1. Title of Dissertation: The Experience of Applying Sport Psychology
Research Model: Phenomenological Research Model
Research Question: What is the experience of applying sport psychology?
Descriptors: Applied sport psychology, sport psychology practitioners,
sport psychology consultants, sports mental training
Name: Michael P. Lingar
Date: May, 2009
Abstract
This study was a transcendental, phenomenological inquiry into the experience of
applying sport psychology. The intent of the Qualitative research was to gain knowledge
and understanding of the background, education, approaches, techniques, relationships,
thoughts, and feelings that are part of the phenomenon of applying sport psychology.
The literature review was broken down into four sub-categories: Historical Development
of Applied Sport Psychology, Relevant Quantitative Literature in Applied Sport
Psychology, Relevant Qualitative Literature in Applied Sport Psychology, and
Contemporary Issues in Applied Sport Psychology. Data consisted of 12 in-depth
interviews with research participants who met criteria that included a measure of
historical and ongoing experience in applied sport psychology. Seven textural themes
and the existential structures of relationship-to-world emerged from the application of the
research model. The experience of applying sport psychology included: (1) Meaningful
antecedents in sport; (2) Mentorship; (3) Understanding “the turf battle”; (4) Consulting
with athletes who present with a variety of issues (sub-themes: performance anxiety,
transition, injury); (5) Having knowledge of various approaches and the skill set to apply
them (sub-themes: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy [CBT], Athlete-Centered Approach
[ACA]); (6) Being a team player; and (7) Self-actualization and altruistic concerns, with
an emphasis on youth-athletes. Implications and applications of the research findings
were discussed.