Sport psychology Graig M. Chow, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology Sport Psychology Practitioner

The Field Psychological factors that influence participation and performance in sport and exercise Psychological effects derived from participation Theories and interventions to enhance performance, participation, and personal growth

Areas of Specialization and Interventions Personality Motivation Stress and anxiety Group dynamics Mental skills training Concentration Exercise behavior/adherence Injury Burnout Clinical sport psychology Character development Youth sport Interventions Relaxation Imagery Goal setting Self-talk Routines Activation Biofeedback Mindfulness Self-regulation techniques Hypnosis Team Building Communication skills

Typically there is a mix of these activities Research Consulting Teaching Typically there is a mix of these activities

Employment Opportunities Faculty position Research center Private practice (CC-AASP) Private practice (clinical or counseling) Army Center for Enhanced Performance (ACEP) University counseling center University athletic department U.S. Olympic Committee Sport academies Academic athletic counselor Lifestyle coach Performance psychology with unique populations (musicians, business, performing artists)

Graduate Training Sport psychology/kinesiology/sport sciences track Masters = 2 years Ph.D. = 3-5 years CC-AASP Clinical or counseling psychology track Ph.D. = 4-7 years, including internship Postdoctoral training may be necessary Licensed psychologist Masters in sport psychology and Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology has been recommended

Salary Faculty or athletic department = 55-150k ACEP = 60-90K Counseling center = 55-90k Private practice = range is much wider with higher ceiling and lower floor

Amount and Stability of Employment Limited tenure track professor positions and full-time applied work with only athlete clients ACEP is largest employer of sport psychology graduate students Adjunct faculty, athletic department, and college and professional retainer opportunities are increasing Rapid growth in exercise psychology and application of sport psychology to non-athlete populations

Dress Code Business casual in university and clinical or counseling private practice settings However, because much consulting work with athletes and teams occurs during practice, athletic coaching attire is appropriate

Turnover Low turnover rate for faculty, university (counseling center, athletic department), and USOC positions Higher turnover rate for private practice and ACEP

Undergraduate Experiences Graduate school is necessary B.A. in psychology and/or kinesiology Typical admission requirements (varies by program) GPA of 3.3 or higher GRE At or above the 50th percentile for verbal/quantitative At or above the 60th percentile for analytical writing Research experience of one year or higher Strong letters of recommendation

Most Rewarding Aspects Variety of activities and available opportunities Research that informs consulting and teaching Consulting with recreational to professional/ international level athletes across all age groups Supervision of neophyte sport psychology consultants International travel opportunities

Biggest Drawbacks Tenure track professor positions are limited Grant funding for research is scarce – need to be innovative Difficult to find a career with only a Masters Full-time consulting work with only athlete clients is rare

Resources APA Division 47 AASP NASPSPA FSU Sport Psychology http://www.apadivisions.org/division-47/ AASP http://www.appliedsportpsych.org NASPSPA http://www.naspspa.org/ FSU Sport Psychology http://coe.fsu.edu/Current-Students/Departments/Educational-Psychology-and-Learning-Systems-EPLS/Current-Students/Educational-Psychology/Sport-Psychology Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/publications/graduate-program-directory/