Practitioners’ Use of Motivational Interviewing in Sport: A Qualitative Enquiry

in The Sport Psychologist

Click name to view affiliation

Rory MackSheffield Hallam University

Search for other papers by Rory Mack in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
,
Jeff BreckonSheffield Hallam University

Search for other papers by Jeff Breckon in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
,
Joanne ButtLiverpool John Moores University

Search for other papers by Joanne Butt in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
, and
Ian MaynardUniversity of Essex

Search for other papers by Ian Maynard in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2019-0155
Keywords:
ambivalence; applied sport psychology; integration; resistance; therapeutic alliance
First Published Online:
04 Feb 2021
In Print:
Volume 35: Issue 1
Page Range:
72–82
Restricted access

This study explored the use of motivational interviewing (MI) in sport contexts by experts in that approach. Specifically, the purpose was to understand which aspects of the MI approach are deemed valuable for working in sport and to begin to understand how these aspects are best applied. Nine practitioners participated in semistructured interviews, and thematic analysis identified themes related to core and subcomponents of MI (e.g., relational spirit, technical microskills, applied tools, and the MI communication styles continuum). Additional themes relate to integrating MI with other interventions, the challenges of working with athletes (e.g., mandated attendance, ambivalence about change), and unique aspects of working in sport contexts (e.g., frequency, duration, and location of contact points). The participants also outlined essential ingredients for an MI training curriculum for practitioners in sport. This counseling approach appears to have valuable relational and technical components to facilitate the building of the therapeutic alliance, enhance athlete readiness for change, and support delivery of action-oriented interventions in applied sport psychology.

Mack is with the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, and Breckon, the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom. Butt is with the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Maynard is with the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom.

Mack (r.mack@shu.ac.uk) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

The Sport Psychologist

Cover The Sport Psychologist

  • Ackerman, S.J., & Hilsenroth, M.J. (2003). A review of therapist characteristics and techniques positively impacting the therapeutic alliance. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(1), 1–33. PubMed ID: 12559992 doi:10.1016/S0272-7358(02)00146-0

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Andersen, M.B., & Speed, H.D. (2010). Therapeutic relationships in applied sport psychology. In S.J. Hanrahan & M.B. Andersen (Eds.), Routledge handbook of applied sport psychology (pp. 3–11). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203851043.ch1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Apodaca, T.R., Jackson, K.M., Borsari, B., Magill, M., Longabaugh, R., Mastroleo, N.R., & Barnett, N.P. (2016). Which individual therapist behaviors elicit client change talk and sustain talk in motivational interviewing? Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 61, 60–65. PubMed ID: 26547412 doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2015.09.001

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Baldwin, S.A., Wampold, B.E., & Imel, Z.E. (2007). Untangling the alliance-outcome correlation: Exploring the relative importance of therapist and patient variability in the alliance. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75(6), 842–852. PubMed ID: 18085902 doi:10.1037/0022-006X.75.6.842

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Boswell, J.F. (2016). A perspective on integrative psychotherapy training. The Integrative Therapist, 2(2), 5–6.

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Breckon, J.D. (2015). Motivational interviewing, exercise, and nutrition counseling. In M.B. Andersen & S.J. Hanrahan (Eds.), Doing exercise psychology (pp. 75–100). Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • British Psychological Society. (2018). Qualification in sport and exercise psychology (stage 2) candidate handbook. https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/bps.org.uk/files/Qualifications/Sport and Exercise/QSEP %28Stage 2%29 Candidate Handbook Jan 2018.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cecil, S., & Barker, J. (2016). Special issue: Professional training in sport and exercise psychology. Sport & Exercise Psychology Review, 12(2), 62–63.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • David, S., & Larson, M. (2018). Athletes’ perception of athletic trainer empathy: How important is it? Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 27(1), 8–15. PubMed ID: 27992289 doi:10.1123/jsr.2016-0085

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Emerson, P., & Frosch, S. (2004). Critical narrative analysis in psychology: A guide to practice. Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Gardner, F.L. (2017). Overcoming resistance from clients and stakeholders. In R. Schinke & D. Hackfort (Eds.), Psychology in professional sports and the performing arts (pp. 38–50). Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gomm, R. (2008). Social research methodology: A critical introduction.Macmillan International Higher Education.

  • Hatcher, R.L., & Barends, A.W. (2006). How a return to theory could help alliance research. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 43(3), 292–299. doi:10.1037/0033-3204.43.3.292

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Horvath, A.O., & Symonds, B.D. (1991). Relationship between working alliance and outcome in psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38(2), 139–149. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.38.2.139

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Katz, J., & Hemmings, B. (2009). Counselling skills handbook for the sport psychologist. The British Psychological Society.

  • Latinjak, A.T., Hernando-Gimeno, C., Lorido-Méndez, L., & Hardy, J. (2019). Endorsement and constructive criticism of an innovative online reflexive self-talk intervention. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1819. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01819

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Longstaff, F., & Gervis, M. (2016). The use of counseling principles and skills to develop practitioner-athlete relationships by practitioners who provide sport psychology support. The Sport Psychologist, 30(3), 276–289. doi:10.1123/tsp.2015-0029

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mack, R., Breckon, J., Butt, J., & Maynard, I. (2017). Exploring the understanding and application of motivational interviewing in applied sport psychology. The Sport Psychologist, 31(4), 396–409. doi:10.1123/tsp.2016-0125

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mack, R.J., Breckon, J.D., O’Halloran, P.D., & Butt, J. (2019). Enhancing athlete engagement in sport psychology interventions using motivational interviewing: A case study. The Sport Psychologist, 33(2), 159–168. doi:10.1123/tsp.2018-0053

