Applied Sport Psychology: Overcoming Obstacles

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Questions and Answers

What is suggested as the primary mental shift athletes should make regarding their failures?

I am a failure

I might fail

I will improve

I failed (correct)

What are perfectionistic concerns primarily associated with?

Excessive worry about mistakes (correct)

Supportive competition environments

Positive evaluation by others

High self-confidence in performances

Which thought pattern exemplifies black-and-white thinking in perfectionism?

If I don't perform perfectly, I have failed

Winning or losing defines my worth (correct)

My success depends on my hard work

I must always win to be valuable

What approach can consultants take to help athletes manage perfectionism?

Assist in shifting to perfectionistic strivings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of perfectionistic concerns?

Clear identification of strengths Signup and view all the answers

What is the intended outcome of assessing perfectionistic tendencies in athletes?

To enable better understanding and management of performance impacts Signup and view all the answers

What type of thinking is characterized by the belief that losing could mean devastation?

Catastrophic thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior might indicate a tendency toward perfectionism?

Obsessing over minor details in practice Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of obstacles in sports participation for athletes?

They lead to negative feelings and stress. Signup and view all the answers

How does self-identity relate to an athlete's performance?

Overinvestment in athletic identity can hinder performance. Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to the development of overinvestment in athletes?

Excessive focus on athletic validation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of self-identity as described?

A flexible structure comprised of various roles. Signup and view all the answers

What emotions are athletes likely to experience when their athletic identity is threatened?

Frustration and disappointment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor affecting athletes' self-identity?

Peer competition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of how overinvestment manifests in athletes?

Validation through athletic achievement. Signup and view all the answers

How can support from parents and coaches affect athletes facing obstacles?

By encouraging healthier attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of overinvestment in sports on an athlete's emotional responses?

Perception of sports efforts as threatening Signup and view all the answers

According to Erikson, when does self-identity typically emerge?

Late adolescence and early adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What does identity foreclosure involve for an athlete?

Neglecting other aspects of self in favor of athletic commitment Signup and view all the answers

How can diversifying an athlete's self-identity impact their sports performance?

It promotes feelings of excitement over fear when competing. Signup and view all the answers

What is one likely outcome of a healthy investment in sport for athletes?

A sense of pride in their athletic journey Signup and view all the answers

What does McAdams suggest about the nature of self-identity?

It evolves based on life experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state is likely to characterize athletes who are overly invested in their sport?

Experiencing negative emotions Signup and view all the answers

What can athletes achieve by setting themselves up for success through a healthy perspective?

Develop a sense of fulfillment and well-being Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal that consultants should encourage perfectionistic athletes to adopt instead of perfection?

Excellence in performance Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception among perfectionistic athletes regarding goal-setting?

Lowering goals equates to mediocrity Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of perfectionistic striving can actually bolster athletic performance according to the content?

High standards Signup and view all the answers

In addressing the psychological aspects of perfectionism, what should athletes be encouraged to remove from their vocabulary?

Perfection Signup and view all the answers

What important perspective should consultants help perfectionistic athletes to gain?

Their value is not tied to their performance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT identified as a harmful aspect of perfectionistic concerns?

Intrinsic motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of reducing standards for perfectionistic athletes?

Heightened confidence Signup and view all the answers

What critical aspect of excellence is emphasized over perfectionism?

Acceptance of failure Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of having perfectionistic concerns in athletes?

Heightened focus on mistakes Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is suggested to help athletes cope with perfectionism?

Gaining a realistic perspective on imperfection Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in helping athletes address their perfectionistic tendencies?

Assessing their level of perfectionism Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a characteristic of maladaptive perfectionism in athletes?

It increases likelihood of training distress Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested alternative to perfectionism that athletes should aim for?

Excellence Signup and view all the answers

What mental state is often linked with athletes suffering from perfectionistic concerns?

Heightened levels of anxiety and distress Signup and view all the answers

What is one aspect that athletes with perfectionistic tendencies may struggle with upon failing to meet performance expectations?

Negative reactions to failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for overcoming perfectionism in athletes?

Reinforcing the need to be perfect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT identified as a warning sign of fear of failure in athletes?

Excessive confidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential strategy consultants can use to help athletes cope with their fear of failure?

Seeing failure realistically Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a behavior that helps mitigate fear of failure?

Achieving minimal success to avoid perception of failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies does NOT assist in reducing fear of failure?

Learning to accept success only Signup and view all the answers

Which emotion is associated with the fear of failure as mentioned for athletes?

Excessively negative emotions Signup and view all the answers

What might improve an athlete's understanding of their fear of failure?

Identifying warning signs Signup and view all the answers

Which approach best helps an athlete manage the anxiety associated with competition?

Pre-competitive preparation to manage emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which of these behaviors indicates an athlete is likely struggling with fear of failure?

Tentative performances 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.

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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.