Exploring Thriving in Sport

: A Journey through Research and Practice

Abstract

This thesis portfolio provides an overview of the growth and progression of a sport and exercise psychologist trainee during their enrollment as a student in the professional doctorate program for sport and exercise psychology at the University of Portsmouth. The portfolio includes evidence of the research, consultancy work, professional development, and reflective practice, developed to demonstrate that the author meets the competencies and standards for registration as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professional Council. In Chapter 2 of this portfolio, the author presents her reflective diary, which provides insights into the key experiences that shaped her development through consultancy. These reflections span specific experiences during sessions with clients (e.g., rushing through questions in my sessions) to broader reflections on research and practice development (e.g., why sport psychology?). The author then introduces four case studies in the Chapters 3,4,5 and 6: a professional practice article followed by three consultancy case studies. In Chapter 3, the professional practice case study delves into the author’s experiences as a transnational female student-athlete and student-coach, significantly influencing her identity and professional growth as an applied sport psychology trainee. The three consultancy case studies illustrate how the trainee developed a professional philosophy of practice over time, with athletes from two sports, rowing, and breakdancing. Chapters 7 and 8 present two empirical research. In the first paper, the author employed mixed methods to explore the potential relationship between organisational and interpersonal dynamics on thriving. The second paper focuses on action research, aiming to enhance the experience of thriving within a team of elite athletes. This portfolio concludes with a reflective epilogue, where the trainee discusses personal development as both a researcher and practitioner. Finally, the author’s practice log is presented in the appendix and showcases the trainee’s work and diverse experiences over the last three years.
The present thesis provides original contributions to the sport and exercise psychology literature by showcasing the use of Motivational Interviewing in three distinct case studies involving athletes from two different sports: rowing and breakdance. Additionally, it includes two research studies focused on the thriving experiences of an Italian rowing team and one professional practice paper. The case studies illustrate how Motivational Interviewing can be effectively tailored to different sport contexts, highlighting its versatility and impact on athlete development. By documenting the application and challenges of this technique in both rowing and breakdancing, the author demonstrates its potential to enhance motivation, performance, and overall well-being across diverse athletic disciplines. The professional practice case study in Chapter 3 emphasizes the practical application of sport psychology principles and underscores the importance of self-awareness and reflective practice in professional development. The author’s experiences serve as a compelling example of how personal and professional identities can evolve through immersive, real-world experiences, contributing to a more nuanced and empathetic approach to athlete support and development. Furthermore, the empirical research papers contribute to the understanding of thriving in sport settings. The mixed-methods study offers insight into how organizational and interpersonal factors influence athletes’ ability to thrive, while the action research project provides practical strategies for fostering a thriving environment within elite teams. These studies not only add to theoretical knowledge but also offer actionable recommendations for practitioners working with athletes. Overall, this thesis enriches the field of sport and exercise psychology by bridging the gap between theory and practice, showcasing innovative approaches to athlete support, and providing a comprehensive view of the author’s professional journey and development.

Date of Award	26 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Daniel Brown (Supervisor), Chris Wagstaff (Supervisor) & Alessandro Quartirolli (Supervisor)