Managing vulnerabilities in practitioner decision-making within sport psychology services: Responding to the evidence base. Issue 3 (3rd July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Dave; Keegan, Richard
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied sport psychology. Volume 35:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 433
• Page End: 454
• Publication Date: 2023-07-03
• Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 796.019
• DOI: 10.1080/10413200.2022.2044406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-3200

Abstract

Abstract: This position paper examines decision-making in sport psychology practitioners from a dual processing perspective. Based on the work of Kahneman and Tversky, we draw upon cognitive and social psychology research to explore key decision-making vulnerabilities in the context of the sport psychology practitioner. We examine the influence of classic heuristics and biases, exploring issues such as: an exclusive focus on the inside view; tunnel vision; focusing on disposition as opposed to situation; the sport environment as a complex adaptive system; formulas for success; phase transitions; and conflating skill and luck. When considering how to combat such decision-making vulnerabilities, we explore a 'counterintuitive' approach developed by Mauboussin to mitigating these, and explain how sport psychology practitioners can apply such strategies. We suggest counterweight strategies, including: raising awareness of how biases and heuristics may be affecting our decision-making; diversifying our perspectives; proactively seeking critical feedback from diverse sources; creating useful checklists; and performing 'pre-mortems'. Likewise, we explore strategies for future research on decision-making in sport psychology practitioners. Lay summary: This position paper draws on research from social, cognitive and sport psychology to explore key decision-making vulnerabilities in the context of the sport psychology practitioner. We provide evidence-based suggestions to mitigate these vulnerabilities, and strategies for how practitioners can apply these ideas in their practice. Implications for Practice: A dual-processing approach has considerable potential for highlighting, and mitigating against, key decision-making vulnerabilities in sport psychology practitioners The systematic use of evidence-based strategies could greatly enhance decision-making quality in practitioners.