PSY FPX 8845 Assessment 2 Diversity Case Study

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 8845 Current Issues in Sport Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Abstract

Diversity and multiculturalism in sports psychology are increasingly significant topics in today’s athletic world. Nationality, race, and gender often influence the training and techniques athletes, from youth to elite levels, encounter (Naori et al., 2008). Various cultures prioritize mental training differently, resulting in more interest and engagement among athletes who value this type of training. This paper explores the influence of diversity and multiculturalism on mental health and mental training within the sports psychology field, focusing on race, gender, and ethnicity. Additionally, it discusses current applicable techniques and how coaches and players can utilize these methods across ethnic and cultural barriers in any sport.

Multicultural Diversity in Sports Psychology

Sports psychology has become a growing profession due to the increasing popularity of sports globally. Soccer, basketball, football, and hockey, known as the “Core Four,” are spreading across continents. As the popularity of these sports rises, the need for training to prepare athletes for competition also grows. Sports psychology is expanding at a rate not seen in previous years. Currently, the profession, particularly mental skills training, is growing at an annual rate of 12%, higher than the past 15 years combined over a ten-year span (Online Psychology Degrees, 2020).

Diversity issues in sports psychology include perceived equality in treatment and the increasing popularity of specific training techniques. One significant question concerns equality in training and practice between males and females. Some research indicates an imbalance of opportunities, especially in sports like soccer. Historically, Caucasian males were prioritized as clients, with some believing they were the primary reason for the survival of sports (Carter & Prewitt, 2014). Currently, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is contesting unfair treatment by the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA), igniting a debate about gender equality in sports (Lent, 2003).

Another notable trend is the use of mental training techniques in various sports and cultures. Mental training has long been used in Eastern European and Asian cultures but has only recently gained traction in the Western world. More athletes are recognizing its benefits for competition preparation and managing the pressure of success and failure. Additionally, the role of trainers and the benefits they seek raise ethical concerns in the international sports psychology arena.

A growing trend across ethnicities, genders, and sports is performance anxiety. Research shows that female athletes are more prone to this issue than males but are also more receptive to treatment. In contrast, males tend to be more resistant once diagnosed or counseled on the topic (Lent, 2003).

Gender Equality in Sport: Is it Fair?

Training Opportunities Among Genders

Since the early days of athletics, competition has often been centered around white, Caucasian male athletes. Women were historically excluded from participation due to legal and civil rights issues. However, times are changing, with women now participating in nearly 48% of professional sports, yet receiving only 4% of media coverage. This disparity suggests a continued dominance of male athletes in the sports world (Ohio University, 2019).

This issue extends into sports psychology, where the topic of gender equality is gaining traction. Research shows that male athletes in professional sports earn 78% more than their female counterparts. In collegiate sports, female athletes account for 28% of financial support, 31% of recruiting expenditures, and 42% of athletic scholarships at Division I schools, despite achieving comparable success at both collegiate and professional levels (Lent, 2015). Unfortunately, financial equity between male and female athletes shows little sign of improvement.

A related trend is the difference in mental training between genders. While more sports are incorporating mental training, it is predominantly emphasized in male-dominated sports. However, research suggests that male athletes are less likely to seek out mental training and achieve less effective results when forced to participate, compared to female athletes who are more receptive (Schaal et al., 2014). Female athletes benefit more from mental training techniques, and their interactions with sports psychologists and mental skills trainers yield more definitive results (Davis & Turner, 2019).

Application of Gender Equality

In my coaching experience, applying gender equality research is straightforward. Having coached male and female athletes for over 25 years, from recreational to elite levels and across diverse ethnicities, my philosophy emphasizes both mental and physical techniques to enhance players as individuals and teammates. Regardless of gender, I would incorporate research-guided methods to improve athletes’ skills, particularly mental training, to prepare them for competition and life.

I have encountered players and parents who disagreed with my coaching philosophy. I always invite open discussions to address their concerns and explain my approach, including success and failure scenarios. Many players and parents have later expressed appreciation for my unbiased views and equitable treatment, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or status. My ultimate goal is to improve players’ psychological well-being, not just their athletic performance.One ongoing challenge I face as a coach is dealing with individuals—whether players or parents—who are unwilling to embrace suggestions. While I am proud of my successes, I recognize that there may come a time when I cannot reach a player to help them improve personally.

Multicultural Diversity Professional Development

There is always room for improvement, especially in the professional field of sports psychology. To enhance my skills, particularly in multicultural diversity, I could engage in programs that are ethnically diverse. While I have experience as a teacher and coach working with various ethnicities, I have not worked in environments focused specifically on diversity. Upon completing my master’s degree in sports psychology, I could pursue internships or volunteer opportunities with inner-city athletes to gain insight into the experiences of minority athletes. Additionally, I could conduct voluntary research on how different genders respond to mental skill training or take advanced graduate courses in multicultural diversity. These professional development opportunities would help me become a better sports psychology professional, particularly in mental skills training.

Conclusion

Many issues continue to surface in sports psychology, with gender equality and mental skills training being prominent examples. As global sporting events like World Cup Soccer, the Olympics, and professional sports in the U.S. gain popularity, these discussions will only intensify. While psychology is sometimes dismissed as a “soft science” due to its intangible nature, those who remain open-minded to its benefits will see its positive impact on the world of sports.

References

Carter, L., & Prewitt, T. (2014). Seeing, being and doing: Addressing multicultural competency in applied sports psychology. Athletic Insight, 6(3), 221-232.

Davis, H., & Turner, M. J. (2019). The use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to increase the self-determined motivation and psychological well-being of triathletes. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology.

Lent, R. (2003). Sports psychology and counseling psychology: Players in the same ballpark? The Counseling Psychologist, 21(3), 430-435.