PSY FPX 8840 Assessment 2 Why Use Psychological Assessments In Coaching

PSY FPX 8840 Assessment 2 Why Use Psychological Assessments In Coaching

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 8840 Principles of Sport Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Exploring the Role of Psychological Assessment in Sports Performance Enhancement

Dear esteemed colleagues,

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share insights on the pivotal role of psychological assessment in the realm of sports. While commonly associated with gauging aptitude or skill levels, psychological assessment holds far-reaching implications, particularly in domains such as anxiety management, imagery, self-assurance, goal establishment, and concentration.

The Crucial Role of Psychological Factors

Consider the scenario of a critical juncture in a women’s soccer match where a seasoned player, Tatiana, sustains an injury, leading to a penalty kick for a newcomer, Joan. Despite support from teammates and the coach, Joan succumbs to pressure and misses the shot, resulting in defeat. Reflecting on this, it’s evident that Joan’s performance wasn’t hindered by physical ability but rather by heightened anxiety.

According to Leffing et al. (2005), coaches attribute at least 50% of team sports performance to mental factors, while individual sports coaches attribute 80 to 90% to the same. These findings underscore the profound influence of psychological factors on athletic success, as observed in the razor-thin margins separating Olympic medalists from their competitors.

Challenges and Opportunities in Psychological Preparedness

Despite the paramount importance of psychological readiness, coaches and athletes often allocate minimal time to its cultivation due to reasons such as insufficient knowledge, misconceptions, and time constraints. However, neglecting psychological assessment and skill development can have detrimental effects on performance, evident in instances of mental lapses during critical moments.

To address these challenges, leveraging psychological assessment becomes imperative. Objective evaluations such as the Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style and the Sport Anxiety Scale offer valuable insights, informing tailored training plans that encompass both physical and mental dimensions.

Performance Profiling: A Promising Intervention

One promising intervention stemming from psychological assessment is performance profiling, wherein athletes identify areas for improvement based on comparisons with elite performers. This collaborative approach between sport psychologists and coaches facilitates goal-setting, performance monitoring, and motivation, thereby enhancing overall athletic performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while ethical considerations surround psychological assessment, its judicious application empowers coaches to anticipate athletes’ responses in high-pressure situations, thus fostering success for individuals and teams alike.

References

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Leffingwell, T., Durand-Bush, N., Wurzberger, D., & Cada, P. (2005). Psychological assessment. In J. Taylor & G. Wilson (Eds.), Applying sport psychology: Four perspectives (pp. 85–100). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

McAuley, E. (1985). Modeling and self-efficacy: A test of Bandura’s model. Journal of Sport Psychology, 7, 283–295.

Nideffer, R.M., Segal, M.S., Lowry, M., & Bond, J. (2001). Identifying and developing world-class performers. In G. Tenenbaum (Ed.), Reflections and experiences in sport and exercise psychology (pp. 129–144). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

PSY FPX 8840 Assessment 2 Why Use Psychological Assessments In Coaching

Smith, R.E., Smoll, F.L., & Schutz, R.W. (1990). Measurement and correlates of sport-specific cognitive and somatic trait anxiety: The Sport Anxiety Scale. Anxiety Research, 2, 263–280.

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Thomas, P.R., Murphy, S.M., & Hardy, L. (1999). Test of performance strategies: Development and preliminary validation of a comprehensive measure of athletes’ psychological skills. Journal of Sport Sciences, 17(9), 697–711.

Vealey, R. (1986). Conceptualization of sport-confidence and competitive orientation: Preliminary investigation and instrument development. Journal of Sport Psychology, 8, 221–246.

PSY FPX 8840 Assessment 2 Why Use Psychological Assessments In Coaching

Weston, N., Greenlees, I., & Thelwell, R. (2011). Athlete perceptions of the impacts of performance profiling. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 9, 173–188.