TitlePsychological Skills Training in NCAA Division I Athletics: Are Athletes Ready for Change?
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsMassey, WV, Gnacinski, SL, Meyer, BB
JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology
Volume9
Issue4
Pagination317 - 334
Date Published01/2015
ISSN1932-9261
Abstract

Research has demonstrated the efficacy of psychological skills training (PST), yet many athletes do not appear ready to do whatever it takes to improve the mental aspects of performance. Although the transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM), generally, and readiness to change, specifically, have received considerable attention in a range of allied health fields, few studies have been conducted to examine this construct in applied sport psychology. The purpose of the current study was to examine National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes’ readiness for PST as it relates to their stage of change, decisional balance, self-efficacy, and use of processes of change. The data trends observed in the current study were consistent with the theoretical underpinnings of the TTM as well as previous research on NCAA Division I athletes. The results of the current study highlight the need to consider readiness to change when designing and implementing PST interventions.

DOI10.1123/jcsp.2014-0042
Short TitleJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology