Idea Transcript
SESSIONS IN ORDER- MONDAY 14 DECEMBER KEYNOTE Psychical activity for health: Best buy but hard sell Jim McKenna, Leeds Beckett University This presentation will address ways to establish behaviour change centred on Physical Activity (PA) to deliver better Public Health (PH). A central recommendation of the presentation is to continuously address the work of building and supporting systems that develops positive habits in groups that are considered hard-to-reach (HTR). Based on recent experiences in community-based PA interventions, I prefer to consider these groups as ‘unreached’, although I will use the HTR acronym. In recruitment and retention terms our biggest problem – from both PA and PH perspectives – is that HTR groups remain largely unreached, and fundamentally unaffected, by what we offer them. What we are doing simply does not command their attention. A better way of working will emerge when we acknowledge this and then accept that attention is often their – and indeed, our - most scarce personal resource. That places a priority on what has become known as Attention-omics; what we are prepared to ‘pay’ to get their attention. Focusing further up the sequence of behaviour change compounds the problem of being unreached. It’s also important to acknowledge that any performance cycle – and that’s what adopting PA represents for most HTR adults - entails this sequence of drivers; Emotions -> Attention -> Learning —> Performance. As such, systems seeking to establish learning must place emotions front-andcentre of their daily concerns. Let’s stop talking about passive barriers and focus on the real barriers – like the fear of social judgement - that generate intensive disruptive emotions. Those issues underpin low recruitment and retention. Instead, programmes need to focus more overtly on positive emotions because those factors underpin learning and personal progress. In recruitment, which is one part of generating attention, positive emotions can be fostered by focusing on past success, personal strengths and by attending to personal progress. Yet, in unreached groups, a major problem lies in deploying positive retrospection; their habits are sharply focused on avoiding the sorts of threats – real and imagined that you and I can hardly imagine. Sustained repetition is imperative for (i) learning and (ii) subsequent habit formation, yet it has been one of the first casualties of our information-rich society. Initial learning hinges on the idea of ‘Repeat to remember’, while consolidated learning is more likely to emerge under the rule of ‘Remember to repeat’. That means that it is imperative to keep HTR people in the early stages of any programme. Habits (this equates to ‘performance’ in the Performance cycle) emerge from exposure to cycles of ‘Reminder (or cue) -> Routine -> Reward’. Therefore, it is makes sense to shift attention away from relying on personal motivation to providing systems that automatically prompt
repetition. The example of the mobile phone is there for all of us to consider; it represents a massively powerful prompting agent. Many HTR individuals, especially men, also have problems with deploying the self-control needed to establish habits. New habits take considerable time to develop and hinge around persistence. Even for middle class target groups we routinely underestimate how long it takes for helpful behaviours to become automatic. Participants and deliverers need support to align around these behavioural imperatives. Finally, we need to acknowledge the power of PA beyond itself. Increasingly neuroscience is acknowledging that PA is one of five core behaviours of brain remodelling. Across the adolescentadult lifespan these behaviours actively initiate brain remodelling through the processes of neuroplasticity. This gives renewed support for promoting PA more effectively. When we do it well, we are optimising human functioning and that makes it essential for better PH, and better societies, everywhere. 4254 SYMPOSIUM Swimming against the tide: Qualitative insights on the complexities of doping in sport and implications for policy and practice Susan Backhouse, Leeds Beckett University The literature examining the social science of doping in sport has burgeoned over the last decade. Psychology has emerged as a major contributor due to a growing recognition of the importance of developing our understanding of how athletes act, think, and feel in the context of sports doping. Without this understanding efforts to establish tailored doping prevention programmes and evidence-based anti-doping policy will be futile. To date, quantitative studies have highlighted the correlates and determinants of doping behaviours (Ntoumanis, Ng, Barkoukis & Backhouse, 2014). However, there has been limited research capturing the lived experience of athletes and support personnel in relation to this issue. The current symposium draws together a series of qualitative studies from an established programme of research at Leeds Beckett University. Drawing upon Lazarus’ (1999) cognitive-motivational-relational theory, the first paper explores the associations between athletes’ stressful experiences, their coping resources, and their use of chemical assistance. The second paper highlights the significant role parents and coaches play in shaping studentathletes’ attitudes and behaviours towards performance enhancing drugs. The third paper focuses on the lived experience of a professional team athlete and explores the doping dilemmas he has faced. The final paper extends beyond an individual athlete perspective and draws upon Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) social ecological model to offer unique insights into coaches’ perceived and actual anti-doping roles. The symposium will conclude with a reflection on the merits of qualitative inquiry for furthering our understanding of the complexities of doping in sport and shaping future research, policy and practice. PAPER 1
Coping without doping: Exploring the relationship between psychological stress and chemical assistance in high performance rugby Faye Didymus & Susan Backhouse, Leeds Beckett University Objectives: To explore associations between rugby players’ stressful experiences, their coping resources, and their use of chemical assistance. DESIGN: A qualitative research design was adopted. Lazarus’ (1999) cognitive-motivational-relational theory was used as the theoretical lens to address the study objectives. Methods: Ten male (n=7) and female (n=3) high level rugby league and union players (Mage = 22.6, SD = 2.80) were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. A high level player was defined as an individual currently competing in national league one or above who had been competing at that level for at least five years. All of the interviews were conducted face-to-face and lasted between 25 and 98 minutes (Mlength = 52.40, SD = 27.54). Data was analysed using thematic analysis procedures. Results: All players reported lifetime use of nutritional supplements and that their consumption dovetailed stressful experiences in rugby. Some (n=5) of the participants suggested that they had used, or considered using, banned substances to cope with chronic stressors such as injury, pressure to perform, and pressure to increase muscle mass. Players were most likely to use supplements and or banned substances to cope with stressors when their personal and social coping resources had been depleted. Conclusions: This study has shaped our understanding of the associations between psychological stress and chemical assistance in rugby. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to develop coping interventions that focus on chronic stressors and to educate players about the risks involved with potentially maladaptive coping strategies, such as supplement and banned substance use. PAPER 2 Doping in University sport: The role of significant others in shaping the moral beliefs of UK and US student-athletes Kelsey Erickson & David Carless, Leeds Beckett University Objectives: To qualitatively explore the role of significant others in shaping the moral beliefs of UK and US university student-athletes in relation to doping in sport. DESIGN: Cross-sectional qualitative methodology. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 track and field university studentathletes from the UK (N = 14; Male = 8, Female = 6) and US (N = 14; Male = 5, Female = 9). Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, verbatim transcripts underwent an individual analysis and a thematic map was created for each country respectfully. Next, the individual thematic maps were compared in order to identify similarities and differences. Results: Student-athletes upheld the view that using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sport is ‘wrong’, while the word ‘cheating’ was used repeatedly to describe the behaviour. This moral stance was seemingly shaped by significant persons in their lives; namely, parents and coaches. The parent – athlete moral transmission was particularly influential in childhood and early adolescence, while the influence of the coach emerged more strongly in later adolescence. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a need to target athlete support networks – particularly parents and coaches – with anti-doping education and interventions. Given the
significant role they play in shaping student-athletes’ attitudes and behaviours towards PEDs from a young age, they represent influential groups in promoting and reinforcing the value of clean sport. Moreover, athlete’s vulnerability to doping appears heightened when parental supervision is reduced and therefore the university setting should be a priority for anti-doping efforts. PAPER 3 Battling to remain clean: a professional athlete’s experiences of dealing with doping dilemmas Lisa Whitaker, Susan Backhouse & Jonathan Long, Leeds Beckett University Objectives: To qualitatively explore the phenomenon of doping in sport through the lived experience of a professional sportsman. DESIGN: Qualitative design underpinned by the social ecological model. Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with a professional team athlete who spoke openly about his willingness to dope and the context within which his doping vulnerability emerged. Interview data was analysed via thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged regarding Harry’s experiences: 1) the occupational necessity of doping, 2) normative influence and 3) family as protection. Harry was aware of several players who were using, or rumoured to be using, a prohibited substance. Doping elicited anger in Harry as he believed he had been denied sporting success because of the cheating behaviour of his peers. He also articulated a feeling of helplessness in preventing doping. Beyond normative pressures, Harry shared that his coach had encouraged him to use a prohibited substance and this encouragement exposed his willingness to dope. In turn, this led Harry to seek counsel from his parents. Conclusions: Harry’s accounts bring to light the day-to-day pressures of being a professional athlete earning a living through sport. Situational factors may lead athletes to develop a willingness to dope just to ‘keep up’ with others believed to be doping in their sport. However, this study highlights that having strong social support from family members who uphold the view that ‘doping is cheating’ can protect athletes against doping, even when others are doping, believed to be doping or encourage doping. PAPER 4 Are coaches anti-doping? Investigating coaches’ roles in the quest for clean sport Laurie Patterson & Susan Backhouse, Leeds Beckett University Objectives: To investigate coaches’ roles in anti-doping efforts; specifically their behaviours in everyday coaching practice and their opinions of current anti-doping policy expectations. DESIGN: A qualitative research design was adopted and the investigation was guided by the social ecological model. