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À l'aube des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de Paris 2024, la pression psychologique monte autant chez les athlètes en cours de qualification que chez celles et ceux qui sont déjà qualifiés. À travers les valeurs véhiculées par l'Olympisme (l'excellence, le respect et l'amitié), la participation, voire la réussite à cette compétition peuvent représenter un objectif ultime pour la carrière d'un sportif. Sa résonance mondiale, sa faible fréquence tous les quatre ans et sa localisation à Paris en font un événement particulier, à la fois source de motivation mais aussi source de stress intense. Mais qu'il s'agisse des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques ou d'autres compétitions sportives, parvenir à une motivation optimale à même d'exploiter au maximum les compétences et les capacités de l'athlète sans engendrer de risque pour sa santé physique et psychologique peut relever d'un réel défi. Dans cet entretien avec le Docteur Jean-Pierre Bouchard, le Docteur Guillaume Coudevylle aborde l'importance de s'appuyer avant toute intervention sur les principes de base issus de la recherche en psychologie du sport. Il revient sur ces principes en se rappelant que ces derniers sont la conséquence d'apport scientifique depuis une centaine d'années. Au regard de la multitude de paramètres qui rentrent en compte dans une performance, de l'examen d'une personnalité fruit d'une éducation et d'une histoire singulière et enfin de la complexité d'une situation de performance, son approche permet de mieux parvenir à clarifier les objectifs et les moyens pour y parvenir. On the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the psychological pressure is mounting as much on athletes in the process of qualifying as on those who have already qualified. Through the values conveyed by Olympism (excellence, respect and friendship), participation or even success in this competition can represent an ultimate goal for an athlete's career. Its worldwide resonance, its infrequency every 4 years and its location in Paris make it a special event that is both a source of motivation and a source of intense stress. But whether it's the Olympic and Paralympic Games or any other sporting competition, achieving the optimum level of motivation to exploit the athlete's skills and abilities to the full without putting their physical and psychological health at risk can be a real challenge. In this interview with Doctor Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Doctor Guillaume Coudevylle discusses the importance of basing any intervention on basic principles derived from sport psychology research. He goes back over these principles, reminding us that they are the result of scientific contributions over the last hundred years. In view of the multitude of parameters involved in a performance, the examination of a personality as the fruit of a singular upbringing and history, and the complexity of a performance situation, his approach helps to clarify objectives and means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though research is inconclusive in being able to determine if young athletes are more or less likely to suffer from mental health disorders compared with their non-athlete peers, there are important psychological considerations that are unique to the athletic population. This includes depression in the context of overtraining and burnout, performance anxiety, perfectionism, psychological sequalae of concussion, and injury as an independent risk factor for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and high-risk behaviors. Optimization of mental health care in youth athletes requires continued efforts to improve mental health literacy, decrease stigma, encourage help-seeking behaviors, and advance the routine implementation of effective screening practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether athletes are psychologically ready to return to sport following concussion. • A broad spectrum of psychosocial factors appear to influence return to sport following concussion, including fear, emotional factors, and contextual factors. • The relationship between psychological factors and physical measures of recovery at medical clearance, preinjury level of performance, and risk of recurrent injury is unknown. Psychosocial factors predict recurrent injury and return to preinjury level of performance following orthopedic injury but are poorly understood following concussion. Current management protocols prioritize physical measures of recovery. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the psychosocial factors associated with return to sport (RTS) and how they are measured in athletes who sustained a concussion. MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were searched through February 2, 2021. Eligible studies included original peer-reviewed publications describing psychosocial factors associated with RTS following a diagnosed concussion. The primary outcome was scales or measures employed and/or key thematic concepts. Of the 3615 studies identified, 10 quantitative cohort studies (Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Level-3) representing 2032 athletes (85% male; high-school and collegiate collision/contact athletes) and 4 qualitative studies representing 66 athletes (74% male; 70% American football; aged 9–28 years) were included. We identified 3 overarching themes and 10 outcome measures related to psychosocial factors associated with RTS following concussion: (a) fear (e.g, of recurrent concussion, of RTS, of losing playing status); (b) emotional factors (e.g, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, mental health, disturbance mood); and (c) contextual factors (e.g, social support, pressure, sense of identity). Although current medical clearance decisions prioritize physical measures of recovery, evidence suggests diverse psychosocial factors influence RTS following concussion. It remains unclear which psychosocial factors contribute to a successful RTS, including the influence of sex/gender and age. Future studies should evaluate the association of psychological readiness with physical measures of recovery at medical clearance, preinjury level of performance, and risk of recurrent concussion to support RTS clinical decision-making. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ride successfully and safely, cyclists must perceive and act on the affordances that are available in a given situation. This study investigated whether experience in perceiving and acting with respect to a person-plus-object system would influence whether and how a person choses to cross an aperture of different widths, especially in relation to their maximal action capabilities. We also explore whether the distribution of action modes reflects this effect. We examined the performance (i.e., the probability of successfully crossing the aperture) and the decision (i.e., the probability of attempting to cross the aperture) of 8 experienced cyclists and 16 occasional cyclists in an aperture crossing task. In term of performance, experienced cyclists demonstrated greater ability to cross narrower apertures than occasional cyclists, but there were no such differences when aperture width was scaled to maximal action capabilities. In term of decision, both experienced and occasional cyclists tended to over-estimate their abilities, but the experienced cyclists did so to a greater extent. Our findings indicate that experience improves the ability to perform more complex tasks due to utilizing a wider repertoire of actions, but not necessarily the ability to perceive and actualize (action-scaled) affordances. • Cycling experience enhances absolute performance in aperture crossing, but that such performance is calibrated in the same way according to the individual's maximal action capability. • Experienced and occasional cyclists overestimate their abilities to cross. • Experienced cyclists were able to shift from crossing from the face to turning the handlebars when necessary. • Cycling intervention should promote exploratory behaviour to improve the pick-up of relevant perceptual variables and movement patterns to expand the behavioural repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation is commonly recognized by researchers and practitioners as a key factor for motor learning. The OPTIMAL theory of motor learning (Wulf & Lewthwaite, 2016) claims that practice conditions that enhance learners' expectancies for future successful outcomes or that are autonomy supportive are motivating, thus leading to better learning. To examine the current evidence of the association between motivation and motor learning, we searched the literature for studies that manipulated expectancies and/or autonomy support. Specifically, our goals were to assess whether these manipulations resulted in group differences in motivation and, if so, whether increased motivation was associated with learning advantages. Results showed that out of 166 experiments, only 21% (n = 35) included at least one measure of motivation, even though this is the main factor proposed by OPTIMAL theory to explain the learning benefits of these manipulations. Among those, only 23% (n = 8) found group-level effects on motivation, suggesting that these manipulations might not be as motivating as expected. Of the eight experiments that found a group-level effect on motivation, five also observed learning benefits, offering limited evidence that when practice conditions increase motivation, learning is more likely to occur. Overall, the small number of studies assessing motivation precludes any reliable conclusions on the association between motivation and motor learning from being drawn. Together, our results question whether manipulations implemented in the research lines supporting OPTIMAL theory are indeed motivating and highlight the lack of sufficient evidence in these literatures to support that increased motivation benefits motor learning. • Studies under OPTIMAL theory's motivational branch often do not measure motivation. • Autonomy support and enhanced expectancies may not be as motivating as expected. • There is limited evidence that increased motivation benefits motor learning. • Other mechanisms might underlie autonomy support/enhanced expectancies benefits. • Researchers should amplify their efforts to investigate mechanisms of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary reductions in self-control due to previous cognitive effort, also known as 'ego depletion', have been shown to negatively impact performance in subsequent tasks requiring self-control. Various theoretical accounts suggest that high levels of task motivation may prevent negative behavioural effects of ego depletion. Against this background, the current study performed a conceptual replication of a previous study examining the effects of ego depletion on sprint start performance (i.e., Englert et al., 2015) and implemented additional monetary incentives to manipulate task motivation. Using a pretest-intervention-posttest design, ninety-six novice sprinters performed a sprinting task that required them to complete a series of 20-m sprints. In between pretest and posttest, participants performed a letter writing task either under high cognitive demand (depletion group) or low cognitive demand (non-depletion control group). Subsequently, and prior to starting the posttest, participants were presented either with a monetary incentive or no incentive. Manipulation