The Effects of a Brief Online Rational-Emotive-Behavioral-Therapy Program on Coach Irrational Beliefs and Well-Being

in The Sport Psychologist

Click name to view affiliation

Ryan G. Bailey Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Ryan G. Bailey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8249-8687 *
and
Martin J. Turner Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Martin J. Turner in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1975-5561
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2023-0009
Keywords:
virtual intervention; CBT; rational beliefs; education; social validation
First Published Online:
29 Sep 2023
In Print:
Volume 37: Issue 4
Page Range:
266–273
Restricted access

Research into the psychology of coaching has been somewhat neglected in comparison to research on the psychological development of athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a brief online rational-emotive-behavioral-therapy (REBT) program on coach irrational beliefs and well-being. Coaching staff from an elite international canoeing team (N = 4) took part in a three-session (30- to 40-min) REBT program. Participants completed measures of irrational beliefs and mental well-being at preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up (1 month) time points. Visual analyses and social validation revealed that the intervention reduced irrational beliefs and enhanced mental well-being in two participants. However, REBT was more effective for some coaches than others, and follow-up data indicated a return to base levels in some coaches. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed, alongside practitioner reflections.

  • Collapse
  • Expand

The Sport Psychologist

Cover The Sport Psychologist

  • Anderson, J.P. (2002). Executive coaching and REBT: Some comments from the field. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 20(3), 223–233. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021164327054

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Barker, J., McCarthy, P., Jones, M., & Moran, A. (2011). Single case research methods in sport and exercise. Routledge.

  • Batterham, P.J., Han, J., Mackinnon, A.J., Werner-Seidler, A., Calear, A.L., Wong, Q., ... Christensen, H. (2020). Factors associated with engagement in online self-help programs among people with suicidal thoughts. Journal of Affective Disorders, 265, 402–409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.044

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bowman, A.W., & Turner, M.J. (2022). When time is of the essence: The use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) informed single-session therapy (SST) to alleviate social and golf-specific anxiety, and improve wellbeing and performance, in amateur golfers. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 60, Article 102167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102167

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

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

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Carson, F., Malakellis, M., Walsh, J., Main, L.C., & Kremer, P. (2019). Examining the mental well-being of Australian sport coaches. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(23), Article 4601. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234601

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chrysidis, S., Turner, M.J., & Wood, A.G. (2020). The effects of REBT on irrational beliefs, self-determined motivation, and self-efficacy in American Football. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(19), 2215–2224. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1776924

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cunningham, R., & Turner, M.J. (2016). Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes to reduce irrational beliefs and increase unconditional self-acceptance. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 34(4), 289–309. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-016-0240-4

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Davis, H., & Turner, M.J. (2020). The use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to increase the self-determined motivation and psychological well-being of triathletes. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 9(4), Article 489. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000191

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dempsey, T., & Matson, J.L. (2009). General methods of treatment. In J.L. Matson (Ed.), Social behavior and skills in children (pp. 77–96). Springer.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • DiGiuseppe, R., & Ammendola, E. (2019). REBT and personality disorders. In W. Dryden & M.E. Bernard (Eds.), REBT with diverse client problems and populations (pp. 191–215). Springer.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dixon, M., & Turner, M.J. (2018). Stress appraisals of UK soccer academy coaches: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 10(5), 620–634. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2018.1464055

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dixon, M., Turner, M.J., & Gillman, J. (2017). Examining the relationships between challenge and threat cognitive appraisals and coaching behaviours in football coaches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 35(24), 2446–2452. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1273538

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dodge, R., Daly, A.P., Huyton, J., & Sanders, L.D. (2012). The challenge of defining wellbeing. International Journal of Wellbeing, 2(3), 222–235. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v2i3.4

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ellis, A. (1994). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy (2nd ed.) Birch Lane Press.

  • Ellis, A., & Joffe Ellis, D. (2019). Rational emotive behavior therapy. American Psychological Association.

