Pressure, Perfection, and Psychology
In 2022, over 26.8 million American youth participated in some form of sport. While many things can vary depending on sport, age, and location, one thing that all youth athletes face is pressure. The list goes on and on: pressure to be the best, pressure to win, pressure to secure a scholarship, pressure to stand out to recruiters. So, what does this pressure do to young athletes, both on and off the field?
Striving for perfection is one of the most common stressors for athletes of any age. The desire to be the best, to be perfect, takes a toll on mental health. This can negatively impact performance on the field, and even more so the executive function of daily life off of the field. The pressure brought on by perfectionism can often lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, fear of failure, and low self-esteem. In severe cases, pressure could even lead to episodes of depression.
So, what can we do to prevent the negative effects of pressure? Sports psychology is the study of how certain psychological factors can influence, both positively and negatively, an athlete’s physical well-being, mental health, and sports performance. Sports psychologists can use techniques such as anxiety and stress management, team-building exercises, and healthy injury rehabilitation to ensure that athletes are being seen holistically. It is important to understand that the athlete is a person first and an athlete second. Sports psychology allows for a holistic perspective of the individual, giving insight into the overlap of the physical realm and the mental realm of sports.
There are a few different techniques and approaches that can be utilized by mental health professionals to engage in sports-focused interventions. Cognitive behavioral skills training uses techniques such as imagery, concentration improvement strategies, and emotion management to aid in the betterment of an athlete’s well-being. Other clinical interventions may be needed depending on the level of mental distress. Some athletes will need consistent mental health therapy, while others may benefit from meeting with a performance consultant. One of the great things about sports psychology is that it is not one-size-fits-all. It can be personalized and crafted based on what the athlete’s needs are.
The first step to engaging in sports psychology interventions is to talk to a mental health professional. This could be a school counselor, mental health counselor, psychiatrist, or caseworker. For many, this is a scary step to take. However, though it may be scary, it can also be the beginning of holistic mental and physical well-being.
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Author: Michaela Brooks M.Ed, LAPC, Doctoral Candidate
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