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of twelve male UKbased coaches (aged 27-54 years) working in a performance development context within Football (n=6) and Rugby League (n=6). The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Coaches saw themselves in a supporting role in anti-doping efforts, which included monitoring player behaviour and giving advice to players when approached with questions. However, coaches did not fulfill all responsibilities outlined in the current World Anti-Doping Code and questioned the feasibility of doing so in the future. Several individual and environmental factors contributed to coaches’ opinions and behaviours, including a perceived lack of knowledge, a reliance
on colleagues or external partners to take the lead, and the taboo nature of doping in sport. Conclusions: The study provides unique insights into coaches’ perceived and actual anti-doping roles to reveal that the policy-ascribed expectations for this key stakeholder group are not being operationalised in practice. Further research should explore coaches’ willingness to act in line with their responsibilities under the Code in order to gain a better understanding of the individual and environmental factors that influence coach behaviours. Such research is necessary to inform not only future policy developments, but also appropriate coach-based education programmes. QSEP WORKSHOP Reflections on Case study Formation in Supervised Practice – Demystifying Form and Function Moira Lafferty, Martin Eubank, and Jo Hudson Purpose: The aim of the workshop is to explore the formulation and reporting of case studies and how this process changes through the supervised practice experience and with the formative feedback from submissions. Background: The aims of the sport and exercise psychology professional training process require supervisees to gain experience across a diverse client population and demonstrate a broad understanding and application of at least two different consulting philosophies through their consultancy work and the completion of four case studies submitted at various points throughout the supervision journey. Whilst all case studies form part of the competency component of each submission it is only at final submission that the case study is sumatively assessed, prior to this the assessor feedback should inform and aid in developing the case study reporting. However, how case study formation begins, how feedback informs development and how applied experience influences the process has not really been shared at a sport and exercise community level. Method/Key Points: The Chief Supervisor and Assessor for the Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology will begin by outlining the role of the submissions and assessor feedback. Trainee and newly qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologists will then share their experiences of case study formation with a focus on the evidence base which informed their practice, including intervention monitoring and evaluation, professional practice evaluation and the impact of assessor feedback. Conclusions: Producing evidence based case studies is a core skill for the applied practitioner however, it can also represent a challenge for those embarking or thinking about embarking on the supervision journey and QSEP qualification. Whilst the core components of what to include are clearly identified in the Qualification Handbook, we hope through the presentations and ensuing dialogue in this workshop to identify practical guidelines and ‘dymistify’ case study formation. 4244 SYMPOSIUM Work and Physical Activity Ruth Lowry, University of Chichester The workplace can be seen as a useful setting for promoting Physical Activity (PA) as there is the potential to reach a broad and captive audience with an existing social structure. However, the very nature of this setting means that employees are sedentary for extended periods of time. This symposium presents research that explores the influence of workplace related factors on physical activity. Understanding these factors has relevance for the development of effective PA
interventions based in the workplace. The influence of existing social networks on employees’ physical activity is explored in the first two papers. Paper One seeks to understand the characteristics and sources of naturally occurring social support for PA within one predominately office based workplace. Paper Two takes a more in-depth approach to explore the personal social networks of office based employees. It examines how personal social relationships function to influence physical activity behaviours and attitudes. Paper Three focuses on an understudied population of employees with a highly sedentary job namely long-haul truck drivers. The study evaluates how long-haul truck drivers would like to receive physical activity information and services in order to improve their health. Finally, Paper Four looks at breaking the sedentary trap in the workplace. It focuses on the environmental, social and psychological manifestations of sedentary behaviours in the workplace and how to develop and implement behaviour change at an individual and organisational level. The session will be concluded with a discussion of how these findings can be utilised by applied