  • Grove, A.B., Kurtz, E.D., Wallace, R.E., Sheerin, C.M., & Scott, S.M. (2021). Effectiveness of a rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)-informed group for post-9/11 Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Military Psychology, 33(4), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2021.1897496

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Horn, T.S. (2008). Coaching effectiveness in the sport domain. In T.S. Horn (Ed.), Advances in sport psychology (pp. 239–267, 455–459). Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hrycaiko, D., & Martin, G.L. (1996). Applied research studies with single-subject designs: Why so few? Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 8(2), 183–199. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413209608406476

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Huggins, M. (2017). A short-term rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) intervention for competition anxiety with a trampoline gymnast. In M. Turner & R. Bennett (Eds.), Rational emotive behavior therapy in sport and exercise (pp. 20–37). Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jacobson, N.S., & Truax, P. (1991). Clinical significance: A statistical approach to defining meaningful change in psychotherapy research. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.59.1.12

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jones, J.K., Turner, M.J., & Barker, J.B. (2021). The effects of a cognitive-behavioural stress intervention on the motivation and wellbeing of senior UK police personnel. International Journal of Stress Management, 28(1), 46–60. https://doi.org/10.1037/str0000218

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jordana, A., Turner, M.J., Ramis, Y., & Torregrossa, M. (2020). A systematic mapping review on the use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) with athletes. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2020.1836673

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • King, A.M., Turner, M.J., Plateau, C.R., & Barker, J.B. (2022). The socialisation of athlete irrational beliefs. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 41(2), 290–313. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-022-00460-4

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Knapp, S., Miller, A., Outar, L., & Turner, M.J. (2023). Psychological well-being and exercise addiction: The treatment effects of an REBT intervention for females. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 64, Article 102298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102298

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lazarus, R.S. (1999). Stress and emotion: A new synthesis. Springer.

  • Longshore, K., & Sachs, M. (2015). Mindfulness training for coaches: A mixed-method exploratory study. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 9(2), 116–137. https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2014-0038

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Maxwell-Keys, C., Wood, A.G., & Turner, M.J. (2022). Developing decision making in Rugby Union match officials using rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 58, Article 102098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102098

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Meijen, C., Turner, M., Jones, M.V., Sheffield, D., & McCarthy, P. (2020). A theory of challenge and threat states in athletes: A revised conceptualization. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 126. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00126

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Normand, M.P. (2016). Less is more: Psychologists can learn more by studying fewer people. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, Article 934. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00934

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Norris, L.A., Didymus, F.F., & Kaiseler, M. (2017). Stressors, coping, and well-being among sports coaches: A systematic review. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 33, 93–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.08.005

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Olusoga, P., Butt, J., Hays, K., & Maynard, I. (2009). Stress in elite sports coaching: Identifying stressors. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21(4), 442–459. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200903222921

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Olusoga, P., Maynard, I., Butt, J., & Hays, K. (2014). Coaching under pressure: Mental skills training for sports coaches. Sport and Exercise Psychology Review, 10(3), 31–44. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpssepr.2014.10.3.31

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Page, J., & Thelwell, R. (2013). The value of social validation in single-case methods in sport and exercise psychology. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 25(1), 61–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2012.663859

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pain, M.A, & Harwood, C.G. (2004). Knowledge and perceptions of sport psychology within English soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences, 22(9), 813–826. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410410001716670

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pigeon, W.R., Funderburk, J.S., Cross, W., Bishop, T.M., & Crean, H.F. (2019). Brief CBT for insomnia delivered in primary care to patients endorsing suicidal ideation: A proof-of-concept randomized clinical trial. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 9(6), 1169–1177. https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibz108

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Price, D., Wagstaff, C.R., & Thelwell, R.C. (2021). Opportunities and considerations of new media and technology in sport psychology service delivery. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 13(1), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/21520704.2020.1846648

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Santi G, Quartiroli, A., Costa, S., di Fronso, S., Montesano, C., Di Gruttola, F., Ciofi, EG., Morgilli, L., & Bertollo, M. (2021) The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on coaches’ perception of stress and emotion regulation strategies. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 601743. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601743

