The Science of REBT as it Relates to Performance: Are We in the Starting Blocks or Near the Finish Line?

Abstract

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) has a long history of application and scholarly work in support of its efficacy. The logical extension of the scientific application of REBT to the area of performance is one that makes sense but has lagged relative to the science of clinical applications. While the majority of the research has been with more clinical treatment applications (e.g., depression) the science of REBT to improve performance has been increasing in frequency and demonstrating efficacy. Insights as to the current status and future directions of the science of REBT as it relates to performance settings can guide both scholarly work as well as clinical applications. To this end, this paper solicited opinions from REBT researchers who have done scholarly work in performance settings (i.e., sport) to answer three questions pertaining to the science of REBT as it relates to performance.Researchers were asked to respond to the following questions: 1) How would you describe the current status of the research on REBT within the realm of performance psychology?; 2) What would be an important future scientific application of REBT with regards to sport/ performance psychology?; and 3) From what you have learned about conducting REBT research, what three main factors should researchers consider before undertaking REBT research? Responses are collected and presented by researcher in an effort to inform as to the status of the science of REBT in performance settings as well as to guide future researchers who may be considering scientific applications of REBT in performance psychology.