PSY FPX 8845 Assessment 4 Informational Interview

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 8845 Current Issues in Sport Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Mental Training in Athletics: An Emerging Paradigm

Abstract

Mental training has become an indispensable therapeutic modality for athletes seeking to surmount challenges both within their sport and in their personal lives. This paper explores the burgeoning trend of mental athletic training, drawing insights from an informal interview. It examines the current landscape of sports psychology, hurdles faced by professionals, technological advancements in mental training therapy, and strategies for addressing multicultural diversity within this domain.

Mental Training Proficiencies: Exploring the Nuances with Professional Athletes

The realm of sports psychology is rapidly progressing, driven by societal prioritization of sports excellence and performance. Athletes face escalating pressure to excel, leading to a heightened demand for sports psychologists to optimize their potential (American Psychological Association, 2020). This trend extends beyond on-field performance to encompass various facets of performance psychology, signaling an increasing need for specialized professionals in this arena (American Psychological Association, 2020).

Justification for Mental Skills Training in Sports Psychology

The imperative for athletes to attain elite performance levels has catalyzed the adoption of Psychological Skills Training (PST), commonly referred to as mental training. PST involves the systematic cultivation of psychological skills to augment athletic performance (Einarsson, Kristjansdottir, & Saavedra, 2020). Athletes across diverse levels seek PST to surmount psychological barriers such as performance anxiety and mental fatigue, with the aim of optimizing individual and team performance.

Emergent Trends and Interventions

PST encompasses three pivotal phases: education, acquisition, and implementation. Athletes undergo training to acquire knowledge and implement mental techniques, thereby enhancing task performance (Einarsson, Kristjansdottir, & Saavedra, 2020). Insights gleaned from an interview with a Mental Skills Trainer underscore the significance of mental training in contemporary sports, with techniques like imagery, deep breathing exercises, and positive self-talk constituting integral components of professional athletes’ daily regimens.

Ethical Dilemmas and Considerations

The proliferation of mental training therapies precipitates ethical deliberations, particularly concerning confidentiality, competence, and informed consent. Cultivating trust between athletes and trainers is paramount, necessitating transparent communication and adherence to ethical norms (Greenfield & West, 2018). Upholding confidentiality and treating athletes impartially are fundamental principles delineated by the American Psychological Association (2019), underscoring the imperative of ethical conduct in sports psychology.

Developmental Blueprint and Objectives in Sports Psychology

A structured developmental roadmap is imperative for aspiring sports psychologists. Specialization in mental performance consulting, coupled with attainment of certifications, demands rigorous training and mentorship (Vealey, 2019). Remaining abreast of research developments and fostering networks with professionals in the field are indispensable for continual growth and proficiency in psychological skills training.

Conclusion

The evolution of mental training in athletics underscores a burgeoning acknowledgment of its transformative potential in augmenting performance and well-being. Aspiring sports psychologists must embrace continual learning and ethical practice to effectively bolster athletes in attaining their objectives.

PSY FPX 8845 Assessment 4 Informational Interview

References

American Psychological Association. (1953). Ethical standards of psychologists. American Psychological Association.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Hot careers: Sports Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2012/11/sport-psychoogy

Einarsson, E., Kristjansdottir, H., & Saavedra, J. (2020). Relationship between elite athletes’ psychological skills and their training in those skills. Nordic Psychology, 72(1), 23-32.

Greenfield, B. & West, C. (2018). Ethical issues in sports medicine: a review and justification for ethical decision making and reasoning. Sports health, 4(6), 475–479. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738112459327

Out Run Your Excuses. (2019). Epic run. Retrieved from https://outrunyourexcuses.wordpress.com/2016/02/28/mental-toughness-is-finding-fuelin-an-empty-tank/

PSY FPX 8845 Assessment 4 Informational Interview

Vealey, R. (2019). Future directions in psychological skills training. The Sports Psychologist, 2(4), 318-336.