checks confirmed that the letter writing task successfully manipulated perceived regulatory demand and that task motivation at the posttest was higher for participants who were offered a monetary incentive. The number of false starts decreased significantly with ego depletion, while sprint start reaction times and sprint finish times remained unaffected. Regardless of ego depletion, sprint finish times significantly improved with monetary incentives. These results suggest that brief engagement in a demanding cognitive task is unlikely to impair novice sprinters' ability to self-regulate during the start of a subsequent, maximal sprinting effort for which they are highly motivated. • The effect of ego depletion and task motivation on a sprinting task was examined. • Ego depletion does not have a negative impact on novice sprinters' start performance. • Task motivation improves overall sprinting performance irrespective of ego depletion. • Strong motivation might overcome effects of ego depletion on sprinting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed to explore whether negative stereotypes and domain identification moderate novice participants' performance on a soccer-dribbling task, using a novel statistical procedure to explore within-subjects moderation effects. Fifty-four women with no soccer experience (M age = 19.92, SD age = 1.0) were recruited and assigned to a negative stereotype condition or a nullified-stereotype condition and performed a soccer-dribbling task as fast as possible. Using moderation analyses for repeated measures, results showed (i) that inducing a negative stereotype did not moderate participants' performance, and (ii) that domain identification did not moderate participants' performance in a stereotype threat situation. In conclusion, the novice participants performance did not depend on the value of domain identification and the stereotype condition. More research is nonetheless needed to disentangle the question of how and why novice participants can be impacted by a stereotype threat situation. • Inducing a negative stereotype does not moderate novice participants' performance. • Domain identification does not moderate novice threatened participants' performance. • Negative stereotypes may impact novices differently based on the measured outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety has been the primary focus of emotion research in sport psychology. Most of the existing anxiety measures focus on the competition related anxiety. Little is known about the way in which anxiety affects athletic outcomes in extreme sports. We contribute to the literature on anxiety in extreme sports by: (1) developing and providing a preliminary validation for a novel, theoretically anchored sport climbing inventory, Climbing Anxiety Scale (CAS-20), among an international sample of rock-climbers (N = 153); and (2) providing preliminary evidence on its factorial and criterion-related validity. Our investigation includes two phases. The first phase (6 clinical and sport psychology experts) included the development and expert review of a climbing specific anxiety scale. The second phase (N = 153) offers preliminary evidence pertaining to the measure's reliability, factorial, convergent and criterion related validity. Factorial validity was investigated by deploying a series of confirmatory factorial analyses. Convergent and discriminatory validity were examined by comparing the scale's associations with a general anxiety measure, a sport anxiety measure, as well as climbing self-efficacy. Criterion-related validity was estimated by examining its relationship with rock-climbing performance. We contribute to the general domain of sport and athletic research by developing a sport-specific anxiety measure, investigating whether and how anxiety comes into play in rock-climbing, a high-risk sport. This scale can be used for assessing anxiety in climbing and monitoring the impact of an interventions designed to reduce these symptoms. • Climbing Anxiety Scale (CAS-20) is a new development measure for rock-climbing. • We address in which way anxiety affects athletic outcomes in extreme sports. • Development and expert review of a climbing specific anxiety scale in Phase 1. • CAS' reliability, factorial, convergent and criterion related validity in Phase 2. • CAS helps practitioners track anxiety reduction interventions for climbers at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have examined the relations between the slope of pleasure experienced during exercise and remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, and enjoyment. This study advances this line of research by examining the effects of exposing participants to exercise that increases in intensity and then decreases in intensity. In a within-subjects design, participants completed three exercise sessions matched for total and average work. One session steadily increased in intensity, another steadily decreased in intensity, and a third increased-then-decreased in intensity. Remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, and exercise enjoyment served as primary outcome variables. Remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, and enjoyment did not differ between conditions. Remembered pleasure was positively associated with mean experienced pleasure, the overall slope of pleasure during the exercise session, affect experienced at the end of exercise, forecasted pleasure, accomplishment, and enjoyment. These data add to a growing literature on the effects of patterns of exercise intensity on affective responses to exercise. The results are discussed in context of previous and more recent research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les déterminants individuels de la performance sportive, qu'ils soient physiques, physiologiques ou psychologiques, font l'objet d'une littérature dense visant à mieux comprendre ce qui fait qu'un athlète est performant et comment on peut, par le biais de l'entraînement, l'amener à progresser. Dans cette recherche de la performance, il est très vite apparu que l'environnement pouvait jouer un rôle important et certains programmes d'entraînement intègrent aujourd'hui les conditions environnementales comme un levier parmi d'autres (s'entraîner en altitude ou en milieu chaud et humide). Mais si l'environnement est utilisé comme un levier de l'entraînement c'est parce qu'il fait peser sur l'organisme des contraintes physiologiques et psychologiques appelant des adaptations. En effet, le corps humain, exposé de façon répétée à des conditions d'exercice qui dépassent ses capacités initiales, s'adapte. C'est là le principe fondamental de l'entraînement. Or, les contraintes environnementales extrêmes, telles qu'une forte température parfois couplée à une forte hygrométrie, lorsqu'elles ne sont pas maîtrisées, ce qui est le cas en compétition, viennent amplifier le stress imposé à l'organisme, et l'athlète peut, mû par son envie de gagner, aller au-delà de ses limites et s'exposer à des risques importants pour sa santé. L'étude de ces contraintes sur le fonctionnement humain relève donc d'un enjeu majeur. Dans cette première partie d'entretien, les Docteurs Coudevylle, Collado et Sinnapah abordent l'impact négatif du climat chaud sur le fonctionnement psychologique des athlètes ainsi que sur le risque de blessure ou d'accident associé. The individual determinants of sports performance, whether physical, physiological or psychological, are the subject of a dense literature aiming to understand better what makes an athlete perform and how, through training, one can lead him or her to progress. In this search for performance, it very quickly became apparent that the environment could play an important role and some training programs now incorporate environmental conditions as one of several levers. Training at altitude or in a hot and humid environment are indeed avenues that have been successfully explored. But if the environment is used as a lever for training, it is because it places physiological and psychological constraints on the organism that require adaptations. Indeed, the human body, repeatedly exposed to exercise conditions that exceed its initial capacities, adapts. This is the fundamental principle of training. However, extreme environmental constraints such as high temperature, when not controlled, as is the case in competition, amplify the stress imposed on the body, and the athlete may, driven by his or her desire to win, go beyond his or her limits and expose himself or herself to significant health risks. This problem has recently become particularly salient with, on the one hand, global warming which is progressively raising the temperatures at which competitions are held, and on the other hand, the desire of certain emerging countries to offer major international competitions in environments which are sometimes particularly unsuitable for aerobic performance due to temperature and even hygrometry conditions which go well beyond the thermolysis capacities of the human organism during intense effort. If the components of sports performance (physical, physiological and psychological) are well documented in the scientific literature and fairly well taken into account by coaches and athletes, the thermal constraints in which training and competitions take place are much less considered, even though taking them into account is essential to perform without risk to health. The study of these constraints on psychological functioning is therefore a major issue. In this first part of the interview, Drs. Coudevylle, Collado and Sinnapah discuss the negative impact of the hot climate on psychological functioning (perceptions, cognition, affects) as well as on the associated risk of injury or accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les carrières des athlètes de haut niveau sont loin d'être linéaires. Pour arriver aux performances connues de tous, les sportifs connaissent des succès et des désillusions tout au long de leur pratique sportive. Maroussia Paré, sportive de haut niveau en athlétisme et psychologue, analyse son parcours, de ses premiers Jeux Olympiques (J.O.) à 20 ans, à sa préparation déjà entamée vers les J.O. de Paris en 2024. Entre la gestion des échecs mais aussi des succès, en passant par les blessures physiques et émotionnelles, elle revient sur l'autre réalité du sport de haut niveau, celle que le grand public voit moins. Ainsi, cet entretien avec Jean-Pierre Bouchard révèle les stratégies d'adaptation et les ressources mobilisées par les athlètes pour faire face au caractère imprévisible du sport de haut niveau. Nous voyons, au travers de son expérience, que la performance ne se construit ni instantanément ni indépendamment du contexte dans lequel elle se produit. La performance se révèle comme une combinaison de facteurs personnels et environnementaux. Nous pouvons alors considérer que le sportif, pour être performant, n'a pas uniquement besoin de préparation mentale, mais bien d'avoir un soutien et un accompagnement pour l'aider à optimiser et prendre soin de sa santé mentale et de ses ressources psychologiques. Top athlete's careers are far from linear. To achieve the performances known to all, athletes experience successes and disappointments throughout their sporting practice. Maroussia Paré, top athlete in athletics and psychologist, analyzes her career, from her first Olympic Games (Olympics) at 20, to her preparation already started for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Between the cope with failures but also