SPORT PSYCHOLOGY Graig M Chow Ph D Assistant

SPORT PSYCHOLOGY Graig M. Chow, Ph. D. Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology Practitioner

The Field � Psychological factors that influence participation and performance in sport and exercise � Psychological effects derived from participation � Theories and interventions to enhance performance, participation, and personal growth

Areas of Specialization and Interventions Areas Personality Motivation Stress and anxiety Group dynamics Mental skills training Concentration Exercise behavior/adherence Injury Burnout Clinical sport psychology Character development Youth sport Interventions Relaxation Imagery Goal setting Self-talk Routines Activation Biofeedback Mindfulness Self-regulation techniques Hypnosis Team Building Communication skills

Activities Research Teaching Consulting Typically there is a mix of these activities

Employment Opportunities � � � � � Faculty position Research center Private practice (CC-AASP) Private practice (clinical or counseling) Army Center for Enhanced Performance (ACEP) University counseling center University athletic department U. S. Olympic Committee Sport academies

Graduate Training � Sport psychology/kinesiology/sport sciences track �Masters = 2 years �Ph. D. = 3 -5 years �CC-AASP � Clinical or counseling psychology track �Masters = 2 years �Ph. D. = 4 -7 years, including internship �Postdoctoral training may be necessary �Licensed psychologist � Masters in sport psychology and Ph. D. in clinical or counseling psychology has been recommended

Salary � Faculty or athletic department = 55 -150 k � ACEP = 60 -90 K � Counseling center = 55 -90 k � Private practice = range is much wider with higher ceiling and lower floor

Amount and Stability of Employment Limited tenure track professor positions and fulltime applied work with only athlete clients � ACEP is largest employer of sport psychology graduate students � Adjunct faculty, athletic department, and college and professional retainer opportunities are increasing � Rapid growth in exercise psychology and application of sport psychology to non-athlete populations �

Dress Code � Business casual in university and clinical or counseling private practice settings � However, because much consulting work with athletes and teams occurs during practice, athletic coaching attire is appropriate

Turnover � Low turnover rate for faculty, university (counseling center, athletic department), and USOC positions � Higher turnover rate for private practice and ACEP

Undergraduate Experiences � Graduate school is necessary � B. A. in psychology and/or kinesiology � Typical admission requirements (varies by program) �GPA of 3. 3 or higher �GRE ○ At or above the 50 th percentile for verbal/quantitative ○ At or above the 60 th percentile for analytical writing ○ Research experience of one year or higher �Strong letters of recommendation

Most Rewarding Aspects � Variety of activities and available opportunities �Research that informs consulting and teaching �Consulting with recreational to professional/ international level athletes across all age groups �Supervision of neophyte sport psychology consultants �International travel opportunities

Biggest Drawbacks � Tenure track professor positions are limited � Grant funding for research is scarce – need to be innovative � Difficult to find a career with only a Masters � Full-time consulting work with only athlete clients is rare

Resources � APA Division 47 � http: //www. apadivisions. org/division-47/ � AASP � http: //www. appliedsportpsych. org � NASPSPA � http: //www. naspspa. org/ � FSU Sport Psychology � http: //coe. fsu. edu/Current-Students/Departments/Educational- Psychology-and-Learning-Systems-EPLS/Current. Students/Educational-Psychology/Sport-Psychology � Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology � http: //www. appliedsportpsych. org/publications/graduate- program-directory/