Journeying Through Sport with Self-compassion

Journeying Through Sport with Self-compassion
Author: Danae M. Frentz
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022
Genre: Athletes
ISBN:

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In high-level sport, there is often an overemphasis on performance which can lead to a decline in athletes' physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life (Douglas & Carless, 2009; Smith, 2010). Development of adaptive coping resources, such as self-compassion, may help mitigate threats to well-being (Mosewich, Ferguson, et al., 2019). The purpose of this study was to explore how women athletes high in self-compassion story their journey through sport as well as their experiences of navigating pressure and struggle. Three women athletes high in self-compassion were invited to take part in two loosely structured one-on-one interviews, as part of a narrative approach to learn about their sport careers, stories, and experiences (Riessman, 2008). Both narrative thematic and structural analyses were undertaken to help capture the rich descriptions of athletes' experiences as well as the overarching structure of their narrative accounts. Each athlete narrative greatly deviated from the narrative of performance, which is typically a dominant narrative in sport (Douglas & Carless, 2006). Specifically, athletes' shared narratives of Rediscovery, Balance, and Redefining. Additionally, instead of being consumed by performance, these athletes demonstrated an active desire to invest in other aspects of their lives such as key relationships and future career aspirations. Such findings suggest the presence of counter-stories or alternative narratives that may assist future athletes in storying their lives in more meaningful ways. By exploring how self-compassionate athletes story their experiences, we can glean valuable information regarding the language they use to describe and apply self-compassion within sport. These findings can help tailor practical applications of self-compassion among athlete populations.

The Power of Mindfulness

The Power of Mindfulness
Author: Amy Baltzell
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2018-12-12
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9783030099558

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This book offers both sport psychology practitioners and sport athletes a clear understanding of mindfulness to help athletes optimize sport performance. It provides a clear insight how sport athletes can learn to increase their ability to concentrate, be fully present during high pressure competition and how to effectively respond to distracting thoughts and emotions (e.g. performance anxiety; dread). The strategies offered in the chapters are based on Mindfulness Meditation Training for Sport (MMTS), an empirically supported mindfulness intervention for sport, which was created by the authors. MMTS has been adopted internationally by practicing sport psychologists – used with collegiate, club, and Olympic teams. Through offering a clear explanation of mindfulness and self-compassion (an essential element of MMTS), brief mindfulness based practices, and consistently offering how such practices link to performance – the reader learns to implement all of MMTS or elements of MMTS to help the increase their ability to focus, cope with difficult emotions, and perform their best when it matters.

Rise Above

Rise Above
Author: LeilaByOrisa
Publisher: eBookIt.com
Total Pages: 146
Release: 2024-04-12
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 1456648810

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Embark on a Journey of Liberation: Overcome the Shadows Cast by Narcissistic Parents In a world where the wounds are invisible and the scars run deep, Rise Above: Strategies for Navigating Life with Narcissistic Parents stands as a beacon of hope and a roadmap to liberation for those who have lived under the shadow of narcissistic parents. This transformative book not only offers a deep understanding of the complex nature of narcissism but also lays out a strategic path towards healing, empowerment, and ultimately, freedom. With the gentle precision of a seasoned expert, the book begins by unveiling the mask of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It methodically guides the reader through recognizing the subtle yet profound signs of having a narcissistic parent, the cunning emotional manipulation tactics employed, and the chilling lack of empathy that characterizes these relationships. The narrative is both enlightening and validating, providing a much-needed acknowledgment of the reader's experiences. As the journey unfolds, the book dives into the heart of the matter--the profound impact narcissistic abuse has on one's psyche. From the psychological to the emotional toll, it doesn't shy away from detailing the long-term effects on relationships and self-esteem. Yet, amidst the exposition, it offers a clear, hopeful voice--a promise that the cycle can be broken. Empowerment takes center stage in Rise Above. Seizing control from the clutches of the past, it elucidates successful strategies for establishing boundaries, engaging in healing self-care practices, and rebuilding one's self-esteem. The book positions healing and self-reclamation as not just possibilities but inevitable outcomes for those who dare to embrace their journey. Moreover, it extends a hand towards building healthier relationships and achieving financial independence, crucial steps towards authentic self-sufficiency. With an entire chapter dedicated to finding your voice and another to managing the complexities of maintaining or severing ties, the book serves as an unwavering companion through every step of recovery. In the final chapters, Rise Above turns its focus inward, prompting readers to embark on the most significant journey of all--reclaiming their identity. Through exploration of one's interests, passions, and values, it champions the forging of a new, deeply personal path, unmarred by the shadows of the past. Coupled with empowering strategies through education and support, this book promises not just survival, but a thriving existence beyond the grip of narcissistic parents. For those ready to step into the light of their own making, Rise Above: Strategies for Navigating Life with Narcissistic Parents offers the key to a door long-shut by fear and manipulation. It's more than a book--it's a companion on the journey to reclaiming one's life from the clutches of narcissistic abuse. Your path to empowerment and liberation awaits.