success, through the physical and emotional injuries, she comes back to the other reality of high-level sport, the one that the general public sees less. Thus, this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard reveals the adaptation strategies and resources mobilized by athletes to cope with the unpredictability of high-performance sport. We can see, through her experience, that performance is not built instantly or independently of the context in which it occurs. Performance is then revealed as a combination of personal and environmental factors. We can therefore consider that the athlete to be successful does not only need mental preparation to be successful, but to have support and personal support to help them optimize and take care of their mental health and psychological resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We continuously face "embodied decisions" between action possibilities or affordances. • Given their complexity, embodied decisions have been challenging to study so far. • We review novel ways to study embodied decisions in sports analytics and psychology. • We advance a novel method to formalize embodied decision variables rigorously. • Studying embodied decisions can shed light on how we make decisions "in the wild". Most current decision-making research focuses on classical economic scenarios, where choice offers are prespecified and where action dynamics play no role in the decision. However, our brains evolved to deal with different choice situations: "embodied decisions". As examples of embodied decisions, consider a lion that has to decide which gazelle to chase in the savannah or a person who has to select the next stone to jump on when crossing a river. Embodied decision settings raise novel questions, such as how people select from time-varying choice options and how they track the most relevant choice attributes; but they have long remained challenging to study empirically. Here, we summarize recent progress in the study of embodied decisions in sports analytics and experimental psychology. Furthermore, we introduce a formal methodology to identify the relevant dimensions of embodied choices (present and future affordances) and to map them into the attributes of classical economic decisions (probabilities and utilities), hence aligning them. Studying embodied decisions will greatly expand our understanding of what decision-making is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'accès au sport de haut niveau est intimement lié à l'histoire personnelle des athlètes. La littérature fait état de deux types d'accès : les héritiers et les non-héritiers. Les héritiers sont les sportifs qui, par définition, ont hérité du bagage sportif de leur famille, et les non-héritiers sont ceux qui ont été inspirés, voire encouragés, par un adulte significatif. Dans cet entretien avec Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Maroussia Paré, sportive de haut niveau en athlétisme et psychologue, revient sur sa rencontre avec l'athlétisme, son apprentissage et son accès au sport de haut niveau. Entre naïveté des débuts, adolescence, peurs et exploits, elle montre à quel point l'envers du décor n'est pas toujours celui que l'on peut imaginer et que la passion peut être mise à rude épreuve. Les expériences émotionnelles, ainsi que les exigences cognitives inhérentes à la pratique, constituent un véritable objet d'attention pour les psychologues qui accompagnent les sportifs. Access to high level sport goes hand in hand with athlete's personal history. The literature reports two types of access: heirs and non-heirs. Heirs are athletes who have inherited the sporting background of their family and non-heirs are those who have been inspired or even encouraged by a significant adult. In this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Maroussia Paré, top athlete in athletics and psychologist, discusses her encounter with athletics and her access to high-level sport. Between early naivety, adolescence, fears and exploits, it shows how the other side is not always what one can imagine and that passion can be severely tested. Emotional experiences, as well as the cognitive demands inherent in the practice, constitute a real object of attention for psychologists who support athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les sportifs de haut niveau sont souvent présentés au moment de leurs performances en grands championnats. Mais qu'en est-il de leur quotidien et du chemin parcouru vers ces succès ? Dans cet entretien, Maroussia Paré, sportive de haut niveau en athlétisme et psychologue, analyse sa saison olympique 2020–2021. Du début de la préparation avec la planification d'objectifs, en passant par les échecs et les émotions désagréables, elle revient sur le quotidien peu connu des athlètes qui, l'instant d'une course, espère briller par leurs résultats. Cet entretien met en lumière les ressources psychologiques adoptées par les athlètes telles que les capacités adaptatives, le contrôle de soi et les stratégies de coping privilégiées. Nous voyons au travers de son expérience que cette course effrénée à la performance, individuelle ou collective, peu également induire des vulnérabilités psychologiques non négligeables. Ainsi, entre prévention et accompagnement, la place du psychologue au sein du staff du sportif semble nécessaire. Top athletes are often introduce when they are performing at major championships. But what about their daily life and all the things they put together for those success ? Maroussia Paré, high level athlete in track and field and psychologist, propounds in this article an analysis of her 2020–2021 Olympic season. From the beginning of the preparation with setting goals, through the failures and the unpleasant emotions, she comes back on the little-known daily life of the athletes who, at the moment of a race, hope to shine with their results. This interview highlights the psychological resources adopted by athletes such as adaptive capacities, self-control and privileged coping strategies. We can see from her experience that this mad rush for performance, both individual and collective, can also lead to significant psychological vulnerabilities.Thus, between prevention and support, the place of the psychologist within the staff of the athlete seems necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How pervasive is the power of human touch? Physical touch by other humans shows social support and alleviates stress – stress that may otherwise interfere with performance in athletic tasks. We argue that physical touch improves performance in highly stressful situations: free throws in basketball. In two studies (N total = 60 NCAAW games, k total = 835 free throw tandems), we assessed how often teammates touched the shooting player (e.g., a tap on the shoulder) in between shooting two free throws. We find that the extent of touch (i.e., being touched by 0, 1, 2, 3, or all 4 teammates) after the first free throw predicted success with the second free throw, but only when players missed the first free throw (integrated data analysis: main effect hand taps: b = 0.47, p =.021; main effect first free throw: b = 1.36, p =.019; interaction effect: b = −0.55, p =.024). We argue that this means that teammates' support expressed in physical touch helps particularly when stress levels are already high. Results are robust when controlling for players' skill level, home versus away games, point difference, and remaining playing time. More frequent touch was also tendentially associated with teams' season success (ACC-teams only, main effect of hand taps: b = −0.42, p =.062). Physical touch thus indeed boosts performance under stress, superseding a range of other factors, likely also in other team sports and interpersonal relationships. • Experiencing stress during free throw shooting may hinder performance. • Physical touch lowers stress; thus, we test if being touched boosts performance. • We coded teammates' touch in between 835 free throw tandems in 60 NCAAW games. • Touch predicted performance, but only when the first shot was missed (high stress). • We conclude that physical touch may alleviate the performance damage of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have highlighted elite refugee athletes' acculturation and sport-related challenges upon transitioning into host country sports systems. Using a strength-based approach, we aimed to broaden this view through exploring the internal and external factors that have fostered refugee athletes' abilities to find meaning and growth following their transitions into a national sports system. Data collection began with an arts-based drawing activity which was then discussed in a conversational interview. Fourteen (n = 11 male, 3 female) national and international refugee athletes participated. The interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis, a form of qualitative analysis used to derive commonalities that connect athletes' experiences. The data is represented through polyphonic vignettes (narrative featuring multiple perspectives) to safeguard athletes' anonymity whilst showcasing varying perspectives. Athletes were at various phases of growth at the time of the interviews. The primary internal factor that facilitated growth was responsibility to find and pursue meaning. External factors of trust and belonging, actualized through supporting elite athletes' personal differences, were external factors that fostered their abilities to find meaning. Elite refugee athletes' growth occurred at the nexus of individual responsibility, trusting relationships, and inclusive sport environments. The findings inform individual and environmental growth-based interventions for current and future elite athletes who face varying adversities within their sports contexts. • Responsibility is a pre-requisite for growth; athletes must desire to search for meaning within their suffering. • Developing trusting relationships with sports staff can encourage elite forced migrant athletes to discover their inner strengths. • Coaches who support personal differences reduce the load for elite refugee athletes, who concurrently navigate acculturation challenges. • Elite forced migrant athletes who feel included within their teams use their personal resources for organizational growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports therapists can influence an athlete's psychological response to injury. At present it is unclear whether sports therapists are sufficiency trained in psychology. To understand the views both of practising clinicians and students regarding the extent to which sports therapy education addresses psychological factors in injury management. Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online Questionnaire. Participants: Qualified sports therapists (n = 30) and sports therapy students, (n = 33). Sports Therapist and Sport Psychology Questionnaire. The questionnaire included five subsets of questions (5-point Likert scale or multiple-choice). Internal consistency of each subset was rated via Cronbach's alpha (α, 95% confidence interval) as good (questions 5 & 6; α 0.81, 0.68 to 0.88) or as excellent (scale questions 3–4; α 0.91, 0.85–0.95, question 8, α 0.97, 9.6 to 9.8, questions 7, 11 & 12; α 0.94, 0.91–0.96; and questions 9 & 10, α 0.96, 9.4–9.8). Both groups recognised psychological components as either 'important' or 'very important' in rehabilitation. They reported a need for psychological skills in injury management, and more psychology training during education. While 80% of qualified therapists identified a duty to treat psychological components, only 45% of students concurred. Future sports therapy education should consider placing greater emphasis on the psychological components of injury management in order to sufficiently equip therapists with appropriate skills for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risky alcohol consumption among adolescents has health and social consequences. Evidence identifying the school context that determines alcohol consumption among rural and urban adolescents is lacking. This study aimed to describe the contextual school and town factors determining risky alcohol consumption among rural and urban 10th-grade adolescents (15-17 years old) from Catalonia (northeastern Spain). The study had a cross-sectional design. Cluster sampling with the class as the sampling unit was used, and a total of 1268 10th-grade adolescents from Catalonia nested in 26 high schools participated in the study. A computerized and self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect individual variables. Contextual variables were collected from the Catalan police registers, geocoded sources, and governmental internet databases, and by aggregation of answers from the self-administrated questionnaire. The prevalence of risky alcohol consumption was calculated, and a multilevel Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was conducted with data from adolescents nested within high schools. The results show that risky alcohol consumption is higher among rural adolescents (59.3%) than among urban youth (51.1%) (p < 0.005). Positive expectancies, drunkenness of siblings and friends, and most of the variables indicating accessibility are associated with risky alcohol consumption at the individual level. At the contextual level, the sports center rate and the high school's percentage of risky student alcohol consumption are strongly associated with individual risky alcohol consumption. The town environment (rural or urban), the unemployment rate, and the number of pubs and nightclubs lost their significance after adjustment by the individual and mediating variables. In conclusion, individual factors, such as the influence of drinking patterns of siblings and friends, and more alcohol access opportunities, are associated with adolescents' risky alcohol consumption. The associated contextual factors are the sports center rate and the percentage of risky classmate alcohol consumers. Interventions targeting adolescents should focus at community and high school levels, trying to reduce adolescents' accessibility to alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research project presents the development and preliminary validation of a German version of the Adverse Competition-related Cognitions Questionnaire (ACCQ) and comprises four studies. In Study 1, 101 athletes and 124 coaches from different team and individual sports generated a large pool of cognitions, which was reduced to an initial item pool of 54 cognitions through a multi-step procedure with different experts. In Study 2, the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire was examined by an exploratory factor analysis (N 2 = 348), which revealed six factors (athletic comparison, coach devaluation, devaluation of one's own performance, appreciation by coach and family, inner resistance against competitions, and general exhaustion) with 26 items retained. Subsequently, in Study 3, the results were re-examined with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, N 3 = 419; CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.06). In addition, preliminary support for the construct validity (i.e., convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity) of the ACCQ was obtained by examining associations among the ACCQ subscales and theoretical correlates such as social comparison, cognitive interference, irrational performance beliefs, and fear of negative evaluation. In Study 4, a second CFA (N 4 = 153; CFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.07) was conducted to test the identified 6-factor solution in a sample of high-performance competitive athletes. With its broad range of factors, the ACCQ provides a useful and valid measure for assessing different adverse competition-related cognitions, offering a wide range of potential applications in research and sport psychology practice. • We present a questionnaire to capture adverse thoughts in competitions. • ACCQ development is based on four studies with 1.145 athletes and coaches. • Six factors were identified that showed good internal consistencies. • Two confirmatory factor analyses supported the six-factor structure of the ACCQ. • The ACCQ offers a wide range of potential applications in research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Judgement and decision-making under uncertainty often rely on simplistic" rules of thumb", known as "heuristics". The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the extant literature focussed on heuristics and sport. This study employed a five-stage scoping review methodology. The databases searched were Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycInfo. The search terms were sport*, heuristic* (and its synonyms: cognitive shortcut, shortcut, rule of thumb, mental rule, cognitive rule) plus cognitive bias. The search identified 2019 studies, of which 38 were included in the analysis. Studies based in USA and Germany were most common. The use of heuristics by players were most common, while football (soccer) and basketball were the most frequently researched sport contexts. Both males and females were commonly included in most studies, but there were no studies with an explicit focus on females. The research was contextualized within several academic disciplines (e.g., psychology, forecasting, JDM, organization behavior, sports marketing and sponsorship, coaching science, risk analysis and sociology). Approximately 80 % of the studies were quantitative. Sixteen studies examined the fast and frugal heuristics approach (i.e., take-the-first heuristic (n = 8), recognition heuristic (n = 7), or gut instinct (n = 1), whereas eleven articles embraced the heuristics and biases approach. Future research should pursue a greater variety of heuristics, investigate the use of heuristics by selectors and boards of directors, and how best to design, implement, and evaluate heuristic education programs. • Athletes we the most frequently studied decision-maker. • The research was contextualized within several academic disciplines. • Fast and frugal heuristics are the most frequently studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this FEPSAC Position Statement is to summarize current knowledge about athletes' dual careers (DCs) in the European context and propose recommendations for future DC research, practice, and policy. Inspired by the European Union's Guidelines on Dual Careers of Athletes (European Commission, 2012), researchers, practitioners, and policy makers collaborated over the last decade to create the European DC discourse as a context-informed and negotiated body of DC knowledge. In this paper, we proceed from analyzing this body of knowledge using recent review papers and European DC psychological research projects to formulating seven postulates summarizing DC research findings on factors influencing athletes in their striving for DC excellence. These factors include (1) context, (2) pathways and transitions, (3) challenges, (4) resources and coping, (5) support and empowerment, (6) student–athletes' mental health, and (7) DC development environments. In the final section, we acknowledge the contributions of European DC discourse in serving athletes in their pursuit of DC excellence and European DC culture. We also provide a critical discussion on DC knowledge gaps and, on behalf of FEPSAC, offer recommendations for DC research, practice, and policy in Europe. • Role of FEPSAC and European Commission in promoting dual career topic is stressed. • Current knowledge on athletes' dual careers in the European context is summarized. • Pursuit of dual career excellence is supported by seven research-based postulates. • Recommendations for future dual career research, practice, and policy are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a holistic perspective, the talent development environment (TDE) influences not only the athletic development but also the development of personal skills as well as the wellbeing of elite youth athletes. Alongside research on the effects of broader environmental features on athlete-related talent development (TD) outcomes, the importance of the closer social climate (i.e., teammates, coaches, support staff) is also emphasized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between environmental features, the social climate and athlete-related TD outcomes (I). Additionally, an exploratory analysis was conducted to investigate the role of motivational climate and psychological safety in the relationship between environmental features and athlete-related TD outcomes (II). To this end, 345 German elite youth athletes completed an online survey assessing their perceptions of environmental features, coach-created motivational climate, and psychological safety as well as wellbeing, performance satisfaction, and life skills development. The results revealed that environmental features (especially long-term development focus, effective coach-athlete communication, and the social network), motivational climate and psychological safety were all significantly associated with the outcome variables. These findings underline the significance of environmental features for athlete-related TD outcomes of young talented athletes in German elite youth sports. However, the results indicated that motivational climate and psychological safety did not have significant indirect effects on the relationship between TDE features and athlete-related TD outcomes. Thus, it remains to be questioned if and what other processes influence this relationship. • TDE features (TDEQ-5), motivational climate, and psychological safety were all linked to athlete development outcomes. • Motivational climate and psychological safety did not significantly affect relationships between TDE features and outcomes. • Long-term focus, communication and social network seem especially relevant for athlete-related development outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop a grounded theory of how to promote personal development in high-performance sport environments. Individual interviews were conducted with 32 members of the Canadian junior and senior national biathlon teams, including 18 athletes (9 women, 9 men, M age = 20.8 years, SD = 2.9), 5 coaches (1 woman, 4 men), 3 technical leaders (2 women, 1 man), and 6 parents (3 mothers, 3 fathers). Follow-up interviews were conducted with five key participants. Straussian grounded theory methodology was used. Analytic techniques included open coding, constant comparison, questioning, memoing, diagramming, and theoretical integration. The grounded theory is based on the core category that personal development is a continual and individualized process. Three propositions represent how to promote athletes' personal development process. Proposition 1: Athletes use realistic self-evaluation and goal setting. Proposition 2: Athletes experience different situations and reflect on their areas for personal development. Proposition 3: Athletes perceive and receive social support. The grounded theory portrays