In the last half-century, we saw psychology’s field grow into a diverse range of disciplines that we would never have thought of before. It is odd to think how far psychology has come in the modern age. 21st-century contemporary psychology looks nothing like what it did 50 years ago.
As we know, psychology branches out into several different fields, far different from the clinical and philosophical roots on which the founding fathers created. Imagine if Freud saw today’s psychological progress. He probably wouldn’t have been too keen on the direction modern-day psychological practices have taken. Let alone his teachings applied to a field as unrelated to psychology as sports.
Sports psychology is one of the most exciting fields of psychology that one could study. We often think that psychology and everything related paints an image of a therapist sitting next to a client on a couch.
Though this may be apt and relatively common, there is much more to the field than just clinical practice. Sports psychology is proof of that. The blend of sports and psychology shows that both mental processes and physical attributes constitute a holistic individual.
If you are interested in sports psychology and are possibly considering it as a career soon, continue reading further. Here are some ways that sports psychology helps athletes in their field.
Teaches Athletes That Its Okay To Feel An Emotion
We often think about athletes being physically challenging individuals who feel no pain. And though that may be true in many cases, it doesn’t change the fact that they are human beings with emotions.
They may seem like the epitome of human physical perfection; we need to remember that they have some of the most challenging, exceptionally physically and mentally demanding jobs.
People generally forget that these athletes have made an immense number of sacrifices for their careers. Spending most of the year traveling around the country, far away from their family, can take a toll on just about everyone.
Moreover, with the pressure, it can get overwhelming at times. The pain of a loss hits these people harder than it would the average person. You may not have thought about how emotionally taxing being a sports star is.
Sports psychologists help them understand their emotions. A sports psychologist’s essential requirement is a bachelor’s in psychology. Later, higher degrees further equip them to deal with complex cases on the field and in the locker room.
It Calms Athletes Nerves Before Games
It is relatively common for some, if not all, athletes to feel a certain degree of nervousness before a game. Sometimes, the anxiety is nothing more than uncomfortable stress. Yet, for others, it can be debilitating and inhibit them from performing at their best.
Especially for individual athletes, the nervousness of performance can be a significant hindrance that can cost them their career in extreme cases. At least if you are on a team, your partners can back you up, but it’s an entirely different ball game for solo athletes.
A sports psychologist can help calm the athlete’s nerves before a game and ensure that they aren’t too stressed to perform. Coping strategies and stress management are some of the most common practices for a sports psychologist. Once they educate the athlete on managing their emotions, they might get a better set to compete and succeed.
Performance anxiety or stage fright is one of the most common psychological impediments athletes face in their careers. It often goes unnoticed by the general public. However, only the performer knows how bad it can be and how it can quickly bring your career to an end if not appropriately handled.
They motivate the athletes
Losing streaks and overall demotivation is a genuine issue in sports. A general overarching sense of defeat and dread does indeed take the team by surprise. It can cause massive damage to the team’s image and ranking if not taken care of swiftly.
You know that when demotivation affects the entire team as a whole, you have an issue on your hands and one that needs tending too fast.
A sports psychologist is usually the only person who can handle a situation like this. The official will most likely implement motivational training in the team and get back into the groove. It usually takes a few sessions for the team to find their motivation. However, they usually come back stronger than before when they do.
We often forget that when demotivation and melancholy strikes, it tends to affect the people around you as well. Because sports teams are so closely knit, a losing streak or lack of motivation can affect everyone from the quarterback to the defense and even the team coach.
Help In Recovery After Injuries
An injury in sports is usually synonymous with a curse falling over the player. Regardless of how bad the damage is, the injury itself is usually the least of their problems. Whether it’s a pulled muscle or a torn one, it’s usually the time off of the field which affects the athlete most.
One hundred and one thoughts rush through their head when they have to take time off because of injuries. Will younger talent replace them, will they be compensated for their time off, and who will pay the medical bills?
These are just some of the common thoughts they have to deal with when they are down with an injury. Other than that, these athletes are not used to staying at home and relaxing. The idea is somewhat foreign to them, and R&R might not always resonate well with them.
One of the most accepted schools of thought in contemporary times is called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT teaches individuals to accept the hand that they have been dealt and grow and learn from the experience.
ACT applies to people who have suffered injuries or have terminal illnesses. When applied to injured athletes, it can be beneficial.
Conclusion
Seeing sports psychologists tend to these individuals who were once considered ultra-macho and the definition of masculinity is reassuring. Sports psychology is breaking taboos of mental health and masculinity together; two birds with one stone.
The role which these people play in the sports industry goes unnoticed. It would be great to acknowledge the efforts these people play in the team’s development. Without them, the team’s success might not look anything like it currently does.