Enhancing Self-compassion in Athletes

Enhancing Self-compassion in Athletes
Author: Alaina Flegar
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2021
Genre:
ISBN:

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The nature of sport competition involves athletes being compared and ranked based on athletic ability, with athletes invariably confronted by potential threat of subjective and objective failure within their sport context. Given this circumstance and the extraordinary amount of pressure athletes often experience, developing an ability to be kind towards oneself in the face of perceived failure could be an important part of sport training. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 4-week self-guided online self-compassion program for athletes. Eighty competitive athletes who participate in time-based sports were recruited from sport organizations and randomly assigned to either a 4-week self-compassion program or a wait-list control. Participants in both groups completed pre- and post-study self-report measures of self-compassion, mindfulness, general anxiety, sport-related anxiety, and perceived sport performance. Objective athletic performance was obtained through performance logs. Results indicated that the self-compassion program was of interest to sport organizations and athletes. However, attrition was high and there were challenges with program adherence. Linear mixed model analyses revealed that relative to the wait-list control, participants in the self-compassion group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in overall levels of self-compassion, the self-compassion element of common humanity, and the mindfulness facet Observe. No significant differences between the groups were found for measures of anxiety and perceived and objective sport performance. Factors influencing compliance with online self-compassion programs such as participant readiness and fears of self-compassion are explored. Program efficacy, study limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed. While the self-compassion program is feasible, challenges in program adherence need to be addressed in future studies. Future research should continue formulating the concept of self-compassion in sport to reflect the needs and interests of athletes, consider including several formats and methods of program delivery, add a motivational component to address barriers to participation and program adherence, and work in collaboration with sport coaches and teams.

RESET

RESET
Author: Ashley Lynn Kuchar
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022
Genre:
ISBN:

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Student-athletes often believe that self-criticism is necessary to avoid complacency, but this response can lead to anxiety and stress. Research shows that self-compassion is an adaptive way to cope with mistakes and adversities (see Ferrari et al., 2019; Röthlin et al., 2019 for review). Although there are many benefits of self-compassion, fear that self-compassion harms performance may discourage athletes from adopting this approach (e.g., Ferguson et al., 2015). This study developed and tested an online self-compassion intervention called Resilience and Enhancement in Sport, Exercise and Training (RESET) designed specifically for NCAA student-athletes, seeking to help athletes respond more effectively to mistakes, failures, and adversity. RESET was designed for a broader student-athlete population and is the first to adapt the Mindful Self-Compassion program (MSC; Neff & Germer, 2013) for athletes. Within-group analyses (paired t-tests) and between-group analyses (multilevel modeling) were used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention on athletes’ ability to cope with failure, improve well-being, and increase perceived sport performance. Compared to the waitlist control (n = 102, 70% women), athletes who participated in the RESET training (n = 148, 90% women) experienced significant increases in self-compassion from Time 1 to Time 2 as well as significant decreases in fear of self-compassion and state self-criticism. They also displayed improvements in perceived performance (i.e., athlete-rated performance, coach-rated performance) compared to the waitlist control. Despite observing significant improvements on well-being (reduced depression, anxiety, stress) in the within-group analyses, no statistically significant changes were found for any of the well-being measures in the between-group analyses. Notably, a main effect of gender was found for athlete-rated performance indicating that men athletes reported higher performance than women athletes. Program evaluation measures, including participant testimonials, extend the quantitative findings and demonstrate that through this accessible online intervention, student-athletes and coaches learned adaptive coping skills that are applicable to sport and other life domains. Future research should explore long-term benefits of the RESET training on various coping, well-being, and performance measures

Turn a Blind Eye: -A Mother's True Story- Pushed to Perform, an Adolescent Nightmare

Turn a Blind Eye: -A Mother's True Story- Pushed to Perform, an Adolescent Nightmare
Author: Karen Montgomery
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 356
Release: 2005-06-01
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 1411633415

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How do youngsters cope with the pressures of competitive endeavors? What are their deepest fears? Why do many talented kids feel like failures regardless of their successes? Learn the shocking truth how some teens deal with mounting insecurities. Discover the repercussions that can happen when parents are blinded to performance pressures facing youngsters, particularly when entering chaotic adolescence. My narrative is a heartfelt, sometimes humorous journal detailing the nurturing of my daughter from birth through her turbulent adolescent years. The intensity of her stormy evolution was inflamed by nine years in highly competitive professional dance environments and resulted in her self-destructive acting out behavior. It's a retrospective chronicle providing an insightful glimpse of what may await unsuspeting parents with youngsters in competitive activities. What happened to us can happen to any well-intentioned family with children who are pushed to perform in academics, the arts, or athletics.