propositions that can be used to promote athletes' personal development in high-performance sport environments. It may inform future applied research and the delivery of sport psychology support to high-performance athletes. • We developed a grounded theory of how to promote personal development in high-performance sport environments. • The grounded theory is based on a core category and three propositions that represent how to promote athletes' personal development process. • Proposition 1: Athletes use realistic self-evaluation and goal setting to promote their personal development. • Proposition 2: Athletes experience different situations and reflect on their areas for personal development. • Proposition 3: Athletes perceive and receive social support that benefit their personal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of a professional identity among sport psychology practitioners (SPPs) can increase ethical and effective practice while also leading to more satisfactory careers and advancing awareness of professional roles. There is currently no consensus regarding a sport psychology professional identity (SPPI), a definition of this construct, and the factors influencing it. As such, in the present study, we sought consensus on a definition of SPPI and aimed to identify associated factors. A multinational panel of 39 SPPs from 6 different continents participated in a 3-round Delphi study. The panelists in this study, who were recruited based on their applied and scholarly experiences, constructed a shared definition of SPPI as an individual's professional self-concept concerning their sense of belonging and fit within the sport psychology profession. Further, the panelists also constructed a list of factors supporting (n = 13; e.g., knowledge and philosophy of the profession, personal meaning) and hindering (n = 10; e.g., isolation, non-traditional roles, lack of practitioner-environment fit) the development of SPPI. Professional organizations might use these results to advance professional development and training by integrating them into curricula for qualification processes. A clear understanding of what SPPI is and the factors that foster and hinder its development can support practitioners' wellbeing and practice as well as raise public awareness of what is the sport psychology profession. • Sport psychology professional identity (SPPI) is a relevant construct for purpose and a sense of professional belonging. • We propose the first definition of professional identity for sport psychology practitioners (SPPs). • We identify a series of factors supporting and hindering the development of SPPI. • A clear SPPI supports the training and development of professionals and foster the growth and recognition of the profession. • We offer a complete and transparent example of a Delphi study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 280 million people suffer from depression as the most common neurological disorder and the most common cause of death worldwide. Exercise with serotonin released in the brain by the 5-HT3-IGF-1 mechanism can lead to antidepressant effects. Swimming exercise has antidepressant effects by increasing the sensitivity of serotonin 5-HT2 receptors and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, increasing 5-HT and 5HIAA levels, increasing TPH and serotonin, and decreasing inflammatory levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α. Anaerobic and aerobic exercises increase beta-endorphin, enkephalin, and dynorphin and have antidepressant effects. Exercise by increasing dopamine, D1R, and D2R leads to the expression of BDNF and activation of TrkB and has antidepressant behavior. Exercise leads to a significant increase in GABAAR (γ2 and α2 subunits) and reduces neurodegenerative disorders caused by GABA imbalance through anti-inflammatory pathways. By increasing glutamate and PGC1α and reducing glutamatergic neurotoxicity, exercise enhances neurogenesis and synaptogenesis and prevents neurodegeneration and the onset of depression. Irisin release during exercise shows an important role in depression by increasing dopamine, BDNF, NGF, and IGF-1 and decreasing inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and IL-1β. In addition, exercise-induced orexin and NPY can increase hippocampal neurogenesis and relieve depression. After exercise, the tryptophan to large neutral amino acids (TRP/LNAA) ratio and the tryptophan to branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) ratio increase, which may have antidepressant effects. The expression of M5 receptor and nAChR α7 increases after exercise and significantly increases dopamine and acetylcholine and ameliorates depression. It appears that during exercise, muscarinic receptors can reduce depression through dopamine in the absence of acetylcholine. Therefore, exercise can be used to reduce depression by affecting neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, cytokines, and/or neurotrophins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A clear model of professional development (PD) has the potential to enhance educational and training programs and promote effective, competent, and ethical practice. Scholars have explored facets of the PD of sport psychology practitioners (SPPs) using theoretical frameworks borrowed from counseling psychology. Yet, given the emergence of a sport-specific body of work on this topic, it appears timely to take stock of existing context-specific knowledge. In the present study, we aimed to systematically review the extant literature focused on SPP's PD to identify specific characteristics and organize this knowledge in an accessible and structured manner in the form of a process model of PD. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we identified 1147 research records in the databases SportDiscuss, PsychArticles, PsychInfo, ProQuest, and PubMed. We subsequently screened and assessed the records for eligibility (i.e., empirical studies published in English that focus on developmental characteristics of SPPs, including a clear developmental stage) reducing the sample of articles that fitted our inclusion criteria to 34 qualitative manuscripts. Finally, we critically explored these manuscripts by engaging in a reflexive thematic analysis and created four developmental phases (i.e., introduction, exploration, solidification, and fulfillment). SPPs' transition through these phases is seemingly facilitated by four processes (i.e., reflection, supervision, connections and networking with peers, and learning by doing), which also support the completion of the tasks associated with nine developmental elements (i.e., purpose, confidence and anxiety, focus, awareness, adaptability, independence, philosophy/congruence, professional identity, and the individual). We present the interaction of these developmental phases, elements, and processes in the form of a sport psychology-specific process model of PD. We discuss the implications of this model and its potential contribution to future research, supervision, and training programs. Yet, we also acknowledge how a focus on Anglophone and Western cultural contexts and a lack of methodological transparency are limitations of the extant literature. • This work offers a novel review and model to describe practitioners' development. • Development unfolds over four phases, shaped by nine elements and four processes. • Research on professional development is predominantly Anglophone and Euro-centric. • This sport-specific model of development can inform education pathways and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the naturalness bias - the tendency to prefer people who seem to come by their talent naturally and not through work or effort - on ratings of athletic ability. Football (soccer) coaches, athletes, fans, and non-fans (n = 430) read about an athlete described as either being a natural or a striver. After watching a video of the athlete going through drills, participants rated the athlete on likelihood of success, athletic skill, mental strength, and physiological ability. Participants of all expertise levels tended to rate the athlete described as a natural as being higher in mental toughness than did the participants rating the athlete described as being a striver. There were no significant differences in ratings for the natural and the striver for measures of skill and explosiveness. It appears that the naturalness bias was most likely to influence ratings not easily judged by viewing a single performance. • Naturalness bias is a preference for natural talent over hard work. • Naturalness bias found in ratings of an athlete's mental toughness. • No naturalness bias for ratings of skill and explosiveness in an athlete. • No impact of rater expertise level on the naturalness bias for an athlete. • Naturalness bias might only apply to hard to judge abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport and exercise participation are associated with small, albeit positive changes in subjective well-being (SWB). Recent theorizing has emphasized the importance of distinguishing between performance aspects (i.e., frequency, intensity, time engaged) and the experiential aspects of sport and exercise participation among people with disabilities. This study assessed the relative contributions of time spent participating in sport and exercise (a performance measure) versus measures of participation experiences, in explaining variance in SWB. Participants were 535 adults with physical disabilities, recruited through a nation-wide survey, who participated in sport (n = 271; 62% male; 44 ± 14 years) or exercise (n = 264; 42% male; 57 ± 14 years). They completed measures of minutes/week of sport or exercise participation, experiential aspects of participation, and SWB (overall life satisfaction, satisfaction with physical, psychological and social life-domains, and positive/negative affect). