Uncommon sports psychology: a qualitative study of the process of utilizing family therapy theory and techniques with an athletic team

Coaches and athletes utilize sports psychology as a part of training and preparation for competition. A linear individualistic epistemology is generally subscribed to by sports psychologists. This study investigated a new way of working with athletic teams, from a systems perspective. The researcher consulted with a university athletic team utilizing family systems therapy theory and techniques. This "uncommon sports psychology" approach was studied using qualitative methodology. A detailed case study, including rationale for interventions, was reported and may serve as an example to systems therapists who want to consult with “athletic teams. At the end of the consultation sessions, a focus group eliciting the participants' perceptions of the consultation process. Finally, recurrent themes and patterns which emerged throughout the consultation process were discussed. Discussion of the methodology and implications for future research and clinical work were also included.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Family and Child Development (Marriage and Family Therapy)

Department dc:contributor.department

Family and Child Development (Marriage and Family Therapy)

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1991

Author dc:creator

• Zimmerman, Toni Schindler

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Protinsky, Howard O.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Fu, Victoria
• Lichtman, Marilyn V.
• Maxwell, Joseph W.
• Sporakowski, Michael J.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-10142005-103045

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/39853