Chapter 12 Psychological Skills Training

Introduction to Psychological Skills Training

Definition and Myths

• Psychological Skills Training (PST) involves developing mental skills that enhance athletes' performance. Common myths include it being exclusively for elite athletes or problem cases, providing quick fixes, and being useless.

Objectives

• Define PST

• Identify the knowledge base of PST

• Discuss mental toughness and its development

• Examine psychological self-regulation

Importance of PST

• Psychological factors account for the fluctuations in athletic performance, yet athletes train these skills minimally.

Mental Toughness

Definition

• An athlete's ability to focus, rebound from failure, cope with pressure, and persist through adversities.

4C Model

• Control: Manage multiple responsibilities while influencing outcomes.

• Commitment: Engage deeply in goal pursuit despite challenges.

• Challenge: View threats as growth opportunities.

• Confidence: Maintain self-belief even after setbacks.

Dark Side of Mental Toughness

• While often seen positively, it can result in overtraining, injuries, and reluctance to seek mental health help.

Barriers to Psychological Skills

• Psychological skills are neglected due to:

  • Lack of knowledge regarding their teaching.

  • Misconceptions about the learnability of these skills.

  • Limited time available for training.

Psychological Skills Training for Special Populations

• Essential to build trust, work at the individual's understanding level, and keep sessions enjoyable and simple.

Knowledge Base of PST

Key Factors Affecting Success

• Successful athletes typically exhibit:

  • Higher confidence

  • Better self-regulation of arousal

  • Improved communication skills

  • Positive thoughts and commitment

Effectiveness of PST

• Educationally based PST enhances performance when tailored individually and implemented systematically over time.

Principles of Goal Setting

• Create a balanced approach with long-term, short-term, and daily goals that are challenging yet achievable.

Three Phases of PST

Education Phase

• Teach the importance of psychological skills and their impact on performance, enhancing awareness with traffic light signals for mental states.

Acquisition Phase

• Focus on techniques specific to individual needs while also providing general group information.

Practice Phase

• Progress from practice sessions to real competitions, automating skills through repetition and feedback.

Application Beyond Sport

• Skills from sport psychology can be applied in various professions, including healthcare and emergency services.

Self-Regulation in PST

• The ultimate goal of PST is enabling athletes to self-monitor and manage their goals effectively.

Designing a PST Program

• Assess mental skills, include relevant psychological skills, and structure a schedule for PST sessions.

Evaluating the Program

• Use various assessments to ensure program effectiveness and address any issues that arise.

Effective vs. Ineffective Consultants

Ineffective Consultants

• Poor interpersonal skills, lack of sensitivity, and reliance on a fixed approach.

Effective Consultants

• Accessible, adaptable, and possess the ability to build rapport and trust with athletes.