Sports Psychology - Essay Example

?Sports Psychology Table of Contents Case History 3 Background 3 Key Challenges Observed in the Case 4 Findings of the Case 4 Diagnosis 6 Mental Skills and its Influence on Self Confidence and Physique Anxiety 6 Self-Determination Theory 8 Conclusion 12 References 13 Weinberg, R. & Gould, D., 2010. Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics. 15 Bibliography 16 Case History Background Various studies have revealed that workplace has a considerable affect on the sport psychology of the workers (Dishman & et al., 2009). One such example can be identified in the case of Client A, a 29-year old male junior project manager in a multinational software developing company for almost two years. As he needs to work for five days from Monday to Friday and for 12 hours each day, it becomes quite difficult for him to continue with adequate physical exercise on a regular basis. Moreover, Client A is required to travel away for work frequently which again provides perceived barrier to the performance of regular exercises. Client A used to perform physical exercise regularly before joining the organization. Recently, he noticed an increase in body weight and reduction in the energy and enthusiasm in work. He was also becoming more stressed at the workplace because he was no longer able to devote sufficient time to his health which in turn started hampering his performance. The organisation encourages continuous professional development of their employees including constant monitoring and counselling by the prospective senior officials. In one of the counselling sessions, the senior project manager found that the client was experiencing high levels of stress as a result of not being able to make sufficient time for personal development including regular physical exercise. Thus, he advised Client A to consult a sport psychologist who would efficiently guide him in maintaining his body fitness without compromising with his job responsibilities. Key Challenges Observed in the Case It is well-identifiable from the aforementioned case that the absence of physical exercise was creating a mental pressure on Client A signifying the effect of exercise on the mental health of a person. It was stronger in the current case as a result of Client A’s previous involvement in regular practitioner of physical exercise and has already been aware of its positive affects. This in turn influences his self-determination (the will to achieve a desired goal), self-confidence (the belief to achieve a desired performance) and physical anxiety (nervousness felt by an individual regarding his/her physical ability) to a certain extent (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). Due to the decrease in these factors, he tends to display emotional outburst in the workplace and possess an increased stress level. When first employed by the organisation, he was recognised as a consistent performer which is now noticeably reducing due to his increased stress levels and the resultant behaviour. Therefore, the key challenges for the sports psychologist are to determine ways in which Client A can participate in regular physical activity without compromising with his job responsibilities. These interventions should be based within the cognitive and humanistic approaches. In this regard, analyzing the various aspects regarding Client A’s psychological influence can also be termed a key challenge. Findings of the Case According to the self-determination theory, external environmental factors have a strong influence on the mental health of a person which determines their readiness for physical exercise (Ryan & Deci, 2007). The readiness can be further defined as autonomy, competence and relatedness (Ryan & Deci, 2007). It is worth mentioning that the various facets of self-determination theory are intrinsically related to the (Ryan & Deci, 2007). In order to implement the theory in the real practise to identify the various psychological and cognitive factors influencing Client A’s readiness to physical exercise, the psychologist implemented repetitive personal interview sessions and motivate him for self-talk. This will not only minimise the level of stress that he is facing currently in the workplace but also increase his self-confidence and physical anxiety (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). This in turn will increase his intrinsic motivation to search for an appropriate timing for physical exercise. The sports psychologist framed the interview sessions concentrated on Client A’s past and present experiences regarding his physical activity in order to identify the level of physical anxiety he possesses (Carr, 2006). The sessions were both held individually with Client A and also within a group with other people facing similar kind of challenges. Moreover, the sports psychologist also considered that physical anxiety will assist him in recognising Client A’s self-determination to attain his previous level of physical fitness as he had earlier. Thus, the findings will influence Client A’s self-confidence to a large extent rewarding him greater benefit from the sessions. Diagnosis Mental Skills and its Influence on Self Confidence and Physique Anxiety The initial focus of the psychologist was to recognise the metal skills of John. It is due to the fact that in sports psychology, it is believed that mental awareness and readiness regarding the regular practice of physical exercise plays a crucial role in determining the behaviour of the subject (Carr, 2006). With its virtue, the assessment of metal skills is termed to be quite beneficial in sports and exercise psychology and is often implied by sports psychologists in their studies (Carr, 2006). According to the study of Behncke (2004), mental skills of a person depend largely on his self mastery which again depends on his self knowledge. In the case of Client A, a considerable amount of significance needs to be provided in order to develop his mental skills which will assist him to control his emotional outbursts and manage his stress in the workplace. With this concern, his self knowledge should be developed with proper motivation strategies (Behncke, 2004). As stated by Behncke (2004), the development of mental skills of a person requires patience and trust in oneself. This can be attained through efficient motivation (Behncke, 2004). Few of the noteworthy motivation techniques that are often used by the practitioners are extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation refers to the involvement of external rewards in terms of prize money, trophies and others, whereas, intrinsic motivation intends to develop the psychological aspects of the person and enhance his self-awareness regarding the matter (Behncke, 2004). Based on this thought, in order to diagnose the mental skills of Client A, intrinsic motivation is developed by the psychologist through direct conversations, both individually and in group. With an in-depth perspective, it is quite apparent that providing extrinsic rewards would be somewhat irrelevant and less effective in this case, as it is more applicable in motivating athletes on field (Hagger & Chatzisarantis, 2007). Recent studies have revealed that well developed mental skills can enhance an individual’s self-confidence and vice-versa (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). Self-confidence also influences the physique anxiety among individuals (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). As stated by Neil & et al. (2006), psychological skills or mental skills possesses a strong impact on the behavioural components which in turn assist a person to control his/her stress, competency and self-determination. Thus, mental skills have a string influence on the self-confidence of the people (Neil & et al., 2006). Furthermore, according to Woodman & Steer (2010), psychological skills and physical anxiety are interlinked, determining the self-confidence and the goal of the person. As stated by these authors, depression and low self-esteem plays a major role as the influencing factors of physique anxiety, which are also identifiable as two most crucial facets of mental skills and self-confidence (Woodman & Steer, 2010). Based on these thoughts, the psychologist intended to conduct a motivational interview, through which it would be possible to recognise the mental skills of Client A. One of the mental skills of Client A is his frequency of getting stressed or depressed which largely hampers his self-confidence as can be witnessed from the decline in his performance. However, with an intention to study these factors in-depth in the current case study, the psychologist concentrated on the implication of self-determination theory which will be elaborated in the following discussion. Self-Determination Theory Deci & Ryan (2008) state that self-determination theory is an empirical approach to motivating people to participate in physical exercise regularly. It also concentrates on the development of the individual’s psychological skills in order to enhance their wellness (Deci & Ryan, 2008). In this regard, the theory focuses on the implication of intrinsic motivation which is also referred to as autonomous motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2008). One of the major advantages that the theory provides to the psychologists is concerned with its consideration of social environmental factors (Deci & Ryan, 2008). The study conducted by Raedeke & et al. (2007) reveals the fact that social environmental factors have a significant affect on the physique anxiety of an individual. Although, the research study was based on the psychological skills of females, it is also applicable to men in the modern day context (Raedeke & et al., 2007). When Client A used to participate in regular physical exercise, he had his desired physique with normal weight. But after he discontinued participation of regular exercise, he started to gain weight, which according to his mental skills, led him backward in terms of social fondness (Raedeke & et al., 2007). Social fondness can be defined as the psychological support provided by the local community of an individual (Tubilleja, 2003). Thus, the implication of self-determination theory in this case has been of great advantage. Another characteristic of self-determination theory which can be apparently identified is its significant consideration to the aspect of motivational interview (Edmunds & et al., 2007). In this regard, the theory is based on three different psychological needs which are defined as autonomy, competence and relatedness (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). Analysing the social environmental factors, self-determining theory intends to examine the autonomous support gained by the individual from various factors (Edmunds & et al., 2007). It is worth mentioning that Client A was also autonomously motivated by the senior project manager and his other companions in the workplace. Due to this reason Client A opted to attend the interview sessions and develop an effective plan which would assist him to maintain his dedication towards his work and also provide him with sufficient opportunity for physical exercise. This in turn will certainly increase the competency of Client A both socially and professionally. Subsequently, with higher competency the self-confidence of Client A is also likely to become enhanced which will ensure better involvement of him in the socio-demographic environment (Edmunds & et al., 2007). Thus, the implication of motivational interview will ultimately improve his psychological skills with enhanced self-confidence and influence him to increase his relatedness (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). With an overall perspective it can be stated that the implication of self-determination theory in this case will be highly beneficial to motivate Client A and develop his mental skills along with the enhancement of his wellness. However, there are a few limitations possessed by motivational interviewing or intrinsic interviewing pragmatically. According to Miller & Rollnick (2002), one of the major limitations possessed by the self-determination theory is that it lacks in describing ‘how’ is it going to motivate the person and ‘why’ is it intending to do so. In other words, the theory lacks in a well-structured framework providing the practitioner a wide scope to comprehensively