A Qualitative Exploration of Sport Psychology Practitioners’ Career Expectations, Preparation, and Work Opportunities: A North American Perspective

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Recent speculation regarding the viability of the sport and performance psychology (SPPsy) profession has triggered concerns for its future. In the present professional society-funded study, we used semistructured interviews to explore how 18 SPPsy practitioners perceived employment opportunities, barriers, and professional organizational support, as well as how their training and qualifications prepared them for their career and progression. Following a reflexive thematic analysis, four themes and eleven related subthemes were constructed as follows: (a) the sport psychology profession, (b) the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), (c) entering the profession, and (d) working as a sport psychology practitioner. Findings illuminate current and evolving challenges such as working with unique clients and competition for roles between clinical and mental performance practitioners. The importance of AASP and the value it provides to the membership, particularly in North America, was also clear in these results. Organizational issues requiring attention were also observed. Finally, experiences of entry into the profession and discussion of how their expertise is received contribute to our understanding of the challenges inherent in becoming a SPPsy practitioner. In turn, we outline implications for research and practice by offering considerations for SPPsy practitioners and professional societies, such as AASP, to enhance and strengthen the SPPsy profession.