practitioners. PAPER 1 Examining naturally occurring social support for physical activity in a workplace setting Sarah Edmunds, Ruth Lowry & Matthew Sitch, University of Chichester Objectives: This study sought to understand the characteristics and sources of naturally occurring social support for physical activity (PA) within one predominately office based workplace. Design: A mixed methods design was used. This allowed exploration of the social networks in the workplace in breadth and depth. Data were triangulated to further strengthen the analysis. Social support was conceptualised using Wills and Shinar’s (2000) framework. Methods: Recruitment was from a public sector employer in the south of England, with approximately 600 office-based staff. Using an online survey 98 staff (40 males, 58 females; Mage= 39±12 years) reported their PA and named specific colleagues who provided 4 forms of social support for PA (emotional, informational, companionship, validation). Social Network diagrams for each support network were visualised with Freeman betweenness scores calculated (proxy measure of influence). Individuals identified as providing support for PA most frequently participated in oneto-one interviews (n=6) to explore how they provided this. In addition three focus groups explored the characteristics of social support provided by colleagues for PA in greater depth. Focus groups and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: Different support structures for the four types were demonstrated with informational support provided most frequently and validation least frequently. One overarching theme was developed from the qualitative analysis: Characteristics of effective social support. Four sub-themes were identified: behaviour; assigned versus organic; personalisation; and facilitation. Conclusions: These findings will help inform the selection and training of peer PA champions in future intervention PAPER 2 How personal social networks of office based employees function to influence physical activity behaviours and attitudes Matthew Sitch, Ruth Lowry, Sarah Edmunds & Melissa Day, University of Chichester
Objectives: To enhance understanding regarding social influence on Physical Activity (PA) by examining who provides what, to whom, and with what effect in the context of their personal social network structure. Design: Owing to the breadth of enquiry a mixed methods design was utilised employing questionnaires, Social Network Analysis (SNA), and in-depth one-to-one interviews. Methods: Participants (n=57) were recruited from office based organisations. An online survey invited staff to report their PA, the barriers and benefits of exercise, and to volunteer to draw their personal network diagram. Personal network diagrams were used to explore network structure. Data was visualised and analysed using Visone SNA software. Diagrams were grouped according to structure and used to guide recruitment for one-to-one interviews (n=22). One-to-one interviews explored participants’ perceptions of how their network functioned to influence their PA behaviours and attitudes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: Five distinct types of network were identified which functioned in specific ways with certain network structures operating to inhibit or promote PA. In particular work based relationships, were identified as being important in the provision of psychosocial mechanisms of influence separate to that provided in other spheres of life. Conclusions: The ways in which personal networks functioned to influence PA were in line with social epidemiology theory (Berkman & Glass 2000) and can be used to justify and guide the development of workplace based interventions which incorporate the use of social networks to promote PA behaviour change. PAPER 3 Enhancing physical activity knowledge exchange strategies for Canadian long haul truck drivers Paul Gorczynski, University of Portsmouth Objectives: Long-haul truck drivers face sedentary working conditions and are at increased risk for chronic health conditions and early mortality. No research has examined how physical activity information can be best delivered to this profession. This study evaluated how long-haul truck drivers would like to receive physical activity information and services in order to improve health. Design: A knowledge mobilization framework designed by Martin Ginis and colleagues (2012) was used for this study. Methods: Fourteen Canadian long-haul truck drivers were asked about preferred messengers and methods of physical activity information, what information should be disseminated, and when it should be made available. Interviews were audio recorded and analyzed thematically. Results: Long-haul truck drivers pointed out that a change in trucking culture was necessary to promote physical activity—a change championed by provincial and federal ministries of transportation. Participants identified several messengers of physical activity information in addition to the government, including healthcare professionals and managers at trucking companies. Several methods to disseminate physical activity information were discussed, including print media, mobile phones, and the internet. Conclusions: To be effective, physical activity information would need to be delivered in multiple languages, connect drivers to messengers, illustrate strategies to accumulate incidental physical activity and purposeful exercise, use behaviour theory to overcome deficits in motivation to be active, and identify locations where one can be active. To reach new drivers, participants stated that