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed minutes/week of sport did not explain significant variance in any SWB measure, but sport participation experiences explained significant variance (9.2%–20.9%) in all SWB measures (p < 0.05). Similarly, minutes/week of exercise explained significant variance only in physical life-domain satisfaction (ΔR2 = 2.6%, p = 0.026), but exercise participation experiences explained significant variance (4.8%–10.7%) in all SWB measures (p < 0.05). Experiences of belonging and mastery were particularly strong, consistent predictors across SWB outcomes. These results suggest participation experiences better explain relationships between sport and exercise participation and SWB than time spent performing sport and exercise. Findings have implications for designing future studies to test the effects of sport and exercise on SWB, and developing theories and interventions to explain and maximize the use of sport and exercise to improve SWB in adults with disabilities. • Sport/exercise participation is modestly related to subjective well-being (SWB). • This study distinguished participation time from participation experiences. • Experiences explained more variance in SWB than time spent on sport/exercise. • Belonging and mastery experiences were strong, consistent predictors of SWB. • Results have implications for theory and intervention development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Interventions (MABIs) can impact sport performance and performance-relevant factors, though questions remain regarding when and for whom MABIs are effective. Specifically, inquiries into intervention engagement (i.e., dosage), potentially impacted by participant readiness, are needed. The present study utilized a non-randomized control group design with U.S. collegiate athletes to investigate MABI effects. Four teams from two universities in the Appalachian region (N = 57) engaged in Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) interventions during their offseason or pre-season training period. Participants were assessed on flow, psychological distress, mindfulness, emotion regulation difficulties, life satisfaction, readiness to practice mindfulness, attitudes toward sport psychology, and sport performance and enjoyment. Mindfulness dosage was measured weekly via self-report. Compared to controls, initial MSPE participants reported reductions in depressive symptoms and emotion regulation difficulties, and improvements in self-rated sport performance; at 6-week follow-up, initial MSPE participants reported significant increases in mindfulness and sport enjoyment, in addition to sustained reductions in emotion regulation difficulties. Pre-intervention readiness was not associated with changes across the intervention, though higher post-intervention readiness was associated with improvements in mindfulness, life satisfaction, and sport enjoyment. Higher post-intervention readiness was also associated with significantly more engagement (i.e., dosage), though no evidence indicated that dosage moderated the relationship between readiness and outcomes. These data suggest that post-intervention readiness may impact long-term engagement in mindfulness practice, and that pre-intervention readiness may not be an accurate indicator of engagement in or outcomes of an MABI with athletes. • Mindfulness interventions (MABIs) may be beneficial for athletes. • Dosage and readiness have been explored sparingly in MABIs with athletes. • Pre-MABI readiness was not associated with significant change during the MABI. • Post-MABI readiness was associated with significant changes over time and dosage. • MABI participants reported improvements in outcomes compared to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narcissism, which features the chronic disposition to seek the opportunity to construct and maintain an inflated self, is a known risk for antisocial behaviour. However, knowledge of factors that mitigate the effects of narcissism on antisocial behaviour is lacking. In two studies we explored the hypothesis that self-compassion would protect against the link between narcissism and antisocial behaviour, such that narcissism would be less related to antisocial behaviour when self-compassion was high. Study 1 was a cross-sectional study with a sample of professional footballers (N = 208). Study 2 utilised a sample of competitive athletes from a variety of sports (N = 324) over an eight-month period. The data from both studies supported the hypothesis: Greater self-compassion was associated with a null (Study 1) or significantly attenuated (Study 2) relationship between narcissism and antisocial behaviour. We discuss the implications of the findings, including the benefits of incorporating self-compassion in sport settings. • Narcissism is a known risk for antisocial behaviour, but knowledge in protective factors of such risk is scarce. • In a cross-sectional (Study 1; N = 208 professional footballers) and a three-wave longitudinal study (Study 2; N = 324 competitive athletes), results consistently demonstrated that self-compassion attenuated the relationship between narcissism and antisocial behaviour in sport. • Incorporating self-compassion may help promote moral behaviours in sport, especially for individuals high in narcissism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last couple of decades, there has been an increasing trend of sports psychology research studies drawing on theoretical models from the realm of work and organizational psychology. These models have been either directly applied or adapted to fit the sports context. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of using models rooted in work and organizational psychology in sports psychology. We will first examine the similarities between the two contexts, followed by an in-depth analysis of theoretical models that have been successfully or unsuccessfully transferred to sports psychology, such as the Goal Setting Theory, the Theory of Transformational Leadership, the Conservation of Resources Theory, and the Demand-Induced Strain Compensation-Recovery Model. Ultimately, this review will provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits and pitfalls associated with applying work and organizational psychology theoretical models to sports psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soccer is a dynamic sport of high unpredictability that requires appropriate decision making for success, but intervening factors such as exposure time to smartphone applications can lead to a decline in cognitive performance and consequently in psychomotor tasks. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of exposure time to smartphone applications on the passing decision-making performance in professional soccer athletes. The participants were 20 soccer athletes aged 18–35 years (M = 24.7 ± 3.6). This study was a controlled and randomized experimental within-subject investigation, consisting of four visits with a 1-week interval. Male soccer athletes participated in four randomized conditions throughout the four visits: control (CON), 15-min smartphone (15SMA), 30-min smartphone (30SMA), and 45-min smartphone (45SMA). The Stroop Task assessed the level of induced mental fatigue before and after each experimental condition. Then, the athletes played a simulated soccer game. The game was filmed for further analysis of passing decision-making performance. A condition effect (p <.001) was identified for passing decision-making performance, with impairment in 30SMA (p =.01, h 2 = 0.6) and 45SMA (p =.01, h 2 = 0.6) conditions. We conclude that at least 30 min of smartphone application exposure caused mental fatigue, which impaired passing decision-making performance in male soccer athletes. • 30-min of smartphone apps exposition caused mental fatigue. • 30-min of smartphone apps impaired passing decision-making performance. • 15-min of smartphone apps did not impair passing decision-making performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined experienced practitioners' (N = 21) stories about two of their athlete consultancies, with a focus on their descriptions of the active ingredients involved in service delivery. Qualitative interviews informed by narrative theory. Consultants (9 females and 12 males, aged 27–46) with at least four years of professional experience discussed two client consultancies during open-ended narrative interviews. Data analysis began with an examination of the narrative structure of the practitioners' stories, followed by an investigation of the narrative themes. The structure of the participants' stories reflected a collaborative expert problem-solving narrative, in which they described working as experts in concert with athletes who needed help in solving their problems. Narrative themes included the influence of relationships, client allegiance, and active athlete engagement towards service delivery outcomes. An additional theme involved a constrained freedom in which contextual factors influenced service delivery. Results had strong parallels with clinical and counselling psychology research, such as the Rogerian narrative to service delivery. Findings also reflected a self-promotional narrative that surrounds psychological service delivery. Applied implications include the value of self-awareness, developing authenticity, and learning to become part of the sport organization's culture. • Practitioners' applied stories focused on collaborative expert problem-solving. • Social scripts bounded practitioners' stories which were somewhat self-serving. • Practitioner congruence, acceptance, and empathy underpinned collaboration. • Athlete service delivery allegiance and engagement enhanced collaboration. • Understanding practitioners' service delivery cognitive maps broadens theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore whether several subgroups of athletes representing distinct emotional trajectories emerged from the person-centred analyses for a wide variety of positive and negative sport emotions (anger, anxiety, sadness, confidence, happiness, harmony, love and vitality). The present study also focused on the determinants of the emotional dynamics exploring whether athletes reporting distinct scores of emotional intelligence (EI) and emotional regulation (ER) at time 1 (T1) belonged to distinct trajectories. A longitudinal three-wave measurement design (beginning, middle, and end of a competitive season) was used in the present study. A sample of 325 adolescent athletes evolving in intensive training centres completed three self-reported questionnaires. Results of latent class growth analyses (LCGA) demonstrated four trajectories for love and confidence, three trajectories for anger, harmony, happiness, sadness, and vitality, and two trajectories for anxiety. Furthermore, the likelihood of belonging to emotional trajectories was significantly influenced by EI and ER scores for love, confidence, anger, harmony, happiness, sadness and vitality. LCGA results highlighted the young athlete heterogeneity in longitudinal sport emotions and the predictive effects of ER and EI on their emotional trajectories. These results could be used to help coaches and sport psychologists to identify athletes at risk of developing dysfunctional emotional trajectories across the competitive season. Moreover, this study suggested potential benefits of EI and ER-centred interventions to help young elite athletes to experience adaptive emotional trajectories. Finally, these results highlighted that the heterogeneity in sport emotions must be accounted for in future research. • Latent class growth analysis allows to investigate the athlete's emotional process. • Athletes experience both change and stability in their discrete emotions during season. • The emotional experience of athletes is heterogeneous for various emotions in sport context. • Emotional regulation scores predict membership of emotional trajectories. • Emotional intelligence scores predict membership of emotional trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The validity of sporting talent is hotly contested by those working, watching, and participating in sport in its variety of forms. Despite considerable research attention to understanding talent development in sport settings, the overall utility of this concept is not known. One of the reasons for this is that sporting talent has not been adequately conceptualized. This paper aims to provide a broad foundation for exploring talent in sport. Critical review. Prior work from psychology, sport psychology and sport science more generally are reviewed to develop a new conceptualization of talent in sport. We propose a multi-faceted conceptualization of talent as: innate (i.e., originating in biological elements present at birth), multi-dimensional (i.e., consisting of capacities from a range of broad cognitive, physical, and psychological categories), emergenic (i.e., involving interactions among factors that combine multiplicatively), dynamic (i.e., evolving across developmental time due to interactions with environments and random gene expression) and symbiotic (i.e., cultural