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Markland, D., Ryan, R.M., Tobin, V.J., & Rollnick, S. (2005). Motivational interviewing and self-determination theory. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 24(6), 811–831. doi:10.1521/jscp.2005.24.6.811

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Martin, D.J., Garske, J.P., & Davis, M.K. (2000). Relation of the therapeutic alliance with outcome and other variables: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(3), 438–450. PubMed ID: 10883561 doi:10.1037/0022-006X.68.3.438

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Martin, S.B., Zakrajsek, R.A., & Wrisberg, C.A. (2012). Attitudes toward sport psychology and seeking assistance: Key factors and a proposed model. In C.D. Logan & M.I. Hodges (Eds.), Psychology of attitudes (pp. 1–33). Nova Science Publishers.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Massey, W.V., Gnacinski, S.L., & Meyer, B.B. (2015). Psychological skills training in NCAA division I athletics: Are athletes ready for change? Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 9(4), 317–334. doi:10.1123/jcsp.2014-0042

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Miller, W.R. (1983). Motivational interviewing with problem drinkers. Behavioural Psychotherapy, 11(2), 147–172. doi:10.1017/S0141347300006583

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Miller, W.R., & Moyers, T.B. (2015). The forest and the trees: Relational and specific factors in addiction treatment. Addiction, 110(3), 401–413. PubMed ID: 25066309 doi:10.1111/add.12693

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change. Guilford Press.

  • Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford Press.

  • Miller, W.R., & Rose, G.S. (2009). Toward a theory of motivational interviewing. American Psychologist, 64(6), 527–537. PubMed ID: 19739882 doi:10.1037/a0016830

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Murphy, S.M., & Murphy, A.J. (2010). Attending and listening. In J. Hanrahan & M.B. Andersen (Eds.), Routledge handbook of applied sport psychology (pp. 12–20). Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Naar, S., & Safren, S.A. (2017). Motivational interviewing and CBT: Combining strategies for maximum effectiveness. The Guilford Press.

  • Norcross, J.C., Karpiak, C.P., & Lister, K.M. (2005). What’s an integrationist? A study of self-identified integrative and (occasionally) eclectic psychologists. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(12), 1587–1594. PubMed ID: 16173083 doi:10.1002/jclp.20203

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Orlick, T. (1989). Reflections on sportpsych consulting with individual and team sport athletes at summer and winter Olympic Games. The Sport Psychologist, 3(4), 358–365. doi:10.1123/tsp.3.4.358

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Patton, M.Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (2nd ed.). Sage.

  • Petitpas, A.J., Giges, B., & Danish, S.J. (1999). The sport psychologist-athlete relationship: Implications for training. The Sport Psychologist, 13(3), 344–357. doi:10.1123/tsp.13.3.344

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ravizza, K. (1988). Gaining entry with athletic personnel for season-long consulting. The Sport Psychologist, 2(3), 243–254. doi:10.1123/tsp.2.3.243

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rogers, C.R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships, as developed in the client-centered framework client-centered framework. In S. Koch (Ed.), Psychology: A study of a science. Study 1: Formulations of the person and the social context (Vol. 3, pp. 184–256). McGraw-Hill.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rollnick, S., Miller, W.R., & Butler, C.C. (2008). Motivational interviewing in health care: Helping patients change behavior. Guilford Press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sachs, M.L. (1999). Comment on Petitpas, Danish and Giges, the sport psychologist-athlete relationship: Implications for training. The Sport Psychologist, 13(3), 358–361. doi:10.1123/tsp.13.3.358

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B., … Jinks, C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: Exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Quality and Quantity, 52(4), 1893–1907. PubMed ID: 29937585 doi:10.1007/s11135-017-0574-8

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sharp, L.-A., Hodge, K., & Danish, S. (2015). Ultimately it comes down to the relationship: Experienced consultants views of effective sport psychology consulting. The Sport Psychologist, 29(4), 358–370. doi:10.1123/tsp.2014-0130

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sharp, L.-A., Hodge, K., & Danish, S. (2019). “I wouldn’t want to operate without it”: The ethical challenges faced by experienced sport psychology consultant’s and their engagement with supervision. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. Advance online publication. doi:10.1080/10413200.2019.1646838

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tod, D., Hardy, J., Lavallee, D., Eubank, M., & Ronkainen, N. (2019). Practitioners’ narratives regarding active ingredients in service delivery: Collaboration-based problem solving. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 43, 350–358. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.04.009

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tracy, S.J. (2010). Qualitative quality: Eight “big-tent” criteria for excellent qualitative research. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(10), 837–851. doi:10.1177/1077800410383121

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J., Aspin, G., Didymus, F.F., Mack, R., Olusoga, P., Wood, A.G., & Bennett, R. (2020). One case, four approaches—The application of psychotherapeutic approaches in sport psychology. The Sport Psychologist, 34(1), 71–83. doi:10.1123/tsp.2019-0079

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 15(3), 398–405. PubMed ID: 23480423 doi:10.1111/nhs.12048

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Watson, J., Hilliard, R., & Way, W. (2017). Counseling and communication skills in sport and performance psychology. In Oxford research encyclopedia of psychology. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.140

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wilmots, E., Midgley, N., Thackeray, L., Reynolds, S., & Loades, M. (2019). The therapeutic relationship in cognitive behaviour therapy with depressed adolescents: A qualitative study of good-outcome cases. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 93(2), 276–291. doi:10.1111/papt.12232

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wood, A., Mack, R., & Turner, M. (2020). Developing self-determined motivation and performance with an elite athlete: Integrating motivational interviewing with rational emotive behavior therapy. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 38, 540–567. doi:10.1007/s10942-020-00351-6

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3203 1284 54
Full Text Views 223 47 4
PDF Downloads 208 61 3