physical activity information should be taught in trucking schools and delivered as soon as possible to anyone entering the profession. PAPER 4 Breaking the sedentary trap: Making the workplace work Jeff Breckon, Martin Lamb, Robert Copeland & Simon Till, Sheffield Hallam University Purpose: The aims of the paper are: a) to critically examine the environmental, social and psychological manifestations of SB in the workplace; b) explore opportunities for developing, implementing and maintaining behaviour change in the workplace; c) propose directions and implications for future research and practice. Background: Sedentary Behaviour (SB) is independently associated with increased risk of developing type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Wilmot et al, 2012). Office-based employees have been found to sit for 6.9 hours per working day (Grunseit, Chau, van der Ploeg & Bauman 2013), yet recent recommendations suggest workers should include at least 4 hours of standing (Buckley et al., 2015). Given that in the UK the vast majority of adults are employed, the workplace represents a significant opportunity to engage adults in changing behaviour to promote long-term health. Method: details to follow. Conclusions: Outcomes identified included: raised awareness of the causes and impact of SB in the workplace, examples of effective interventions to reduce SB, and insight regarding the research and practice needs of the field. Physical inactivity is a major public health problem and whilst research has shown multicomponent interventions can reduce SB within the workplace in the short-term (Healy et al, 2013), there is scant evidence of these changes being maintained. To achieve a significant public health impact, workplace interventions need to make whole system changes, which target policy, environmental and individual factors concurrently. 4243 EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED PAPER Psychological Skills Intervention in an Elite Military Training Environment Calum Arthur, University of Stirling; James Fitzwater, Bangor University; Lew Hardy, Bangor University Objectives: This research evaluated the efficacy of a psychological skills training intervention on mental toughness and performance in an elite military training context. Design: A random block design was employed to evaluate the efficacy of a field based psychological skills training intervention. Methods: Parachute Regiment platoons entered training at approximately 5 week intervals with alternate platoons being allocated to experimental or control conditions. The experimental condition consisted of 92 male recruits (Mage 20.96, SD 3.55) and the control condition consisted of 94 male recruits (Mage 21.14, SD = 3.20). The experimental group received a psychological skills training intervention that was delivered by a trained military individual. The Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory (MTMTI: Arthur et al., 2015) and a modified version of the Test of Performance Strategies 2 (TOPS-2, Hardy et al., 2010) training version were administered at weeks 16 (Preintervention) and 20 (post-intervention) in training. Performance was assessed using performance on Pre-Para Selection.
Results: Mixed model ANOVAs revealed that there was a significant interaction for the MMTI and TOPS2, with follow up tests (Bonferroni corrected t-tests) demonstrating that the experimental group scores increased whilst the control group scores remained the same on the MMTI and on most of the psychological skills. Moreover, an independent samples t-test revealed that the experimental group performed significantly better than the control group on Pre-Para-Selection. Conclusions: Initial evidence is provided that psychological skills training positively impacts mental toughness and performance in an elite military training context. 4250 EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED PAPER The indirect effects of psychological skill use on endurance performance: a military study Rosemary Arthur, University of West of Scotland; James Fitzwater, Bangor University; Ross Roberts, Bangor University; Calum Arthur, University of Stirling; James Hardy, Bangor University Objectives: To examine the effects of psychological skills (PS) on military endurance performance by testing the proposal that basic PS (goal setting, imagery, self-talk, relaxation) exert their effects on performance via improvements in advanced PS (attention control, activation, emotional control, negative thinking, and automaticity; Thomas et al., 1999). Design: A field-based, cross-sectional design. Method: Performance data was collected from 183 British, male Army Parachute Regiment male recruits (Mage = 21.04, SD 3.62) on three military-specific endurance events as part of a regiment selection test week, as well as pre-event fitness testing. Participants completed an adapted Test of Performance Strategies questionnaire (TOPS2; Hardy et al., 2010) to report their use of PS during the events, the validity of which was verified via Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Multiple mediator regression analyses were conducted using PROCESS (Hayes, 2013) to test the indirect effect of each basic PS on performance through the advanced PS, whilst controlling for pre-event fitness. Results: Only the use of self-talk had a direct effect on performance. Goal-setting, imagery and relaxation had indirect Negative thinking also mediated the relationship between use of goal setting and performance. Conclusions: effects on performance with activation mediating these relationships. The data provided some support that the use of basic PS lead to higher ability in the more advanced skills. However, nuances within these results also indicate that PS mechanisms may differ depending on the specific PS used and the types of tasks being undertaken. 4267 CASE STUDY Stress, coping and extreme expeditions: a qualitative investigation into the coldest journey on Earth Danny Golding, Gail Kinman & Steve Kozub, University of Bedfordshire Purpose: This unique research project explored stress and coping in an isolated, extreme environment and was part of an international scientific investigation that focused upon a record breaking polar traverse. Background: Using a framework based upon transactional models of stress and coping; a qualitative approach considered how stress was perceived by participants and how the appraisal of coping
