Understanding elite youth athletes’ knowledge and perceptions of sport psychology

Perceived benefits and receptivity to sport psychology consulting services of elite athletes in developing nations of the Oceania region

“…This divergence in the relationship between perceived benefit and willingness has been reported in previous research. 11,12,30 For example, Woods et al 12 have suggested that willingness to seek SPS for assistance with building confidence, improving focus, and performing as well in competition as in practice is mediated by prior positive previous experience of sport psychology consulting services. A statistical examination of this suggestion was beyond the scope and aims of the current study, and therefore, future research may be conducted to explore these underlying mechanisms in Oceania athletes.…”

“…The positive attitudes and willingness to engage in SPS among athletes in the current study are consistent with previous qualitative investigations among a variety of athletes in developed countries. 11,12,30 More specifically, Wrisberg et al 15 highlighted that those athletes with a negative perception of SPS often had no prior sport psychology experience or education, potentially indicating limited knowledge and understanding of sport psychology. Gee 31 has shown that the athletes who had a poor understanding of the sport psychology process were more reluctant to seek out psychological services because of their lack of knowledge.…”

“…Sport psychology service providers are more frequently utilized by elite athletes than recreational or amateur athletes, with a large proportion of athletes reporting a positive perception of sport psychology. [10][11][12] Nonetheless, opinions vary across athletes and sports. 11 For example, athletes who were male, young (14-18 years old), or involved in contact sports were more likely to report a negative perception towards sport psychology service providers than those who were not.…”

“…[10][11][12] Nonetheless, opinions vary across athletes and sports. 11 For example, athletes who were male, young (14-18 years old), or involved in contact sports were more likely to report a negative perception towards sport psychology service providers than those who were not. They were also least likely to seek psychological support as compared with older female athletes in non-contact sports.…”

A longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis study of athletes' lived experiences in elite disc golf competitions

“…5,11 Additionally, collecting data over time from the same sample of athletes is valuable as it enhances our understanding of how elite athletes' perceptions and interpretations of the experience of performing evolves over the course of a competitive season. Such insights are particularly valuable in individual sports (i.e., golf or tennis) that are acknowledged to have a substantial mental component 14 and, thus, understand how it may shift over time.…”