Evaluating the Effectiveness of Applied Sport Psychology Practice: Making the Case for a Case Study Approach

Abstract

Applied sport psychology has entered an “age of accountability” (Smith, 1989) and the need to develop appropriate methods to evaluate practice has been well documented (Grove, Norton, Van Raalte, & Brewer, 1999; Strean, 1998). In this paper, we have developed a framework within which practitioners can assess the effectiveness of their practice and collect evaluative information that will increase their accountability to the stakeholders. We argue that a practitioner administered case study approach to evaluation, using a number of effectiveness indicators in triangulation, is appropriate to accommodate the constraints of a practice setting and fulfill the functional criteria for evaluating practice. Further discussion on when to evaluate practice and criteria for determining effectiveness is undertaken.

Reflections on Three Neophyte Sport and Exercise Psychologists’ Developing Philosophies for Practice

“…Self-evaluation is an important aspect of applied work and practitioners can foster increased self-awareness and identify internal tensions by engaging in reflective practice (Anderson, Miles, Mahoney & Robinson, 2002;Holt & Strean, 2001;Tod, 2007). Reflective models guide the practitioner to explore the cyclical nature of their emotions, beliefs and behaviors in applied practice (Cropley, Miles, Hanton, & Niven, 2007).…”

Effectiveness of a stress management pilot program aimed at reducing the incidence of sports injuries in young football (soccer) players

“…Extending the administration of psychological interventions in a sport setting will mean having to face several challenges, and intervention research could prove to be difficult (Anderson, Miles, Mahoney & Robinson, 2002). As Finch (2006) mentioned with regard to sport injury prevention, measures are not going to be implemented by sport bodies until they are sure " [they] are acceptable to their RUNNING HEAD: A PILOT STRESS-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO REDUCE SPORT INJURIES 9 participants, do not change the essential nature or appeal of the sport, and do not adversely affect participation or performance."…”

“…Athletes included in the treatment group were asked to complete an ad-hoc, seven-point Likert scale survey, including three of the broad effectiveness outcomes to evaluate a sport psychology program (Anderson et al, 2002 …”

Irish Athletes’ Attitudes Toward Seeking Sport Psychology Consultation

“…As the practice of sport psychology has entered an age of accountability (Anderson, Miles, Mahoney, & Robinson, 2002), a number of issues related to athletes' attitudes toward sport psychology consulting need to be addressed in the future. For example, information is needed regarding how variables such as personality type and athletic maturity influence attitudes about seeking sport psychology help.…”