capacities influenced emotion, behaviour and cognition. This seven month journey encountered 24 hours of darkness and temperatures reaching -60 degrees centigrade; such distinctions might be recognised as ‘the coldest journey on earth’. Methods: A holistic, micro-analytic methodology involving five key participants was used. Data was collected according to BPS ethical guidelines and consisted of interviews, diaries, and coping flexibility questionnaires. This design fostered a detailed analysis of context specific stress and coping combining ecological momentary assessment and retrospective reflections. Conclusions: The findings identify key emerging stressors: environmental, operational, role related goal differences and social stressors. Planning, routines, previous experience and instrumental social support contributed to control over these factors promoting approach coping strategies. However, unanticipated personal differences caused significant tensions within the group. The consequences associated with this social strain required considerable emotional coping. Social support was clearly identified as a potential paradoxical source of stress and also a significant contributor to coping. Proactive coping can be developed as part of individual expedition preparation. Additionally, the study recognises the importance of social support which should be an integral part of preparation and given equal precedence to physical and technical elements. 4207 EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED PAPER ‘It’s a world on its own’: Experiences of military training within a specialist unit Melissa Coyle, University of St Mark & St John; Lee-Ann Sharp, Ulster University Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore psychological concepts associated with participation, completion, and voluntary withdrawal from a British specialist military training course. Identifying and exploring psychological concepts related to performance within this unique training environment may increase success rates and adherence in training; lowering financial implications associated with unsuccessful recruits. The research question investigated comparisons between successful and unsuccessful trainees completing the training course, with specific consideration to their experiences and the impact on participation, completion, or voluntary withdrawal. Design: A qualitative investigation through individual semi-structured interviews allowed for rich data to be obtained from this distinctive area of research. Methods: Following institutional ethical approval and purposeful sampling 15 male participants (7 successful M age = 21.9 years; M years in military service = 3.3 years; 8 voluntarily withdrawn; M age = 22.6 years; M years in military service = 1.7 years) volunteered for this study. Each interview was conducted within one week of either completion or voluntary withdrawal from the training course. Results: Abductive data analysis identified three general themes: coping, social identity, and motivation. Completion of the training course was strongly associated to determination and perceived ability to cope. Voluntary withdrawal from the training course was strongly associated to lack of confidence and limited intrinsic motivation. Conclusion: This study drew comparisons between the psychological concepts associated with the training process. Adherence to this training process may be enhanced by developing trainees’ confidence and motivation as well as ability to cope. 4649 FIVE-MINUTE CHALLENGE
Measuring Perceived Stress Reactivity in Sport Darren Britton, Bournemouth University This five minute challenge will aim to introduce the concept of Perceived Stress Reactivity (PSR) and its application to sport as part of the author’s PhD. PSR refers to an individual’s typical perceived response intensity across different potentially stressful situations, and is thought to be an individual difference which is both stable and variable (Schlotz et al., 2011a). In other words, no one person’s perceived intensity of stress response to a situation is the same, and they may vary depending on the nature of the stressful situation. To the author’s knowledge, no research has looked to apply the concept of PSR to the different potentially stressful sporting situations which athletes experience. This includes self-report measures of PSR (The Perceived Stress Reactivity Scale; Schlotz et al., 2011a) which this program of research will aim to adapt to relevant stressful situations associated with participation in sport. 4663 FIVE-MINUTE CHALLENGE Preliminary evidence for the PE classroom as an objectifying environment for adolescent girls Megan Hurst, Leeds Beckett University; Helga Dittmar, University of Sussex; Robin Banerjee, University of Sussex Research based in appearance-focused restaurants (e.g., Hooters in the USA; Moffitt & Syzmanski, 2011) suggests that these environments encourage women to self-objectify, and result in worse social relationships, greater body image concerns and reductions in motivation for the women working within them. Qualitative research into girls’ physical education experiences suggests that PE classes may meet many of Moffitt and Syzmanski’s criteria for objectifying environments. Our research examined 12- to 14-year-old girls’ perceptions of two of these criteria in their PE classes (gender bias and body-related commentary), and the associations between these perceptions, girls’ experiences of self-objectification in PE, and PE engagement and enjoyment, using a cross-sectional questionnaire. Perceptions of the class as more objectifying were associated with greater selfobjectification in class, and worse PE and body image outcomes. These findings will be discussed in the context of trends of declining PE engagement and enjoyment in adolescent girls, their implications for PE teaching practice and directions for future research. 