( 1 reviews )
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( 3 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 29 2006
Note: amazon.com have ISBN: 0-7360-5305-0 listed as paperback but it is hardback. The authors suggest that this text is aimed at sports psychologists, sports psychology researchers and sports scientists. I fall into the sports scientist category. Throughout the book the authors advocate an evidence based, ethical approach to sport psychology. The text gives numerous references to the research literature and therefore acts as an excellent narrative review assessing both research data and theoretical development. It is also highly critical of many aspects of current practice, outlining the theoretical and ethical errors that underpins much of it. I especially appreciated this honest approach as I am a firm believer in the need for evidence based practice. After an introduction, the book outlines a theoretical model for the interaction of performance and psychological issues - the 'Integrative Model of Athletic Performance (IMAP)'. I found this chapter slightly confusing since it seemed to go off on tangents, and the rest of the text makes little reference to IMAP. However, the model seems sound and I think a second reading will help in seeing it as underpinning the authors' approach in the rest of the book. The real meat of the book begins with chapter 3 where they introduce a classification system for assement of client conditions - the Multilevel Classification System for Sport Psychology (MCS-SP). This represents a fundamental shift in sports psych practice as it groups clients into those only needing performance development, those with subclinical issues, and those with clinical issues. They present the rationalle behind this system brilliantly and explain the danger of applying performance enhancement without tackling underlying sub clinical or clinical issues. These themes are developed throughout the book. Next they present assessment strategies, giving an overview of the role of interviews (structured and unstructered) and psychological tests. They give lots of practical advice and integrate this with the MCS-SP protocol. Perhaps in future editions (this book will last!) this section could be expanded to give a thourough list of appropriate tests available rather than selected references. This is a bit of a nit-pick though. In the next chapter they review Moore's published systematic review into traditional sports psychology techniques, with depressing findings. This represents a significant result and should shock the profession. Next they present early findings of their research into mindfullness-aceptance-commitmance (MAC) treatments for performance development. They precede this with a theoretical (including research findings) look at why traditional techniques may not work, presenting a possible fundamental flaw. The data they provide on the MAC is very interesting but they stress the research is in its early stages and not ready to be applied (for example, the sample size used is currently way to small). However, I fear that some may ignore these caveats and look to apply the techniques already. I think the presentation of the chapter could have been more careful with this in mind. However, as a chapter for researchers, it was very interesting and exciting. In the next 4 chapters they examine evidence based approaches for tackling sub-clinical and clinical issues. These are very interesting and emphasises the need for integration of clinical psychology into sports psychology. Other chapters include advice on case formulation, ethics (very important), training, and future directions. There are a lot of example scenarios, highlightling subtle concerns for psychologists and giving practical suggestions. As a sports scientist I would have benefitted from a glossary in the back explaining some of the terms they use. It wasn't too bad (and there's always wikipedia) but the book does assume a lot of prior knowledge. Also, the authors use the word 'holistic' a lot which in the UK is generally used only by 'alternative health' people and therefore the antithesis of what this book is all about. And I spotted 'ongoing' several times which made me wince each time. A word of warning - curiously, the text is very slightly smudgable. This book is hard hitting and to the point. It skillfully (with lots of references, theoretical and ethical discussions) shows the fundamental errors in current practice, and presents the way forward that everyone should adopt. This book should be mandatory for all practicing and aspiring sports psychologists, trainers, psychology researchers, sports scientists, and policy makers. One final note - Zella Moore's picture is the best author photo I've ever seen! Joe Wright - Badmintology, www.topracket.com/Badmintology
