The role of positive ethics and virtues in the context of sport and performance psychology service delivery.

Abstract

Ethical principles developed for clinical/counseling psychologists are a useful, but incomplete, guide for sport and performance psychology (SPP) practitioners. Positive and virtue ethics are introduced to the SPP ethical literature as an additional resource. Positive ethics focus on practitioners' reaching their fullest potential rather than avoiding risk (Knapp & VanDeCreek, 2006). Virtue ethics emphasize the character of the professional rather than situational variables (Newman, Robinson-Kurpius, & Fuqua, 2002). The context in which SPP practice occurs is described and commonly resulting ethical dilemmas are identified. The aspects of SPP context explored are: the domain of performance, SPP settings, SPP interventions, and expectations. The ethical issues discussed are: multiple relationships (including boundaries and dual agency), confidentiality, and self-regulation. Drawing from positive and virtue ethics as well as small community and military psychology, advice for managing the issues is provided. The inclusion of character and fitness requirements in training programs is explored to address the selfgovernance necessitated by the professional isolation of SPP practitioners. Suggestions for future professional practice and research are offered.

Great Expectations: Career Planning and Training Experiences of Graduate Students in Sport and Exercise Psychology

“…Though little information is available in regards to the prevalence of paid work being done with this population, scholars have identified this group as a viable source of applied sport psychology work (Visek, Harris, & Bloom, 2013). Many in the field have also called for a broad application of the performance enhancement skills taught to students (Aoyagi & Portenga, 2010;Aoyagi, Portenga, Poczwardowski, Cohen, & Statler, 2012; Practice Committee, Division 47, Exercise and Sport Psychology, APA, 2011). Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSFF), a component of the U.S. Army's "Ready and Resilient Campaign," represents one such performance-based employer (U.S. Army, 2014) and is believed to be the largest employer of individuals who possess sport psychology training (Voelker, 2012).…”

Lessons Learned Consulting at Olympic Trials: Swimming Through Growing Pains

“…Andersen and Stevens (2007) noted that graduate students in the early stages of their training can struggle with helping others when they too feel as though they need help. One way in which I handled my anxieties before attending Olympic trials was to, with the encouragement of my supervisor, set my role expectations early with both the swimmers and the head coach (Aoyagi & Portenga, 2010;Aoyagi & Shapiro, 2011;Gardner, 2001;Tonn & Harmison, 2004). In our first workshop together, I reminded the swimmers that I would always be available as a resource to them while at the meet but if I asked, "How's it going?"…”

“…These were the situations where I had the urge to stop and stare like a dazed fan but instead had to remind myself that I was there as a consultant. Aoyagi and Portenga (2010) wrote that self-regulation is an important component to a SPP practitioner's work and that self-awareness must be an active part of a reflective practice. Whenever I felt myself getting "star-struck" by the athletes and coaches around me, I reminded myself that I was there for the athletes and coaches with whom I was working and this would bring me back to the present.…”

“…It has been suggested that virtue ethics provide a strong foundation from which SPP practitioners can develop an approach to ethical situations (Aoyagi & Portenga, 2010;Aoyagi & Shapiro, 2011). Principle ethics, as opposed to virtue ethics, instruct the practitioner to uphold the mini mum standards of the profession to avoid doing harm.…”

The influence of self-talk technique for male hockey goalkeeper

“…Performance also intends to use the knowledge skills or abilities that are different from what they have. Aoyagi and Portenga (2010) stated "A good performance requires the development mastery and the ability to get consistent performance".…”