Special Emphasis Area: Sports Psychology

This Special Emphasis Area is designed to intentionally immerse the intern in the research, assessment, and application that is Sport Psychology. The intern will: (1) gain understanding of the early and recent literature in the field, (2) gain awareness and competency of the various assessment tools available to the sport psychologist, (3) increase competency and confidence in applying performance enhancement techniques with individual athletes and teams, (4) create networks with ISU coaches and sport psychologists from various institutions, and (5) create numerous specific sport psychology presentations. The forms of this endeavor will include study, consultation, assessment, counseling & intervention, presentation, and writing. An intern completing this emphasis will possess greater knowledge and clarity of sport psychology and performance enhancement, the ability to work more effectively with athletes, and the awareness of his/her desire whether to pursue this area further for deeper expertise.

Area Requirements

• Research and review the most significant (1) Sport Psychology/ Performance Enhancement literature from (a) the past 5 years, (b) the 1990's, and (c) pre 1009's and (2) Sport Psychology services at other colleges and universities.
• Meet with the Sport Psychology coordinator and team (when applicable) throughout the semester to assess the immediate, on-going, and future sport psychology needs of the athletes, coaches, administration, and SCS.
• Conduct performance enhancement interventions via consultations/assessments/counseling with athletes, coaches, and athletic dept. personnel (athletic counselors/advisors, trainers & medical) (1) here at SCS, (2) at Beyer Hall, (3) at the Athletic Dept. offices, and/or (4) at the various athletic practice and game venues
• In concert with the Sport Psychology team, liaison with the Athletic Dept. and specific ISU teams
• Develop Outreach Presentations that can serve for team interventions, SCS staff training, and potential publication material.

Special Emphasis Project

The intern will complete a Special Emphasis Project under the direction of the area supervisor. The content will be negotiated with the area supervisor, but the project must demonstrate how the material relates to diverse populations. The intern will present the outcome of the project to the SCS staff in a second-hour staff meeting.

Examples of Special Projects include:

• Past case studies on working with various athletes and/or a sports team
• Literature review on significant & successful theories and techniques in working with college athletes
• Present on your semester-long work with a particular ISU sports team and discuss the assessments, consultations, individual & team-wide interventions, and outcomes.
• Develop a model Sport Psychology Service for either a university-wide approach or for one particular sport team

At a minimum, the intern will meet individually with the area supervisor on a weekly basis early in the semester to discuss SCS & ISU sport psychology needs, as well as the intern's desires and motivations.

Area Supervisor: F. Marty Martinez, Ph.D.

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