All Roads Lead to Rome

: Navigating the Applied Practice and Research Landscape as a Professional Doctorate Student in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Abstract

This thesis provides an insight into the development of a trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist while undertaking a Professional Doctorate at the University of Portsmouth between October 2017 and June 2023. Included within the thesis are a series of reflections documenting the professional practice journey throughout the doctorate. In addition, reflections are supplemented with four case studies relating to: (a) the opportunities and considerations of new media and technology in sport psychology service delivery; (b) the use of acceptance and commitment therapy as an approach when working with a semi-elite youth snowboarder with a fear of injury; (c) creating a shared understanding through team formulation within an elite soccer academy, and (d) a confessional tale following a racism scandal when working at an elite soccer academy. Further, two empirical studies are included related to examining coaches psychophysiological stress response during association soccer matches and exploring the use, challenges, and development of self-care in professional soccer coaches. To conclude, a reflective epilogue is offered to summarise four salient reflections throughout the professional development related to research and practice. Taken together, the thesis evidences a developmental journey towards becoming an autonomous practitioner and researcher in the field of sport and exercise psychology.

Date of Award	20 Sept 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Richard Thelwell (Supervisor), Chris Wagstaff (Supervisor) & Alessandro Quartiroli (Supervisor)