and social factors will determine the ultimate value of an individual's talent). We also suggest several avenues for future research to determine the validity of talent in sport. • Talent remains the foundation of most athlete development systems. Yet, there is no sport-specific conceptualization of what talent is. • This paper uses the latest research from psychology, sport science and education to propose a multi-factorial model of talent in sport. • This model will help develop stronger and more robust research designs to determine the long-term validity of talent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the discursive practices surrounding athletes' bodies with a particular focus on a) how food, the body and agency around eating and exercising practices are constructed, as well as b) how dominant discourses and narratives are deployed. A case study design was used, examining interactions from three female athletes with a sport psychologist regarding their body composition. The psychology sessions took place within an elite sport setting. Recordings from three initial psychology sessions were recorded. Analysis drew on a synthesis of discursive psychology and conversation analysis. Competing depictions of food and the body were drawn on by the athletes and the psychologist in order to either reproduce or resist taken for granted notions about a need to reduce body composition to improve performance. Discursive tensions were evident in talk around female athletes' bodies, with a performance narrative functioning to regulate athletes' bodies, at the same time that athletes oriented to a dominant notion of the thin female body. Food was also variously constructed in moral terms and as a neutral energy source. Throughout the sessions, individual agency for the body and for resolving the 'problem' of body composition was reproduced, with broader discursive and institutional practices overlooked. This study provides an in insight into how talk around the body and eating practices takes place within one institutional context occurring within an elite sport setting. In particular, this study highlights how potentially problematic discourses and practices are privileged and reproduced or resisted. Shifting the focus to technique rather than body modification and nutrition may be beneficial for athletes' wellbeing. Further implications for practice are discussed. • Within an elite sport setting, a need to change skinfolds was subtly reinforced. • The tension between feminine vs performative bodies was evident. • Biomedical discourses around food reinforced individual responsibility for eating/body shape. • A performance narrative functioned to reinforce body regulation, but was resisted. • A focus on technique rather than the body for enhancing performance might benefit athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel analytical framework was used to re-examine and extend Cheng, Hardy and Markland's (2009) hierarchical model of anxiety. The modified model was characterized by six first order constructs, with worry, private self-focus and public self-focus representing cognitive anxiety, somatic tension and autonomous hyperactivity representing physiological anxiety and perceived control representing the regulatory dimension. It was hypothesized that these six first order constructs were formative indicators of the second order factors and this hypothesis was tested using Partial Least Squares analysis. Factor validity of the original hierarchical model proposed by Cheng et al. was investigated. Subsequently, items were refined, the hierarchical model extended, and factor and predictive validity investigated further. Prospective data was collected from three samples (N = 174, 516, 43), and a series of factor analyses were conducted including Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Partial Least Squares modeling. Multivariate analysis examined the predictive validity of the model using a performance measure as the dependent variable. The original model revealed a poor fit, with poor item loadings and discriminant validity. Subsequent analysis established a refined 25 item measure, which produced support for a fully differentiated hierarchical model of competitive anxiety. MANOVA revealed a significant effect for the control factor, with those achieving superior performance reporting significantly higher levels of perceived control. A fully differentiated hierarchical model was supported, which crucially depicts the first order factors of competitive anxiety that form the 3 s order dimensions. This provides a model that is a better fit with theory and provides a more refined diagnosis tool for applied sport psychologists. • Measurement and validation of a hierarchical model of competitive anxiety. • A mixed formative-reflective model of competitive anxiety was supported using prospective data. • The self-focus factor of anxiety should include a distinction between private and public self-focus. • This measure provides a method for a more refined diagnosis tool for applied sport psychologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While research on applied sport psychology (ASP) has generally focused on the development and professional practice of its practitioners, less attention has been paid to the role of organizations. The aim of this article consisted of reflecting on the role of organizations on the development of ASP practitioners and the quality of their services. Using FEPSAC's position statement on the quality of applied sport psychology services, the role of two types of organizations - a sport psychology and an elite sport organization - on the development of ASP practitioners and the quality of their services was reviewed. After providing an overview of initiatives related to ASP as developed or supported by FEPSAC, the role of elite sport organizations ensuring high-quality ASP services was described. Throughout the article, reflections and recommendations are provided on how the development of ASP practitioners and the provision of ASP services can be supported and enhanced. The article concludes with suggestions on the role both types of organizations can play in the quality management of ASP services. • FEPSAC took and supported five applied sport psychology related initiatives during the past decade. • The quality of elite sport organizations' applied sport psychology (ASP) services can be analyzed using a framework of quality management. • Sport psychology and elite sport organizations can both further the development of ASP practitioners and provision of ASP services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scoping review explored the associations between physical activity, sport, and body image. Scoping review. The studies were identified and selected using broad search criteria using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO via Ovid and CINAHL, Gender Studies and Sport Discus via EBSCO, from January 1, 2008 up to May 15, 2018 for English peer-reviewed publications. A rigorous evaluation following specific exclusion criteria ensued and 210 publications (182 quantitative, 26 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods studies) were indexed and summarized using frequency counts. The studies were focused exclusively on sport (14.8%) or physical activity (defined as structured or leisure; 85.2%). The majority of the quantitative studies (58.2%) focused on the relationship between physical activity or sport and body image whereas 41.8% explored how body image was either a protective factor or deterrent for physical activity or sport participation. Four qualitative studies specifically examined the intersection of physical activity or sport and body image experiences. Based on the frequency of reported findings in the journal articles, participation in physical activity and sport was related to less negative and more positive body image. Negative body image was linked to lower physical activity and sport participation and was discussed qualitatively as a barrier to participation. Positive body image was associated with greater participation in physical activity and sport. There was no empirical focus on the bi-directional and reciprocal associations between physical activity or sport and body image, thus precluding any causal conclusions. Future research is needed using integrative conceptual frameworks and research designs that emphasize and delineate the causal, bi-directional, and reciprocal associations between body image and physical activity and sport behaviors. • 210 publications met inclusion criteria exploring physical activity, sport, and body image. • The bi-directional association between physical activity or sport and body image was not tested. • Few studies were founded on theoretical frameworks. • Relatively equal focus on positive and negative body image constructs across studies. • Heterogeneity in measures precludes conclusions on association between physical activity and sport and body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper elucidates some cognitive mechanisms of expertise in sport that have emerged from recent studies of three topics in psychology: motor imagery; flow and "clutch" states; and the "quiet eye" phenomenon. A selective narrative review was conducted of research on the three preceding topics. Special consideration was given to recent studies by European researchers on these topics. Following a brief overview of theoretical approaches to sport expertise, the paper examines certain cognitive mechanisms of elite athletic performance that have emerged from recent studies of motor imagery; flow and "clutch" states; and the "quiet eye" phenomenon. In the final section, conclusions are drawn about theoretical progress in understanding the cognitive mechanisms of expertise in sport. The mechanisms underlying sport expertise reflect both task-specific and universal cognitive processes (e.g., mental representations). Considerable progress has been made in identifying the cognitive mechanisms underlying expertise in sport but additional research is required to address certain unresolved issues in this field. Recent years have witnessed a profusion of research on athletic expertise - or the characteristics, skills, and knowledge that distinguish elite performers from less skilled counterparts. Unfortunately, relatively few studies have been conducted on the cognitive mechanisms (i.e., interaction between basic cognitive processes) underlying expertise in sport. Therefore, the present paper elucidates some mechanisms of expertise that have emerged from recent research (mainly by European investigators) on three topics in sport psychology: namely, motor imagery; flow and "clutch" states; and the "quiet eye" perceptual phenomenon. The final section of the paper presents some conclusions about the progress and prospects of research on the cognitive mechanisms of expertise in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(a) To provide a state-of-the-art critical review of European dual career (DC) research (2015–2018, English language), (b) to position the current DC (psychological) research within the athlete career sport psychology discourse and within the European DC discourse, and (c) to identify research gaps and future challenges. These objectives were formulated after an appraisal of nine existing review-type papers contributed to the European DC discourse. This review has been informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta Analyses (Moher, Liberati, Tetzlaff, Altman, & The PRISMA