Graduation Term
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
School of Kinesiology and Recreation
Committee Chair
Scott Pierce
Committee Member
Anthony Amorose
Abstract
Mental performance consulting (MPC) involves using techniques and strategies designed to teach or enhance psychological skills that facilitate performance and a positive approach to sport competition (Vealey, 2024). MPC can be particularly valuable during adolescence as youth experience cognitive, social, and emotional changes. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding how to uniquely and effectively utilize MPC to help young athletes enhance their wellbeing, long-term development, and performance (Thrower et al., 2023). The purpose of this study was to gather mental performance consultants’ perspectives of the developmental considerations involved in mental performance consulting with adolescent athletes. Participants included 17 Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPC), including 9 males and 7 females with an average of 6 years of experience as a CMPC working with adolescent athletes. Using an interpretivist and pragmatic realism qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were then analyzed using an abductive reflexive thematic analysis approach. Findings revealed that CMPCs were guided by the goal of holistic youth athlete development and utilized eclectic and evolving consulting philosophies in their work (e.g., shifts from cognitive behavioral to acceptance-based approaches). A range of psychological techniques (e.g., goal setting, performance routines) were identified as important for developing specific psychological skills (e.g., self-awareness, self-confidence) for youth athletes. To achieve this, CMPCs used deliberate pedagogical approaches (e.g., repetition, use of metaphors, simplistic language) to connect with youth athletes. While some specific developmentally appropriate considerations and practices were identified (e.g., need for concrete, rather than abstract concepts), CMPCs often lacked explicit connections between their teaching and athletes’ developmental age and stage. Challenges in their practice with adolescent athletes were also identified (e.g., the role of parent involvement). Findings are discussed in relation to evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, educational training and best practices for MPCs.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Cain, Eleanor R., "Meeting Athletes Where They Are At: Mental Performance Consultants' Perspectives of Developmentally Appropriate Consulting" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 2096.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2096