4673 FIVE-MINUTE CHALLENGE Irrational Beliefs in Sport - Helpful or a Hindrance? Andrew Wood, Staffordshire University ‘I must be successful’, ‘I cannot tolerate losing’, ‘It would be awful if I lost’ and ‘I am complete failure if I lose’ are considered Irrational Beliefs (IBs). The detrimental effects of IBs on psychological health are established. IBs lead to unhealthy emotions, maladaptive behaviours and hinder goal achievement, whereas Rational Beliefs (RBs) lead to healthy and adaptive alternatives (Ellis, 1997). Elite sport provides a challenging context requiring athletes to not only cope, but thrive when encountering a broad range of stressors in the pursuit of excellence. Here psychologists use Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT; Ellis, 1957) to dispute and replace an individual’s irrational
philosophy with a rational alternative. Despite the evident implications of REBT on an athlete’s psychological wellbeing and performance, there exists a paradox that within sport IBs may encourage sporting success. Research investigating the precise effects of IBs on athletic performance is sparse, but nonetheless emerging. 4684 FIVE-MINUTE CHALLENGE Role strain and life satisfaction in the dual careers of junior elite athletes Fleur Van Rens, Damian Farrow, Remco Polman & Erika Borkoles, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) Victoria University, Australia There are concerns whether the dual careers (e.g., school and sport) of junior elite athletes affect the well-being of young athletes. This 5 minute challenge will present preliminary findings of a study which adopted a role strain perspective to investigate the effects of dual careers on the life satisfaction on junior elite Australian Rules football players. 112 junior elite Australian Football players completed a questionnaire which assessed the role strain they experienced in their dual careers, the coping strategies they used, and their overall life satisfaction. The results revealed a negative relationship between role strain and life satisfaction. Furthermore, the use of nonproductive coping strategies mediated this relationship by aggravating the negative effect of role strain on life satisfaction. The use of productive coping strategies had a direct, positive effect on life satisfaction. These findings confirm concerns that difficulties experienced in dual careers could have a detrimental effect on the well-being of junior elite athletes, and emphasize the importance of optimizing coping skills to manage the constant tension between school and sport. 4697 FIVE-MINUTE CHALLENGE Development of the Diving Self-Efficacy Scale Emily Pattinson, David Archer & Sandra Leyland, University of Sunderland The purpose of the current study was the development of a scale to measure self-efficacy for diving. The rationale for the development is that no scale currently exists. Mixed methods were used to identify items for inclusion in the scale, using existing scales in related sports/activities and focus groups with athletes and coaches. The focus group comprised of 3 adult divers (M = 38 years) and 10 adolescent divers (M = 14 ½ years), recruited from Sunderland City Dive Team. Deductive reasoning was used to code the data into 11 meaning categories that reflected themes in relation to Bandura’s (1977) 4 sources of self-efficacy, that were then used to create a 32-item scale. Further work is underway to examine the validity and reliability of the scale using quantitative methods. Future directions are to use the scale to investigate the links between diving self-efficacy and performance. 4705 FIVE-MINUTE CHALLENGE Mindfully coping with stress in sport Mariana Kaiseler, N Stanger, J M Poolton, Leeds Beckett University; S H Backhouse, Leeds Beckett University and The Univerity of Hong Kong
Despite research highlighting mindfulness as a potential protective factor against stress, no research has investigated its efficacy for life-stress management in student-athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the five facets of dispositional mindfulness influence stress in studentathletes, and whether this is mediated by coping effectiveness. Two hundred and twelve university student-athletes completed validated measures of dispositional mindfulness, student-athlete stress and coping effectiveness to a recent sport related stressor at a time when they were balancing both academic and competitive sport demands. Regression analyses revealed that the acting with awareness and non-judging facets of mindfulness negatively predicted, whereas the observing facet of mindfulness positively predicted, studentathlete stress. Importantly, mediation analyses revealed that coping effectiveness mediated these effects. Findings suggest that enhancing student-athletes ability to act with awareness and non-judge their inner experience can potentially suppress stress via enhancing their perceived coping effectiveness. However, practitioners may need to be cautious about enhancing the observing facet of mindfulness to regulate stress in student-athletes. Future studies should adopt experimental and intervention based designs to confirm the direction of these effects. 