frame his/her study. Furthermore, the theory lacks in providing a complete and in-depth description regarding what the person should do to participate in the physical exercise and how to do it (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). The theory, rather, focuses on providing unambiguous advices assisting the individual to develop his skills (Miller & Rollnick, 2002). Despite these limitations, the implication of self-determining theory can be stated as highly beneficial in motivating people for further participation in the physical exercise (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). In the case of Client A, the psychologist seemed to provide great significance to the aspects providing due consideration to the principals of the theory. The questionnaire designed by him was apparently focused on Client A’s requirements of development. As stated by Markland & et al. (2005), the client often possesses conflicting motivation requirements which on one hand inspires them to adopt a change in their lifestyle and on the other hand demonstrates their reluctance towards change. It is in this context, that the self-determination theory seeks to provide sufficient assistance to the client in determining a particular motivation which can be attained through motivational interviewing (Markland & et al., 2005). Therefore, it is highly essential for the psychologists to provide considerable attention in motivating the client to confirm his/her motivation and progress further to suggest appropriate measures to the clients (Markland & et al., 2005). Conclusion Undoubtedly, in Client A’s case the leadership role of the psychologist possesses a significant influence on his psychological behaviour and wellness. As is apparent from the description of the case, Client A is quite stressed regarding his increasing weight and social impression. Effective motivation in this concern can be quite beneficial, subject to the leadership styles adapted by the psychologist (Bray & et al., 2004). The psychologist in this case adopted a leadership state which would be quite beneficial to recognise the motivational requirements of Client A in a friendly ambience. Rather than accomplishing a consultant-client relationship, the psychologist was focused on creating a responsive behaviour towards Client A which effectively supported him to disclose his mental skills. This in turn increased the efficacy of the implemented theory and assisted the psychologist to advice him few advantageous measures to participate in physical exercise. Client A was suggested to participate in physical exercise for only an hour per day and gradually increase it according to his comfort in order to maintain a balance with his job responsibilities. Furthermore, he was advised to focus on exercising with lighter instruments which could be carried by him wherever he went, so that he would not fail to exercise whilst travelling as well. After three months Client A’s performance seemed to be improving with an evident reduction in his stress level. References Bray, S. R., Millen, J. A., Eidsness, J., & Leuzinger, C., (2004). The Effects of Leadership Style and Exercise Program Choreography on Enjoyment and Intentions to Exercise. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Vol: xx, pp. 1-11. Carr, C. M., (2006). Sport Psychology: Psychologic Issues and Applications. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, Vol: 17, pp. 519–535. Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M., (2008). Self-Determination Theory: A Macrotheory of Human Motivation, Development, and Health. Canadian Psychological Association. Vol: 49, pp. 182–185. Dishman, R. K., DeJoy, D. M., Wilson, M. G., & Vandenberg, R. J., (2009). Move to Improve: A Randomized Workplace Trial to Increase Physical Activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol: 2, pp. 133–141. Edmunds, J. K., Ntoumanis, N., & Duda, J. L, (2007). Perceived Autonomy Support and Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise. Human Kinetics. Hagger, M. & Chatzisarantis, N., (2007). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Exercise and Sport. Human Kinetics. Markland, D., Ryan, R. M., Tobin, V. J., & Rollnick, S., (2005). Motivational Interviewing and Self–Determination Theory. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 24, pp. 811-831. Miller, W. R. & Rollnick, S., (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change. Guilford Press. Neil, R., Mellalieu, S. D. & Hanton, S., (2006). Psychological Skills Usage and the Competitive Anxiety Response as a Function of Skill Level in Rugby Union. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Vol: 5, pp. 415-423. Raedeke, T. D., Focht, B. C. & Scales, D., (2007). Social Environmental Factors and Psychological Responses to Acute Exercise for Socially Physique Anxious Females. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Vol: 8, pp. 463-476. Ryan, R. M. & Deci, E. L., (2007). Active Human Nature: Self Determination Theory and the Promotion and Maintenance of Sport, Exercise and Health. University of Rochester. Tubilleja, K., 2003. Sport Psychology Strategies, Types of Social Support, and Adherence to Injury Rehabilitation among University Student-Athletes. College of Human Resources and Education at West Virginia University. [Online] Available at: http://wvuscholar.wvu.edu:8881//exlibris/dtl/d3_1/apache_media/L2V4bGlicmlzL2R0bC9kM18xL2FwYWNoZV9tZWRpYS82Nzky.pdf [Accessed May 4, 2011]. Weinberg, R. & Gould, D., 2010. Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics. Woodman, T. & Steer, R., (2010). Body Self-Discrepancies and Women’s Social Physique Anxiety: The Moderating Role of the Feared Body. British Journal of Psychology. Bibliography Carron, A. V., Hausenblas, H. A., & Diane, M., (1996). Social Influence and Exercise: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, Vol: 18, pp. 1-16. Carver, C. S., Lawrence, J. W., Scheier, M. 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Simons, J., Dewitte, S. & Lens, W., (2003). “Do It For Me. Do It For Yourself!” Stressing the Personal Relevance Enhances Personal Motivation in Physical Education. Journal of Sports and Exercise Psychology, Vol: 25, pp. 145-160. Read More