The present case study illustrates the treatment of a 19-year-old female lacrosse player, classified as experiencing Performance Dysfunction (Pdy) by the Multilevel Classification System for Sport Psychology (MCS-SP). The self-referred collegiate athlete was treated using the manualized Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) protocol (Gardner & Moore, 2004a, 2007). The intervention consisted of eight individual sessions and several follow-up contacts via e-mail. The majority of the sessions addressed clinically related and sport-related concerns, including difficulties in emotion regulation and problematic interpersonal relationships. Based on self-report, coach report, and one outcome assessment measure, the psychological intervention resulted in enhanced overall behavioral functioning and enhanced athletic performance. This case study suggests that following careful case formulation based on appropriate assessment and interview data, the MAC intervention successfully targeted the clearly defined psychological processes underlying the athlete’s performance concerns and personal obstacles, thus resulting in enhanced well-being and athletic performance improvements.
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The Case of Jenny: A Freshman Collegiate Athlete Experiencing Performance Dysfunction
Jessica M. Lutkenhouse
The Impact of an Online Sport Psychology Intervention for Middle-Distance Runners: Should Self-Regulation or Mindfulness Be Prioritized?
Jonathan Lasnier and Natalie Durand-Bush
Both self-regulation ( McCormick et al., 2019 ) and mindfulness ( Corbally et al., 2020 ) have been linked to performance enhancement in endurance sports. This is not surprising as endurance athletes require self-regulation to manage their internal experiences and keep progressing toward their
Mindfulness for Long-Distance Runners: An Open Trial Using Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE)
Lillian A. De Petrillo, Keith A. Kaufman, Carol R. Glass, and Diane B. Arnkoff
The present study sought to determine the effects of Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) on runners. Participants were 25 recreational long-distance runners openly assigned to either the 4-week intervention or to a waiting-list control group, which later received the same program. Results indicate that the MSPE group showed significantly more improvement in organizational demands (an aspect of perfectionism) compared with controls. Analyses of pre- to postworkshop change found a significant increase in state mindfulness and trait awareness and decreases in sport-related worries, personal standards perfectionism, and parental criticism. No improvements in actual running performance were found. Regression analyses revealed that higher ratings of expectations and credibility of the workshop were associated with lower postworkshop perfectionism, more years running predicted higher ratings of perfectionism, and more life stressors predicted lower levels of worry. Findings suggest that MSPE may be a useful mental training intervention for improving mindfulness, sport-anxiety related worry, and aspects of perfectionism in long-distance runners.
Development and Validation of a Monitoring Instrument for Sport Psychology Practice: The Sport Psychology Outcomes and Research Tool (SPORT)
Ashley A. Hansen, Joanne E. Perry, John W. Lace, Zachary C. Merz, Taylor L. Montgomery, and Michael J. Ross
) within two commonly used clinical approaches (i.e., psychological skills training [PST] and mindfulness-based interventions; Röthlin, Birrer, et al., 2016 , Röthlin, Horvath, et al., 2016 ). PST is a cognitive-behavioral control-based approach that relates to the introduction, acquisition, and
Differential Reduction of IP-10 and C-Reactive Protein via Aerobic Exercise or Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction Training in a Large Randomized Controlled Trial
Jacob D. Meyer, Mary S. Hayney, Christopher L. Coe, Cameron L. Ninos, and Bruce P. Barrett
al., 2014 ; Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011 ). Along with the cognitive and emotional state of mindfulness, or being focused in the present, meditation has additional benefits for overall psychological well-being. Not only are mindfulness and meditation associated with improved attentional skills and
Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Unhelpful Thinking Toward Body Image With an Elite Figure Skater
Samuel Wood and David Fletcher
be described as the ability to be present, open up, and do what matters. ACT aims to replace cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance with mindfulness and acceptance, and rigidity and inactivity with clarification of the athlete’s goals and values, to inform overt behavioral activity. Ethics and
Acting on Injury: Increasing Psychological Flexibility and Adherence to Rehabilitation
Laura Swettenham and Amy Whitehead
intervention) while applying techniques in a more practitioner-led manner (e.g., suggesting defusion techniques and approaches to mindfulness). After discussing the presenting problem with James and gaining views of those working closely with him (e.g., physiotherapist, coaches) to gather information for the
A Combined Sleep Hygiene and Mindfulness Intervention to Improve Sleep and Well-Being During High-Performance Youth Tennis Tournaments
Jonathon R. Lever, Alistair P. Murphy, Rob Duffield, and Hugh H.K. Fullagar
). 13 In addition, mindfulness has been used to enhance relaxation states 15 and improve sleep onset latency. 16 Despite the present benefits of SH to general populations, 17 the effect of these interventions in athletes is mixed. For instance, in acute settings, football players have been shown to
Evaluation of Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE): A New Approach to Promote Flow in Athletes
Keith A. Kaufman, Carol R. Glass, and Diane B. Arnkoff
The construct of mindfulness appears to be compatible with theories of flow and peak performance in sport. The present study assessed how Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE), a new 4-week program, affected flow states, performance, and psychological characteristics of 11 archers and 21 golfers from the community. Participants completed trait measures of anxiety, perfectionism, thought disruption, confidence, mindfulness, and flow. They additionally provided data on their performances and state levels of mindfulness and flow. Analyses revealed that some significant changes in dimensions of the trait variables occurred during the training. Levels of state flow attained by the athletes also increased between the first and final sessions. The findings suggest that MSPE is a promising intervention to enhance flow, mindfulness, and aspects of sport confidence. An expanded workshop to allot more time for mindfulness practice is recommended for future studies.
A Preliminary Investigation Into the Effect of Yoga Practice on Mindfulness and Flow in Elite Youth Swimmers
Richard M.H. Briegel-Jones, Zoe Knowles, Martin R. Eubank, Katie Giannoulatos, and Diane Elliot
Research has indicated positive effects of mindfulness training as a performance-based intervention and of yoga on mindfulness. This study examined the effects of a 10-week yoga intervention on mindfulness and dispositional flow of elite youth swimmers using a mixed methods design. No significant changes in mindfulness and dispositional flow were identified. Qualitative data suggested that the 10-week yoga intervention had a positive impact on a range of physiological, cognitive, and performance parameters that included elements of mindfulness and flow. Methodological considerations for future research are discussed.
