Mark W. Aoyagi

Organizational citizenship behavior in sport: relationships with leadership, team cohesion, and athlete satisfaction.

The purpose of this study was to introduce the construct of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB; Organ, 1988) into the sport psychology literature and examine its utility in sport. Based upon OCB research in the organizational literature, the Multidimensional Model of Leadership (MML; Chelladurai, 1978), the conceptual framework of team cohesion (CFC; Carron & Hausenblas, 1998), and a model of athlete satisfaction (MAS; Chelladurai & Riemer, 1997) were selected as theoretically sound antecedents to be associated with OCB in sport. A total of 193 student-athletes from a large Division I university and a smaller Division III university representing a variety of sports participated in the study. Results of the study provide preliminary evidence for OCB as a unique and meaningful construct in sport and support many of the predictions hypothesized in the MML, CFC, and MAS. Results are discussed in the context of previous literature as well as theoretical, research, and practical implications.

Consulting on the Run: Performance Psychology and the Preparation of USA Track and Field Athletes for the Olympics

Members of the executive committee of the Psychological Services Subcommittee of USA Track and Field share their experiences working with a National Governing Body preparing athletes and coaches for performances at the Olympic Games. This paper highlights the lessons learned from nearly 30 years of service delivery by the USA Track and Field sport and performance psychology team. The mission of the Psychological Services Subcommittee is to provide education and related psychological support services to athletes and coaches participating in track and field. We share the philosophical model that guided the development of the Psychological Services Subcommittee and continues to guide our present work. The avenues for service delivery to the breadth of the national governing body are described. Additionally, issues related to using a team approach to providing performance psychology consulting are addressed.

Helping to build a profession: A working definition of sport and performance psychology

ABSTRACT Practitioners in sport psychology have long sought the establishment of a viable profession. Professions develop best when they have a standardized system to train and validate the learning of the knowledge and skills delineated for the profession. Although sport psychology is an emerging profession, challenges remain in part because of no formal answer to the question, “What does the practice and profession of sport psychology entail?” To provide clarity, we offer a definition of applied sport psychology as a subfield of performance psychology. This definition creates a consistent core identity by putting the focus on the purpose of the professions work.

Teaching Theories of Performance Excellence to Sport & Performance Psychology Consultants-in-Training

The importance of theories of performance excellence to the field of sport and performance psychology generally, and to training practitioners specifically, is discussed. Nomenclature surrounding terms such as philosophy, theory, and models is defined and clarified in order to facilitate a more consistent dialogue on these issues. The case is made that theories of performance excellence must be articulated and then empirically assessed in order for the field to progress. An example of how to teach theories of performance excellence is provided, and encouragement given for such a course to become a requirement of sport psychology training programs.

Models of performance excellence: Four approaches to sport psychology consulting

ABSTRACT The models of practice of four sport psychology consultants (Jon Metzler, Mark Aoyagi, Alex Cohen, and Artur Poczwardowski) are presented. While each model is distinct, collectively they illustrate the benefits of theoretically-grounded foundations to practice. The practitioners represented derive their models from multiple disciplines associated with sport psychology. Pure Performance emphasizes precise definitions of key terms and components while utilizing deliberate practice to develop authentic skills. Mental FITness is based on focus, inspiration, and trust to conceptualize and facilitate performance excellence. The P.A.C.E. model incorporates Perception, Activation, Concentration, and Execution and applies these elements to Performance Readiness Planning. The “5 Rs” model comprises Respond, Release, Replay, Recharge, and Refocus. The models are presented here for the purpose of demonstrating the breadth with which performance excellence can be conceptualized and facilitated. Implications for practitioners include examples of how theory guides the development of service delivery programs.