Zakrajsek, R., & Steinfeldt, J. (2013). NCAA division I Coaches’ perceptions and preferred use of sports psychology services: A qualitative perspective. The Sports Psychologist, 27, 258-268.

Appendix A: Interview with a Sports Psychologist

Interviewer: John Smith (Matt), Capella University
Interviewee: Dr. James Giantomisino (Dr. G), RCGC
Date: April 17, 2020

Matt: Good morning, Dr. Giantomisino, I hope you are doing well today.
Dr. G: Yes, I am. It’s a pleasure to be able to converse with you about a subject we both hold dear. I have a passion for athletics and an eagerness to educate youth about them, as well as how sports intersect with life.
Matt: Indeed, that shared passion is crucial. I’m glad to hear we have it in common.
Matt: I’d like to begin by asking about your field of psychology. Could you share what your degree is in and what motivated you to pursue further study in this field?
Dr. G: Following my undergraduate studies at North Central College and graduate studies at North Texas University in Psychology, I pursued a doctorate in Sports Psychology from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Understanding the workings of the mind has always fascinated me. Combining that with my love for sports made pursuing this path a natural choice.
Matt: That’s a compelling connection. Sports and life indeed share profound links. How have you been engaged in the realm of athletics?

PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 2 Interview and Summary

Dr. G: My journey in athletics began with studying physical education in college. After graduation, I served as an assistant coach for the UIC men’s basketball team before assuming the head coaching position at Rowan University. Subsequently, I continued my coaching career at the Universities of Maine and LaSalle. Returning to my academic roots, I then assumed the role of interim Athletic Director at RCGC.
Matt: It appears you’ve held diverse roles and interacted with a broad spectrum of athletes. Would you agree?
Dr. G: Absolutely. Moving across the country allowed me to engage with athletes of various backgrounds, irrespective of race, gender, or ethnicity. I cherished the opportunity to continue doing what I love.
Matt: In your view, what are a few fundamental principles in sports and sport psychology?
Dr. G: Clarity, openness, and genuine care are paramount. Coaches, whom I consider synonymous with teachers, must maintain transparency with their players and stakeholders. Without clear intentions, trust cannot be established.
Matt: Ethics are undoubtedly significant in sports. Particularly at the collegiate level, how do you perceive their role?
Dr. G: Ethics are integral, especially in collegiate athletics. Upholding standards of honesty and integrity builds trust, a quality essential for success, both on and off the field.
Matt: Without divulging specifics, have you ever encountered an ethical dilemma in your roles as a coach or athletic director? If so, how was it addressed?
Dr. G: Ethical dilemmas have arisen at times. Once, I was approached to bend the rules for a prospective athlete. I couldn’t compromise my principles, so I reported the incident to the appropriate ethics panel for resolution.
Matt: Your commitment to doing what’s right is evident.
Dr. G: Indeed.
Matt: Can you recount an instance when managing a diverse population posed challenges in your role as a sports psychologist or coach?
Dr. G: Certainly. During my time coaching a community rec team, the racial composition stirred controversy. Despite facing resistance, I let the team’s performance speak for itself, ultimately changing perceptions.
Matt: Your approach underscores the power of actions over prejudice.
Dr. G: Precisely.
Matt: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. G. It’s been illuminating to gain perspective from your experiences in the athletic realm.
Dr. G: It’s my pleasure. I’m always happy to impart wisdom gleaned from my journey.