Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is suggested as the primary mental shift athletes should make regarding their failures?
What is suggested as the primary mental shift athletes should make regarding their failures?
What are perfectionistic concerns primarily associated with?
What are perfectionistic concerns primarily associated with?
Which thought pattern exemplifies black-and-white thinking in perfectionism?
Which thought pattern exemplifies black-and-white thinking in perfectionism?
What approach can consultants take to help athletes manage perfectionism?
What approach can consultants take to help athletes manage perfectionism?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of perfectionistic concerns?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of perfectionistic concerns?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the intended outcome of assessing perfectionistic tendencies in athletes?
What is the intended outcome of assessing perfectionistic tendencies in athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of thinking is characterized by the belief that losing could mean devastation?
What type of thinking is characterized by the belief that losing could mean devastation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which behavior might indicate a tendency toward perfectionism?
Which behavior might indicate a tendency toward perfectionism?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a consequence of obstacles in sports participation for athletes?
What is a consequence of obstacles in sports participation for athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
How does self-identity relate to an athlete's performance?
How does self-identity relate to an athlete's performance?
Signup and view all the answers
What can contribute to the development of overinvestment in athletes?
What can contribute to the development of overinvestment in athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the nature of self-identity as described?
What is the nature of self-identity as described?
Signup and view all the answers
What emotions are athletes likely to experience when their athletic identity is threatened?
What emotions are athletes likely to experience when their athletic identity is threatened?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor affecting athletes' self-identity?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor affecting athletes' self-identity?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key aspect of how overinvestment manifests in athletes?
What is a key aspect of how overinvestment manifests in athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
How can support from parents and coaches affect athletes facing obstacles?
How can support from parents and coaches affect athletes facing obstacles?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential effect of overinvestment in sports on an athlete's emotional responses?
What is a potential effect of overinvestment in sports on an athlete's emotional responses?
Signup and view all the answers
According to Erikson, when does self-identity typically emerge?
According to Erikson, when does self-identity typically emerge?
Signup and view all the answers
What does identity foreclosure involve for an athlete?
What does identity foreclosure involve for an athlete?
Signup and view all the answers
How can diversifying an athlete's self-identity impact their sports performance?
How can diversifying an athlete's self-identity impact their sports performance?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one likely outcome of a healthy investment in sport for athletes?
What is one likely outcome of a healthy investment in sport for athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
What does McAdams suggest about the nature of self-identity?
What does McAdams suggest about the nature of self-identity?
Signup and view all the answers
What emotional state is likely to characterize athletes who are overly invested in their sport?
What emotional state is likely to characterize athletes who are overly invested in their sport?
Signup and view all the answers
What can athletes achieve by setting themselves up for success through a healthy perspective?
What can athletes achieve by setting themselves up for success through a healthy perspective?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary goal that consultants should encourage perfectionistic athletes to adopt instead of perfection?
What is the primary goal that consultants should encourage perfectionistic athletes to adopt instead of perfection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common misconception among perfectionistic athletes regarding goal-setting?
What is a common misconception among perfectionistic athletes regarding goal-setting?
Signup and view all the answers
Which aspect of perfectionistic striving can actually bolster athletic performance according to the content?
Which aspect of perfectionistic striving can actually bolster athletic performance according to the content?
Signup and view all the answers
In addressing the psychological aspects of perfectionism, what should athletes be encouraged to remove from their vocabulary?
In addressing the psychological aspects of perfectionism, what should athletes be encouraged to remove from their vocabulary?
Signup and view all the answers
What important perspective should consultants help perfectionistic athletes to gain?
What important perspective should consultants help perfectionistic athletes to gain?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT identified as a harmful aspect of perfectionistic concerns?
Which of the following is NOT identified as a harmful aspect of perfectionistic concerns?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential outcome of reducing standards for perfectionistic athletes?
What is a potential outcome of reducing standards for perfectionistic athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
What critical aspect of excellence is emphasized over perfectionism?
What critical aspect of excellence is emphasized over perfectionism?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential negative consequence of having perfectionistic concerns in athletes?
What is a potential negative consequence of having perfectionistic concerns in athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
Which strategy is suggested to help athletes cope with perfectionism?
Which strategy is suggested to help athletes cope with perfectionism?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the first step in helping athletes address their perfectionistic tendencies?
What is the first step in helping athletes address their perfectionistic tendencies?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately reflects a characteristic of maladaptive perfectionism in athletes?
Which statement accurately reflects a characteristic of maladaptive perfectionism in athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a suggested alternative to perfectionism that athletes should aim for?
What is a suggested alternative to perfectionism that athletes should aim for?
