PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 2 Interview and Summary

PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 2 Interview and Summary

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 8842 Applied Sport Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Abstract

Diversity and ethical dilemmas are integral aspects of the sports industry, and professionals like mental trainers, performance enhancement specialists, and psychologists encounter them regularly. It is crucial for individuals in sports psychology to adhere to ethical guidelines to resolve potential challenges in their field. Issues such as transparency, informed consent, and legal liability require sports psychologists to act and report information ethically (Brown & Cogan, 2006). This paper explores methods to address ethical dilemmas in a manner that benefits both professionals in sports psychology and athletes. The findings from a recent interview will be analyzed to demonstrate proper handling of ethically challenging situations.

Interview of a Sports Psychologist

Results from Recently Conducted Interview with Dr. James Giantomisino

A recent interview with Dr. James Giantomisino, an experienced professional in sports psychology, provided insights into the educational background and experiences of someone who has worked with athletes in diverse communities. The primary objective was to understand ethical and cultural dilemmas in sports and how they have been resolved.

Question and Answer Summary of the Interview

During the interview, the initial goal was to gather background information to assess Dr. Giantomisino’s qualifications in sports psychology. His educational journey followed the typical path for sports psychologists: earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education, a master’s in psychology, and finally, a doctorate in sports psychology. When asked what motivated him to pursue this field, Dr. Giantomisino expressed a lifelong fascination with understanding the mind and his passion for sports. Combining these two interests was an ideal career path for him (See Appendix A).

To gain a deeper understanding of ethical dilemmas in sports psychology, I asked Dr. Giantomisino about the essential principles in his field. He emphasized that transparency and intent are critical for building trust and developing successful relationships with athletes. He explained that trust is vital for guiding athletes and helping them improve (See Appendix A). I then inquired about any ethical dilemmas he had encountered. He recounted a situation where his professionalism was tested when he was asked to allow a player to try out for the basketball team due to a personal connection. He responded by reporting the situation to the school’s ethics board, fulfilling his ethical obligation (See Appendix A).

Dr. Giantomisino also shared a situation involving diversity, where he was questioned for playing two Caucasian players over others. To resolve the issue, he invited the organization’s leadership to observe the players in a competitive setting. After watching the situation firsthand, the leadership recognized the talent of the players, and Dr. Giantomisino’s decisions were validated (See Appendix A). He stressed the importance of allowing actions to reflect one’s ethical standards.

Ethics and Diversity in Sports Psychology

Research highlights that ethics and diversity are closely linked in sports. Outsiders often question decisions because the human mind struggles with what it cannot see, making trust difficult to establish (Zakrajsek & Steinfeldt, 2013). In sports psychology, professionals must seek guidance from the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct outlined by the American Psychological Association (2017). Issues related to ethics, diversity, and fairness will continue to arise, and it is crucial to rely on colleagues with experience in similar scenarios (Greenfield & West, 2012). Competence and integrity are key principles in applied psychology, and maintaining these qualities is essential for building trust with clients, colleagues, and athletes. Without them, a professional’s reputation and success may be compromised (Association for Applied Sports Psychology, n.d.).

Conclusion

From my conversation with Dr. Giantomisino, I learned that ethical dilemmas are common in sports psychology, and familiarity with ethical codes, such as those of the American Psychological Association (2017), is essential. Additionally, having colleagues to consult provides valuable perspective and helps in resolving dilemmas. This allows professionals to align facts, observations, and ethical standards to reach common resolutions.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Washington, DC.

Association for Applied Sport Psychology. (n.d.). Ethics code: AASP ethical principles and standards. Retrieved from http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/about/ethics/ethics-code/

Brown, J., & Cogan, K. (2006). Ethical clinical practice and sport psychology: When two worlds collide. Ethics & Behavior, 16(1), 15-23.

Greenfield, B. H., & West, C. R. (2012). Ethical issues in sports medicine: A review and justification for ethical decision making and reasoning. Sports Health, 4(6), 475-479.

Zakrajsek, R., & Steinfeldt, J. (2013). NCAA Division I coaches’ perceptions and preferred use of sports psychology services: A qualitative perspective. The Sports Psychologist, 27, 258-268.

Appendix A

Interview of a Sports Psychologist

Interviewer: Matthew Hitchner (Matt), Capella University

Interviewee: Dr. James Giantomisino (Dr. G), RCGC

Date: April 17, 2020

Matt: Good morning, Dr. Giantomisino, hope you are doing well today.

Dr. G: Yes, I am. It’s a treat to discuss something we both care about. I love sports and enjoy teaching young people about them, as well as the life lessons they provide.

Matt: I agree. It’s great to know we share that passion for sports.

Matt: Could you start by telling me about your background in psychology and what led you to pursue this field?

Dr. G: After completing my undergraduate studies at North Central College and earning my graduate degree in psychology at North Texas University, I pursued a doctorate in sports psychology from the University of Illinois-Chicago. I’ve always been fascinated with understanding the mind, and my love of sports made combining the two fields an ideal path for me.

Matt: That’s a great connection. Many don’t recognize the link between sports and life. How have you been involved in athletics?

PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 2 Interview and Summary

Dr. G: I began my career studying physical education. After graduation, I worked as an assistant coach for the UIC men’s basketball team before becoming head coach at Rowan University. Later, I coached at the Universities of Maine and LaSalle before taking the role of interim Athletic Director at RCGC.

Matt: It sounds like you’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of athletes. Would that be accurate?

Dr. G: Absolutely. I’ve worked with athletes of all backgrounds—black, white, male, female—across different locations. It’s been a rewarding experience.