The identity of the sport psychology profession: A multinational perspective

Quartiroli, Alessandro, Wagstaff, Christopher R D, Hunter, Heather ORCID: 0000-0001-9863-2230 and Martin, Daniel R F (2022) The identity of the sport psychology profession: A multinational perspective. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 60. Art 102140. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102140

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Abstract

Objective To ensure public safety, duty of care, and professional advancement, there is a need for scholars to explore factors that impact the professional experiences of sport psychology professionals (SPPs). One such factor is professional identity, which has been shown to positively contribute to an enhanced sense of legitimacy of the profession in the eye of the public and sport stakeholders (i.e., athletes, coaches, sport scientists, administrators) and to positively impact the experience and effectiveness of practitioners. Yet, little research has directly examined the construct of professional identity within sport psychology, with this oversight posing a risk to the future of the profession. Design This interview-based study was situated within critical realism. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore the understanding and perceptions and experiences of the professional identity among SPPs. Methods Following theoretical criterion-based sampling, we interviewed 33 expert (n = 13), experienced (n = 12), and early career (n = 8) SPPs regarding their views on PI. The nationalities of these SPPs (male n = 16; female n = 17) represented sixteen different countries on four different continents. Results Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and showed a relatively shared meaning of professional identity which unfolded across the career span. Moreover, the professionals in this study seemed to identify their pride for and their knowledge of the profession as key factors in the development of their PI. Furthermore, they identified how their professional role, expertise, and interactions with other professionals within the field played an important role in sustaining a professional identity. Conclusion We interpreted the interview data as supporting the importance of professional identity for SPPs and consider the contribution of this within a developmental framework for effective practice.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Effective practice; Professional training; Professional development; Professional formation
Related URLs:	Repository
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Rhiannon Goodland
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2023 16:55
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2023 12:15
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/13399

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