group, 2010) and recommendations on presenting results of the state-of-the-art critical review by Grant and Booth (2009). Following an extensive literature search across several databases, 42 research papers were used for appraisal, synthesis, and critical analysis of the current DC research. Major tenets of the cultural praxis of athletes' careers (Stambulova & Ryba, 2013a , b ; 2014) were used as a critical lens in the analysis. DC research contributes to and connects the European DC discourse and the athlete career sport psychology discourse. DC in sport and work, DC "costs", DC development environments, DC athletes' mental health and well-being, DC support and training of the support providers constitute the major gaps in current DC research. Filling these gaps presents future challenges for DC research to adequately support practice and policy making within the European DC discourse. • Forty two peer-reviewed dual career (DC) articles from 2015–18 were reviewed. • Mapping and narrative syntheses revealed progress and gaps in current DC research. • Tenets of cultural praxis of athletes' careers were used as a lens for critical reflections. • European DC discourse and athlete career (psychology) discourse were found to overlap. • DC term has been established, and a holistic lifespan perspective informed most studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To situate mostly European cultural sport psychology scholarship in a historical backdrop and then to draw on two recent examples from such scholarship to propose future prospects. A review of literature is utilized to situate the recent prominence of cultural sport psychology. This review is written temporally from past, to present, to future prospects. A presentation of scholarship is presented temporally relating to the following: (a) gender scholarship, (b) cross cultural voids in race and ethnicity, (c) situating of cultural sport psychology in present day, with the emergence of European scholars, (d) the topics of intersectionality of identity and acculturation are drawn upon to reveal diverse approaches taken in this line of scholarship and practice, and (e) reflections and recommendations are proposed, calling for openness of perspectives and topic areas. The presentation of scholarship is intended to serve as a form of advocacy for diverse approaches in cultural sport psychology. This advocacy is exemplified through such terms as cultural praxis and decolonization, beyond a broader call for receptiveness for diverse epistemological approaches. Cultural sport psychology is now becoming popular, among both scholars and practitioners. The benefits from such approaches extend beyond advocacy through research to mental health benefits for sport participants and exercisers. • Overviews the origins of cultural sport psychology from its inception to present day. • Draws upon European contributions to the broader trajectories of identity and acculturation scholarship. • Advocates for openness to diverse perspectives and topic areas among cultural sport psychology researchers and practitioners. • Suggestions are made for the future of cultural sport psychology and how it can continue to be open to differring topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the morphological and clinical outcomes between anatomic rectangular tunnel (ART) ACL reconstruction with a BTB graft and anatomic triple-bundle (ATB) ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon (HST) grafts.Methods: The anatomic ACL reconstructions were performed on 467 patients; 233 patients with ART technique and 234 with ATB procedure. ART procedure was predominantly indicated for athletes with higher motivation to return to sports and aggressiveness for muscle training. A total of 113 patients, with a mean age of 20.7 years, had consented to undergo second-look arthroscopy. The average time from ACL reconstruction to the second-look was 10.0 months. This study included 56 ART techniques and 57 ATB procedures. The grafts underwent meticulous probing, and were evaluated based on tension, graft damage, and synovial coverage. Moreover, the femoral tunnel aperture was also observed in detail to assess the space between the femoral tunnel and the graft. As clinical evaluation, knee effusion, range of motion, Lachman test, pivot shift test, KT side-to-side difference, and Lysholm score were assessed.Results: There was no significant difference in graft tension between two procedures, while HST graft in ATB procedure had more cases with graft damage (p = 0.05). Good synovial coverage was found in 98% in ART procedure and 70% in ATB procedure, showing a significant difference (P < 0.001). At femoral tunnel aperture, there were no cases with the space around BTB graft, while 33% showed the space around HST graft, again showing a significant difference (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes.Conclusion: BTB graft with the ART procedure was superior to HST graft with the ATB procedure in morphology at second-look arthroscopy, while there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between two procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Purpose Determine whether gender differences in ACL loading linked to the aetiology of injures are evident during the fencing lunge. Materials and methods ACL loading was obtained from ten male and ten female fencers using an eight-camera 3D motion capture system and force platform data as they completed simulated lunges. Gender differences in ACL loading parameters were examined using independent samples t tests. Results Peak ACL load and instantaneous rate of loading were significantly larger in female fencers (6.21 N/kg & 511.18 N/kg/s) in comparison to males (4.04 N/kg & 378.77 N/kg/s). Conclusions This investigation indicates that female fencers may be at increased risk from ACL pathologies. Future analyses should seek to investigate and implement strategies aimed at reducing ACL loading in female fencers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives Understanding how to promote rewarding exercise experiences is important for attempts to help individuals be physically active. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the optimal psychological states experienced during rewarding exercise activities. Specifically, participants were interviewed as soon as possible after recent, rewarding exercise experiences in order to maximise detail and accuracy of recall. Design Event-focused qualitative study. Method A sample of 18 individuals (M age = 32.94 years) participated in event-focused, semi-structured interviews soon after a rewarding exercise experience (M = 2 days later). Data were analysed thematically, while strategies were employed to enhance trustworthiness. Results Participants reported two distinct optimal experiences during rewarding exercise activities, matching descriptions of flow and clutch states. Flow occurred in contexts involving exploration, novelty/variation, and flexible outcomes, while the experience was described as enjoyable at the time, and involved lower perceived effort. Clutch states occurred in contexts involving achievement and pressure. Exercisers perceived clutch states to be enjoyable afterwards but not at the time, and to involve intense effort. Notable differences were apparent in the outcomes of each state in that flow had an energising effect, whereas clutch states were fatiguing. Conclusions This study presents evidence for flow and clutch states in exercise, supporting emerging research in sport. These findings provide insights into the occurrence, experience, and outcomes of flow and clutch states specifically from the exerciser's perspective. Such insights can inform future research on flow and clutch states in this setting, and may provide strategies for reliably inducing each state during exercise. Highlights • Eighteen participants were interviewed within two days of rewarding exercise activity. • Exercisers experienced two optimal states, matching descriptions of flow and clutch. • Novel evidence is presented for the relevance of clutch states in exercise. • Flow occurred in exploratory contexts with novelty, variation, and flexible outcomes. • Findings offer a new perspective on optimal experiences in exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives The life skills process (i.e., sport to life) involves three interrelated stages: (a) life skills learning in sport, (b) life skills transfer, and (c) life skills application in at least one life domain beyond sport (Pierce, Gould, & Camiré, 2017). The purpose of the study was to examine how athletes apply in life the skills learned or refined in sport in order to develop new theoretical explanations for the third stage of the life skills process (i.e., application). Design A grounded theory methodology (Corbin & Strauss, 2015). Method Data collection occurred over 10 months, involving interviews, chronological charts, timelines, and journals with university intramural athletes (n = 13). Social agents (n = 29) playing key roles in the athletes' lives (e.g., parents, partners, work colleagues) were theoretically sampled and interviewed. Data analysis Data analysis involved an iterative process of open coding, axial coding, and theoretical integration. Results The substantive grounded theory is constructed on the core category of "mutually beneficial person-context regulations". Within the theory, skill application is framed as an ongoing process that involves four steps (a) decision-making, (b) application, (c) appraisal, and (d) adaptation. Conclusions The substantive grounded theory puts forth theoretical explanations as to how athletes apply in their everyday lives the skills they deem to have learned in sport. Highlights • Substantive theory explains how athletes apply in life the skills learned in sport. • Data collection involved interviews, charts, timelines, and journals over 10-months. • Sample included athletes and their key social agents outside of sport. • Athletes' interactions with social agents influence life skills application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives The purpose was to explore the relationship between athletes' self-compassion and perceptions of their teammates' self-compassion (descriptive norm). A secondary purpose was to explore whether gender moderated this relationship. Design Cross-sectional, online survey. Method Team sport competitive athletes (N = 108; M age = 23.1 years; SD age = 4.68) reported their descriptive norm perceptions of their teammates' self-compassion as well as their own self-compassion. Results Hierarchical regression analysis indicated a positive relationship between descriptive norms and self-compassion, explaining 17.2% of the variance in self-compassion. The more it was perceived that teammates were engaging in self-compassion, the more likely athletes reported being self-compassionate (β = 0.39). There were no significant main or interaction effects of gender. Conclusions Athletes' self-compassion is related to their perceptions of how often their teammates are self-compassionate. Coaches and sport psychologists should encourage athletes to build awareness about how their cognitions and behaviours relate to others' cognitions and behaviours. Highlights • Team sport athletes (n = 108) participated via online surveys in a cross-sectional design. • Athlete perceptions of their teammates' self-compassion positively related to individual self-compassion. • Gender did not moderate the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]