A Preliminary Investigation into the Use of Humor in Sport Psychology Practice

Abstract

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Sport Psychology Consultants’ Reflections on the Role of Humor: “It’s Like Having Another Skill in Your Arsenal”

“…The current study has provided an insight into sport psychology consultants' reflections on the role of humor in consultancy. Given the scarcity of research in this area (Pack et al, 2018), further research might further explore: (a) humor styles used by consultants, (b) humor use and humor styles of athletes in different sports, (c) athletes' perceptions of consultants' humor use, and (d) how humor might be embedded within professional training processes. Based on the results of this study, the authors conclude that applied sport psychology consultants should not "stand behind" a traditional psychological skills intervention, rather they should permit their personality (including humor style/s) to direct any interventions used.…”

“…To date research into the use of humor in applied sport psychology consultancy is limited. A recent preliminary investigation into consultants' (n = 55) use of humor found that the majority of participants used humor within their professional practice (Pack et al, 2018). The results revealed that most participants used humor with the goal of facilitating HUMOR EXPERIENCES IN SPORT PSYCHOLOGY 5 the working alliance, reinforcing client knowledge, and creating healthy learning environments.…”

“…A survey constructed by White (2001) for assessing the purposes of higher education teachers' humor (see Pack et al 2018 professional practice? These questions were intended to elicit responses that would provide illustrative information regarding the context of humor use, the motives for humor use, the social dynamics impacted by humor, and personal perceptions of humor, in order to complement existing research.…”

“…In addition to the working alliance and real relationship, a number of personal characteristics of effective consultants have been found to influence the client-consultant relationship (e.g., Fifer, Henschen, Gould, & Ravizza, 2008;Sharp & Hodge, 2011;Sharp et al, 2015;Staples, Sloane, Whipple, & Yorkston, 1976). These characteristics include good interpersonal skills , being approachable (Dunn & Holt, 2003), being friendly, easy-going, fun, and fitting-in with athletes (Anderson, Miles, Robinson, & Mahoney, 2004;Weigand, Richardson, & Weinberg, 1999), and more recently, the use of humor as part of consultancy (Pack, Hemmings, Winter, & Arvinen-Barrow, 2018).…”

The Effect of Humor Styles on Anxiety Performance in Basketball Learning Practices

“…It is seen as a way to make teaching enjoyable, relieve tension, improve communication, and create a cohesive and positive team atmosphere (Beck & Clark, 1997). Additionally, humor can improve psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships by demonstrating the ''humanness'' of practitioners (Pack et al, 2019). Studies have shown that humor is linked to leadership style, team members, and performance (Høigaard et al, 2017;Lovell, 2015).…”