Volume 5, Issue 2 (Spring 2025)
J Clin Sport Neuropsychol 2025, 5(2): 0-0 |
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Savardelavar M. Humanistic Approaches in Sport Psychology: Athlete Self-actualization and Individuation Beyond Competitive Performance. J Clin Sport Neuropsychol 2025; 5 (2) : 5
URL: http://jcsnp.ir/article-1-161-en.html
URL: http://jcsnp.ir/article-1-161-en.html
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Apadana Higher Institute of Higher Education, Shiraz, Iran. & Sport Psychology Committee, Sports Medicine Board of Fars Province, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract: (8 Views)
Background and Purpose: The majority of applied sport psychology research is dominated by performance output measures, which would cause neglecting some other athletes’ critical needs. To address this gap, this critical review proposes the use of humanistic psychology-driven interventions to provide a more holistic approach on athletes’ development.
Method: This commentary paper provides a critical literature review regarding performance outcome-oriented approaches and synthesizes available evidence for humanistic-driven interventions, primarily those of Maslow and Rogers.
Results: The focus on performance outcomes as a goal-oriented perspective would lead to the experience of psychological burnout, anxiety, and identity crises in athletes. On the side, humanistic approaches with the emphasis on empathy and autonomy can meet intrinsic motivation, reduce dropout rates, and improve life satisfaction. According to the evidence, humanistic approach to coach training can improve self-esteem of the athletes and team cohesion. The effective use of humanistic principles requires adopting more holistic definitions of performance output measures to include well-being and paving the way for widespread coach training in humanistic skills.
Conclusion: Humanistic psychology-driven interventions provide a useful framework for a more holistic and sustainable sports culture. By conceptualizing athletes as a human with multi-dimensional needs, they may enjoy long-term well-being and sport performance, moving beyond a reductive focus on championships.
Method: This commentary paper provides a critical literature review regarding performance outcome-oriented approaches and synthesizes available evidence for humanistic-driven interventions, primarily those of Maslow and Rogers.
Results: The focus on performance outcomes as a goal-oriented perspective would lead to the experience of psychological burnout, anxiety, and identity crises in athletes. On the side, humanistic approaches with the emphasis on empathy and autonomy can meet intrinsic motivation, reduce dropout rates, and improve life satisfaction. According to the evidence, humanistic approach to coach training can improve self-esteem of the athletes and team cohesion. The effective use of humanistic principles requires adopting more holistic definitions of performance output measures to include well-being and paving the way for widespread coach training in humanistic skills.
Conclusion: Humanistic psychology-driven interventions provide a useful framework for a more holistic and sustainable sports culture. By conceptualizing athletes as a human with multi-dimensional needs, they may enjoy long-term well-being and sport performance, moving beyond a reductive focus on championships.
Article number: 5
Type of Study: Systematic Review (Meta-analysis) |
Subject:
Sport Psychology
Received: 2024/10/23 | Accepted: 2025/02/26 | Published: 2025/05/1
Received: 2024/10/23 | Accepted: 2025/02/26 | Published: 2025/05/1
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