Clinical Sport Psychology Review

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(More customer reviews)Note: amazon.com have ISBN: 0-7360-5305-0 listed as paperback but it is hardback.
The authors suggest that this text is aimed at sports psychologists, sports psychology researchers and sports scientists. I fall into the sports scientist category.
Throughout the book the authors advocate an evidence based, ethical approach to sport psychology. The text gives numerous references to the research literature and therefore acts as an excellent narrative review assessing both research data and theoretical development. It is also highly critical of many aspects of current practice, outlining the theoretical and ethical errors that underpins much of it. I especially appreciated this honest approach as I am a firm believer in the need for evidence based practice.
After an introduction, the book outlines a theoretical model for the interaction of performance and psychological issues - the 'Integrative Model of Athletic Performance (IMAP)'. I found this chapter slightly confusing since it seemed to go off on tangents, and the rest of the text makes little reference to IMAP. However, the model seems sound and I think a second reading will help in seeing it as underpinning the authors' approach in the rest of the book.
The real meat of the book begins with chapter 3 where they introduce a classification system for assement of client conditions - the Multilevel Classification System for Sport Psychology (MCS-SP). This represents a fundamental shift in sports psych practice as it groups clients into those only needing performance development, those with subclinical issues, and those with clinical issues. They present the rationalle behind this system brilliantly and explain the danger of applying performance enhancement without tackling underlying sub clinical or clinical issues. These themes are developed throughout the book.
Next they present assessment strategies, giving an overview of the role of interviews (structured and unstructered) and psychological tests. They give lots of practical advice and integrate this with the MCS-SP protocol. Perhaps in future editions (this book will last!) this section could be expanded to give a thourough list of appropriate tests available rather than selected references. This is a bit of a nit-pick though.
In the next chapter they review Moore's published systematic review into traditional sports psychology techniques, with depressing findings. This represents a significant result and should shock the profession.
Next they present early findings of their research into mindfullness-aceptance-commitmance (MAC) treatments for performance development. They precede this with a theoretical (including research findings) look at why traditional techniques may not work, presenting a possible fundamental flaw. The data they provide on the MAC is very interesting but they stress the research is in its early stages and not ready to be applied (for example, the sample size used is currently way to small). However, I fear that some may ignore these caveats and look to apply the techniques already. I think the presentation of the chapter could have been more careful with this in mind. However, as a chapter for researchers, it was very interesting and exciting.
In the next 4 chapters they examine evidence based approaches for tackling sub-clinical and clinical issues. These are very interesting and emphasises the need for integration of clinical psychology into sports psychology.
Other chapters include advice on case formulation, ethics (very important), training, and future directions. There are a lot of example scenarios, highlightling subtle concerns for psychologists and giving practical suggestions.
As a sports scientist I would have benefitted from a glossary in the back explaining some of the terms they use. It wasn't too bad (and there's always wikipedia) but the book does assume a lot of prior knowledge. Also, the authors use the word 'holistic' a lot which in the UK is generally used only by 'alternative health' people and therefore the antithesis of what this book is all about. And I spotted 'ongoing' several times which made me wince each time. A word of warning - curiously, the text is very slightly smudgable.
This book is hard hitting and to the point. It skillfully (with lots of references, theoretical and ethical discussions) shows the fundamental errors in current practice, and presents the way forward that everyone should adopt. This book should be mandatory for all practicing and aspiring sports psychologists, trainers, psychology researchers, sports scientists, and policy makers.
One final note - Zella Moore's picture is the best author photo I've ever seen!
Joe Wright - Badmintology, www.topracket.com/Badmintology

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Clinical Sport Psychology will provide readers with an assortment of tools to use in evaluating and working with athletes. The text addresses a range of athletes' issues in an informed and integrated approach to sport psychology. Rather than focusing on one problem area, one modality of intervention, or one aspect of professional practice, Clinical Sport Psychology blends grounded theory and sound research with effective assessment and intervention practices, presenting empirically informed intervention guidelines specific to various needs of athletes.

This text provides the foundation needed for working with athletes experiencing a range of nonclinical, subclinical, and clinical issues. Readers will learn to thoroughly assess athletes, identify and understand their needs, and appropriately intervene with each athlete—unless a referral is necessary to better meet an athlete's individual needs.

Clinical Sport Psychology contains the following features:-A thorough explanation of the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach to enhancement of sport performance

-A detailed examination of the empirical support for traditional procedures in sport psychology

-A detailed and practical understanding of the Integrative Model of Athletic Performance (IMAP), which integrates clinical and sport science

-A firm understanding of the Multilevel Classification System for Sport Psychology (MCS-SP), a model to classify the wide range of athletes' issues

-A clear organizational structure from theory through intervention, including special considerationsClinical Sport Psychology presents a new way of thinking about the psychological processes that are involved in attaining and maintaining sport expertise. The text, based on clinical and sport research, bridges the gap between clinical and sport psychologists by presenting a model that connects athletic performance, basic psychological processes, and relevant empirical findings. This cutting-edge text promotes a greater understanding of the varying dimensions of clinical phenomena and how nonclinical, subclinical, and clinical issues affect athletic performance and the overall well-being of athletes. Whether helping athletes improve competitive performance, adjust to the changing demands of the athletic environment, or clarify clinical issues, sport psychologists will find valuable insight and direction from this text.

Part I integrates relevant knowledge in clinical and sport science, laying the foundation for practice in clinical sport psychology. Part II shows how to assess and classify athletes' issues beyond the traditional assessment approaches in sport psychology. It includes a new and useful approach to the holistic assessment of cases, thereby leading to sound intervention decisions and strategies for case formulation. Part III delves into intervention guidelines for the full range of problems and issues that the practicing clinical sport psychologist will face, and it offers both innovative and empirically informed interventions for a variety of client needs. Part IV examines special considerations in clinical sport psychology, including ethics, professional development, supervision, and future directions for the profession.

With 30 years of ongoing practical experience with professional athletes, the authors present an integrated and holistic approach to clinical sport psychology, guiding readers in understanding, effectively assessing, and appropriately intervening with athletic clientele.

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