Psychological Skills Training (PST): History, Phases, Myths, and Mental Toughness

PST (Psychological Skills Training)

Systemic, consistent practice of mental skills for purpose of enhancing performance, enjoyment, or self-satisfaction

What does PST consist of?

Behavior modification, CBT, REBT, Goal Setting, Attention control, PMR, Systemic desensitization

When did PST begin?

Soviet Union, 1950's

What did the Soviet Union do with PST?

1. Used with national teams and coaches

2. Focused on arousal control, attention focusing, distraction control, and goal setting

Why would some neglect PST?

1. Lack of knowledge

2. Misunderstanding

3. Lack of time, lack of discipline

Which athletes are most successful?

The ones with more developed psychological skills

What do Psychological Factors account for?

Day-to-day fluctuations in performance

Phases of PST

1. Education

2. Acquisition

3. Practice

Education Phase

buy-in (and gain trust), understanding "why", background skills, history

Acquisition Phase

learning phase, formal educational sessions, individual educational and planning (goal) sessions

Practice Phase (objectives)

1. automate skills via overtraining

2. integrate skills into training sessions

3. simulate specific skills for competition

Problems with implementation

lack of credibility/conviction, lack of time, lack of sport knowledge, lack of follow-up

Problem-Athletes Myth

PST is only for athletes with "problems"

Elite-Athletes Myth

PST is exclusive to and reserved for elite athletes

The Quick-Fix Myth

PST provides quick-fix solutions to complex problems

Non-Useful Myth

PST has no practical value or real impact on performance

Mental Toughness (4-C Approach)

Control, Commitment, Challenge, Confidence

What is Control in mental toughness?

how you handle things

What is Commitment in mental toughness?

being deeply involved despite problems

What is Challenge in mental toughness?

seeing threats as opportunities

What is Confidence in mental toughness?

constant belief despite problems

How do athletes typically ascribe their thoughness?

Accidental Factors (sibling rivalries, good parents, motivational environments, tough practices, rough childhoods)

How does the development of toughness increase?

Coaching Techniques (practice types, pressure simulation, instructional & supportive feedback)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

therapy aimed at changing irrational beliefs