3814 EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED POSTER “Put up there on a pedestal and expected to be the star…But nobody really knows how difficult it is”: An in-depth analysis of media-constructed expectations within elite sport Helen Heaviside, Andrew Manley, Susan Backhouse & Faye Didymus, Leeds Beckett University Objectives: For the elite athlete, media conveyed performance expectations represent an ‘unwanted pressure’ that has the potential to influence their cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses. These responses could be facilitative or debilitative to performance. Therefore, a deeper understanding of media-constructed expectations and related consequences is needed. This study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of performance expectations that were constructed and reported by the media in relation to the 2012 Olympic/Paralympic Games. Design: Inductive qualitative content analysis of published newspaper and internet reports. Methods: Reports relating to eight athletes (Mage = 23 years, SD = 2.67) who competed in the 2012 Games were analysed. Media sources were selected based on popularity (i.e. daily circulation/views). Articles published six months pre- to one month post-Games were included. Results: Media reporters consistently constructed performance expectations of elite athletes based on previous performance accomplishments. These expectations appeared unrelenting and were a source of stress for athletes. The reports indicated that, dependent on athletes’ appraisals, the pressure associated with performance expectations appeared to have detrimental effects on athletes’ cognitive, affective and behavioural responses. Furthermore, the athletes support network (i.e. team staff, family) appeared to be influenced by media created expectations. Various coping strategies (e.g. attentional focus, avoidance) for managing media expectations were identified. Conclusions: The results will be discussed in light of their implications for athletes, practitioners, and media reporters (e.g. development of educational interventions), and suggestions for further investigation within this novel yet important area will be offered.
3942 EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED POSTER The role of the entourage in supporting elite athlete performance and educational outcomes Camilla Knight, Swansea University & Chris Harwood, Loughborough University Objectives: The objective of this study was to understand the role and experiences of the athletic entourage (e.g., parents, coaches, tutors, sport psychologists) in supporting the dual career of elite adolescent athletes at different development stages. Design: A multiple case-study approach was used to examine five cases: A tennis academy, a football academy, a national field hockey squad, a high performance swimming squad, and an elite canoeing programme. Method: Interviews were conducted with two athletes and their associated entourage from each case. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and within case and cross case analysis was conducted following the qualitative analysis procedures outlined by Miles & Huberman, 1994. Results: Analysis resulted in the identification of numerous ways in which the entourage supported athletes. When examining this support across the cases, it appeared that all cases were consistent in understanding the demands of a dual career and being flexible in requirements, placing a great value upon education, supporting athletes’ sporting and academic engagement, providing integrated support, which engaged in constant communication, educating athletes regarding the demands they would encounter, and trusting athletes to guide their development. With regards to additional support required, financial assistance and further integration and communication were identified across the cases. Conclusion: Overall the findings highlight the need for entourage members to actively and purposefully develop strategies to enable youth athletes to maintain their dual career. 3966 EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED POSTER Study 3: A longitudinal exploration of pain tolerance and commitment in contact sports Claire Thornton, Newcastle College/University of Derby; David Sheffield, University of Derby Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether pain tolerance in contact sport participants differed over a season and was dependent on commitment. Contact sports athletes have higher pain tolerance than those who play low/non-contact sports, but it is unclear whether this is a result of participation in painful activities or individual differences. Design: A longitudinal design was employed to examine pain tolerance. Participants with no prior experience of contact sports were recruited to eliminate any participation effects. Method: 102 participants were recruited from: rugby, n = 62; American football, n = 15 and martial arts, n = 25. Cold and ischemic pain tolerance was measured at the start, middle and end point of the athletic season. Cold pain tolerance was measured using the cold pressor test and ischemic pain tolerance was measured using the standard tourniquet protocol. Participants’ attendance at training and competition was also measured during the season. Cluster analysis at the end of the season was employed to place participants into one of two categories: Committed (regular attenders, n = 47) and disengaged (those who had poor attendance or dropped out of the sport, n = 55) Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups at the start of the season; however pain tolerance on both measures was significantly higher for committed athletes at the
middle and end points of the season compared to disengaged athletes (p =