Positive effects of social support on stress adaptation

Stress can significantly impact an athlete’s well-being and sport performance, but social support from teammates, coaches, and support staff can positively influence how athletes perceive and adapt to stress. Recent research shows that for social support to produce positive effects, having a shared social identity and the knowledge and expertise to provide sufficient support is…

Psychological skills training program for para athletes

Researchers from the University of Windsor have developed a free, fully accessible, self-paced, online Psychological Skills Training (PST) program, specifically designed for Para athletes. PST has been shown to enhance athlete confidence, motivation, and satisfaction within sport. This program is free for Para athletes to access via www.learnpst.com. Check it out!

Navigating the elements

A recent study uncovered five key influencers that affect whether athletes decide to push through or bow out in challenging endurance events, including the severity of weather conditions and individual risk perceptions. Interactions between these factors and the growing environmental uncertainties create a dynamic decision-making landscape.

Under pressure

Did you know that the effects of pressure on sports performance are more complex than commonly assumed? A new study examined various pressure conditions in golf putting and found that while some conditions impaired performance, others actually improved it! Considering individual pressure factors and tailoring conditions accordingly may optimize performance and highlights the need for…

Cultural competence in sports psychology

A recent global study shows that sports psychology professionals must prioritize cultural competence beyond a checklist, considering it an ethical duty for effective practice. The research highlights the need to actively develop this competence through learning from mistakes and open conversations, grounding it in personal and professional experiences for meaningful cultural understanding.

Executive summary of the Gold Medal Profile for Sport Psychology

Overview To achieve excellence, athletes must dedicate themselves not only to honing their physical fitness, but also to mastering the intricacies of their psychological skills. While extensive research has probed into the psychological attributes, states, and competencies of elite athletes, there persists a notable dearth of comprehensive conceptual models or frameworks that effectively bring together…

Protecting Athletes from Burnout

Athletes who experience strong support and a sense of belonging within their team are less likely to burnout. Coaches should encourage this sense of belonging to enrich athletes’ experiences and prevent dropout. However, too many team rules can burden athletes, impede support, and exacerbate burnout. Striking the right balance between team unity and support is…

Choking Under Pressure

Choking is defined as a decrease in performance that happens in high pressure or anxiety-provoking situations. It often occurs in sports because of internal and external pressures that are present during competitions or big events. Visualization, practicing for pressure, developing a pre-performance routine, and developing a stress mindset can help decrease the chances of choking.

Motor Learning Without Physical Practice

Did you know that imagining yourself performing motor skills can actually improve your performance? In a recent study, participants who combined watching actions with motor imagery achieved faster movement execution times compared to other groups with improvements lasting even after a week. lasted even after a week. These findings can help athletes develop complex motor…

Effective Cheering

Did you know that cheering for runners is more than just words? Research reveals that providing instructional and motivational support is appreciated by runners, but its effectiveness depends on factors like the runner’s condition and course feedback accuracy. While support is usually uplifting, it can also create pressure. Experts suggest using the “IMPACT” approach (Instructional,…