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tennant, R., Hiller, L., Fishwick, R., Platt, S., Joseph, S., Weich, S., ... Stewart-Brown, S. (2007). The Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale (WEMWBS): Development and UK validation. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 5(1), Article 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-5-63

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Thelwell, R.C., & Greenlees, I.A. (2001). The effects of a mental skills training package on gymnasium triathlon performance. The Sport Psychologist, 15(2), 127–141.  https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.15.2.127

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Thelwell, R.C., Weston, N.J.V., Greenlees, I.A., & Hutchings, N.V. (2008). Stressors in elite sport: A coach perspective. Journal of Sports Sciences, 26(9), 905–918. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410801885933

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turkington, D., Kingdon, D., & Turner, T. (2002). Effectiveness of a brief cognitive–behavioural therapy intervention in the treatment of schizophrenia. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 180(6), 523–527. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.180.6.523

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J. (2014). Smarter thinking in sport. The Psychologist, 27(8), 596–599.

  • Turner, M.J. (2016). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), irrational and rational beliefs, and the mental health of athletes. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, Article 1423. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01423

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J. (2019). REBT in sport. In M.E. Bernard & W. Dryden (Eds.), Advances in REBT: Theory, practice, research, measurement, prevention and promotion (pp. 307–335). Springer Nature Switzerland.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J., & Barker, J.B. (2015). Examining the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on the irrational beliefs of blue-chip professionals. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 33(1), 17–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-014-0200-9

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J., Slater, M., & Barker, J.B. (2014b). The season-long effects of rational emotive behavior therapy on the irrational beliefs of professional academy soccer athletes. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 44, 1–33.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J., Slater, M.J., & Barker, J.B. (2014a). Not the end of the world: The effects of rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on irrational beliefs in elite soccer academy athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 26(2), 144–156. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2013.812159

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J., Slater, M.J., Dixon, J., & Miller, A. (2018). Test–retest reliability of the Irrational Performance Beliefs Inventory. European Journal of Sport Science, 18(1), 123–129. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2017.1411527

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, M.J., Wood, A.G., Barker, J.B., & Chadha, N. (2020). Rational self-talk: A rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) perspective. In A.T. Latinjak & A. Hatzigeorgiadis (Eds.), Self-talk in sport (1st ed., pp. 109–122). Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vertopoulos, E., & Turner, M.J. (2017). Examining the effectiveness of a rational emotive personal-disclosure mutual-sharing (REPDMS) intervention on the irrational beliefs and rational beliefs of Greek adolescent athletes. The Sport Psychologist, 31(3), 264–274. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2016-0071

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vîslă, A., Holtforth, M.G., & David, D. (2015). Descriptive/inferential cognitive processes and evaluative cognitive processes: Relationships among each other and with emotional distress. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 33, 148–159.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Warren, J.M. (2010). The impact of rational emotive behavior therapy on teacher efficacy and student achievement. Journal of School Counseling, 8(11), Article n11.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Watt, M., Stewart, S., Birch, C., & Bernier, D. (2006). Brief CBT for high anxiety sensitivity decreases drinking problems, relief alcohol outcome expectancies, and conformity drinking motives: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Mental Health, 15(6), 683–695. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230600998938

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wild, K., Macavei, B., & Podea, D. (2015). Managing the double agenda in executive coaching. Journal of Psychological and Educational Research, 23(1), 89–99.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wood, A.G., Barker, J.B., & Turner, M.J. (2017). Developing performance using rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT): A case study with an elite archer. The Sport Psychologist, 31(1), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2015-0083

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wood, A.G., Wilkinson, A., Turner, M.J., & Haslam, C., & Barker, J.B. (2021). Into the fire: Applying rational emotive behavioral coaching (REBC) to reduce irrational beliefs and stress in fire service personnel. International Journal of Stress Management, 28(3), 232–243. https://doi.org/10.1037/str0000228

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Zhu, Y., Sun, F., Li, C., Chow, D.H., & Wang, K. (2020). Acute effect of brief mindfulness-based intervention coupled with fluid intake on athletes’ cognitive function. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 19(4), Article 753.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 275 275 92
Full Text Views 516 516 16
PDF Downloads 43 43 22