Developing Performance Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): A Case Study with an Elite Archer

Abstract

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT; Ellis, 1957) is a psychotherapeutic approach receiving increasing interest within sport. REBT is focused on identifying, disputing, and replacing irrational beliefs (IBs) with rational beliefs (RBs) to promote emotional well-being and goal achievement. This study provides a detailed case outlining the application and effect of seven one-to-one REBT sessions with an elite level archer who was experiencing performance-related anxiety, before and during competition. The case also offers an insight into common misconceptions, challenges, and guidance for those who may consider applying REBT within their practice. Data revealed meaningful short and long-term (6-months) reductions in IBs and improvements in RBs, self-efficacy, perception of control and archery performance. The case supports the effective application of REBT as an intervention with athletic performers, promoting lasting changes in an athlete’s ability to manage their cognitions, emotions and behaviors in the pursuit of performance excellence.

Exploring the Effects of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy on the Irrational Beliefs and Self-Determined Motivation of Triathletes

“…The main aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an REBT intervention, with a REPDMS or PDMS follow-up session, on the irrational beliefs and self-determined motivation of triathletes. This is the first published study to apply REBT with triathletes, but more importantly, to address recent proposals that REBT can influence the self-determined motivation of athletes (Turner, 2016a;Wood et al, 2016). As such, it was hypothesized that REBT education would decrease the The finding that irrational beliefs were only temporarily reduced in both groups implies that either the education sessions were ineffective in producing longerterm change, or that the REPDMS or PDMS session actually increased irrational beliefs towards baseline levels.…”

“…As such, it was hypothesized that REBT education would decrease the The finding that irrational beliefs were only temporarily reduced in both groups implies that either the education sessions were ineffective in producing longerterm change, or that the REPDMS or PDMS session actually increased irrational beliefs towards baseline levels. First, regarding the notion that the education sessions were ineffective, although past research has indicated that REBT can produce longerterm changes in irrational beliefs (e.g., Turner et al, 2015), supportive studies predominantly employ one-to-one methods of REBT delivery (e.g., Wood, Barker & Turner, 2016). Indeed, past research that has employed group education sessions reveals that irrational beliefs can change in the shorter rather than the longer-term (e.g., Turner et al, 2014).…”

“…Participants were selected from 84 members (N = 45 males, N = 39 females) aged between 22 and 68 years (M = 41.55, SD = 10.59). Participants were ranked according to their score in the irrational Performance Beliefs Inventory (iPBI; Turner et al, 2016). In line with recommendations (Turner & Barker, 2014), respondents with medium to high irrational performance beliefs (scores above 18 out of 35) were invited to participate in the study and two groups (REBT+REPDMS and REBT+PDMS) were formed using purposive sampling.…”

“…Participants in both groups reported above the average norms for irrational beliefs and were eligible to take part in the study. The iPBI provides a context-specific measure of irrational beliefs in performance environments and has shown construct (alpha reliability between .90 and .96), concurrent (medium to large correlations reported) and predictive (small to medium correlations reported) validity in a professional working environment (Turner et al, 2016). The iPBI was originally validated using an occupational sample, but since its initial validation, the iPBI has been used with athletes (e.g., Deen et al, 2017), and has demonstrated good internal consistency (Turner, Carrington, & Miller, in press), and test-retest reliability in athlete samples (Turner, Slater, Dixon, & Miller, in press).…”

Exploring the Understanding and Application of Motivational Interviewing in Applied Sport Psychology

“…Another avenue worthy of exploration would be adaptions to MI for working with different sporting populations, including groups (teams) and adolescents. Finally, an exploration of integrating MI with different action-orientated approaches in sport psychology (e.g., rational emotive behavior therapy (Wood, Barker, & Turner, 2017); solution focused therapy (Hoigaard & Johansen, 2004)) may further enhance professional practice.…”