Signup and view all the answers
What mental state is often linked with athletes suffering from perfectionistic concerns?
What mental state is often linked with athletes suffering from perfectionistic concerns?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one aspect that athletes with perfectionistic tendencies may struggle with upon failing to meet performance expectations?
What is one aspect that athletes with perfectionistic tendencies may struggle with upon failing to meet performance expectations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for overcoming perfectionism in athletes?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for overcoming perfectionism in athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT identified as a warning sign of fear of failure in athletes?
Which of the following is NOT identified as a warning sign of fear of failure in athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential strategy consultants can use to help athletes cope with their fear of failure?
What is a potential strategy consultants can use to help athletes cope with their fear of failure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately describes a behavior that helps mitigate fear of failure?
Which statement accurately describes a behavior that helps mitigate fear of failure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following strategies does NOT assist in reducing fear of failure?
Which of the following strategies does NOT assist in reducing fear of failure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which emotion is associated with the fear of failure as mentioned for athletes?
Which emotion is associated with the fear of failure as mentioned for athletes?
Signup and view all the answers
What might improve an athlete's understanding of their fear of failure?
What might improve an athlete's understanding of their fear of failure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which approach best helps an athlete manage the anxiety associated with competition?
Which approach best helps an athlete manage the anxiety associated with competition?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these behaviors indicates an athlete is likely struggling with fear of failure?
Which of these behaviors indicates an athlete is likely struggling with fear of failure?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Introduction
- Psychological factors drive athletes toward goals
- Many athletes underperform, raising questions about these failures
- Applied sport psychology explores why athletes fail to reach potential
- Five obstacles identified: overinvestment, perfectionism, fear of failure, expectations, emotions
Overinvestment
- Self-identity is a "financial portfolio"
- Overinvestment disproportionately prioritizes athletic identity, diminishing self-worth based on performance
- Overreliance on sport success affects self-esteem
- Failure threatens self-perception and future aspirations
- Overinvestment creates a "perfect storm" of obstacles, creating a hostile and aversive environment for athletes
Theory and Research
- Erikson's theory of identity formation
- McAdams' life story model
- Social component of self-identity from social groups
- Identity foreclosure in athletes prioritizes athletic identity over other aspects
- Modern sport culture reinforces overinvestment with a focus on glory and wealth
Perfectionism
- Unhealthy perfectionism sets impossibly high standards, leading to self-criticism and failure to enjoy success
- Fear of failing, self-worth tied to performance, anxiety, and potentially harmful behaviors (e.g., disordered eating) occur
- Adaptive vs. maladaptive coping to perfectionism differ
- Athletes with perfectionistic concerns cope with perceived failure by blaming external factors, worrying excessively, or experiencing feelings of helplessness, depression, and self-criticism
- Practial implications to help athletes focus on excellence rather than perfection
- Positive vs. negative consequences regarding perfectionism
Fear of Failure
- Anxiety about failing to meet athletic goals is common, yet anticipatory arousal can be motivating for some
- Strong fear of failure creates psychological distress, and potential for depression, and eating disorders
- Fear of failure as a motivation to avoid negative consequences of not reaching goals (Atkinson, 1957)
- Consequences of fear of failure include embarrassment, disappointment, loss of self-worth and future opportunities.
- Strategies for reducing fear of failure include seeing failure realistically, being cautiously optimistic, and accepting the possibility of failure, taking calculated risks to find success
Expectations
- Expectations are strong beliefs about future events
- Expectations can feel like a burden, creating pressure, fear of failure, and anxiety
- Expectations can be unrealistic and tied to self-worth
- Replacing "must" with "would like" can ease pressure
- Shifting from outcome expectations to process goals can allow athletes to focus on their actions and efforts
- Changing the relationship with expectations from a negative to positive view
Emotions
- Emotions are essential to athletic performance, motivation, and enjoyment
- Positive emotions (love, happiness, joy) propel athletes
- Negative emotions (fear, anxiety, frustration) can hinder performance
- Consultants help athletes understand and manage emotions
- Coping tools such as goal setting, relaxation, and mindfulness can help manage emotions
Summary
- Each obstacle (overinvestment, perfectionism, fear of failure, expectations, and emotions) interferes with athletic performance, enjoyment, and goal achievement.
- Addressing these issues with perspective and support is key to overcoming them
- Consultants employ short-term and long-term interventions to help athletes succeed both on and off the field.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the psychological factors that impact athletes' performance and their journey toward achieving goals. This quiz delves into the concept of overinvestment in athletic identity and its effects on self-worth and expectations. Understand the obstacles that hinder athletes and the theories that shed light on these challenges.
