ACT for Sport and Performance

ACT for Sport and Performance examines how to apply Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to various scenarios in sport and performance psychology. By capturing the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications of ACT in sport, this book highlights how ACT encourages a switch in attention from an internal state to the relevant task so the athlete can behave like the athlete they want to be. This cutting-edge textbook details how ACT can be used across various presenting problems in sport psychology, such as confidence, motivation, team cohesion, and injury rehabilitation. It brings together and presents the work of key senior sport psychologists using ACT in their practice who share their working methods, exercises, and cases to inspire the reader to use ACT in their work. Chapters provide an overview of the theoretical underpinning of ACT, as well as case study examples demonstrating the application of ACT to common and uncommon performance scenarios. Aimed at students, academics, practitioners, and coaches of sport psychology, ACT for Sport and Performance is key reading for all those interested in applied and performance sport psychology and related disciplines.

Samuel Wood, PhD, is a Lecturer in Sport Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a registered practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) with nine years of applied experience across developmental and high-performance sport. He has worked with national and world governing bodies of sport to enhance psychological flexibility among athletes, coaches, and support staff. Sam also supervises trainee sport and exercise psychologists on the BPS and CASES training pathways. As a researcher, his work centres on the application of ACT within sport, and assessing, identifying, and supporting neurodivergent individuals in sporting environments. Martin J. Turner, PhD, is a Reader in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is a researcher, author, teacher, and Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist (BPS, HCPC Reg., CSci), specialising in well-being and performance under pressure and adversity. He is most known for his work examining the use of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy within performance settings. Martin works within elite sport (Psychologist at Lincoln City FC) and private and public sector organisations.

1. An Introduction to ACT for Sport and Performance. Part 1: Theoretical and Philosophical Underpinnings of ACT. 2. Delving into the Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of ACT. 3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Sport Psychology: Where Are We Now?. 4. Bringing ACT to Life: Six Techniques for Enhancing Psychological Flexibility in Sport and Performance Contexts. 5. Measuring What Matters: Challenges and Advances in Evaluating ACT Interventions in Sport. Part 2: Applying ACT in Sport. 6. Applying ACT to Support Confidence and Performance. 7. Performing with Vitality: Using DNA-V with Young Athletes. 8. Stress, Burnout, and Well-Being in Sports Coaching. 9. ACT to Address Trauma in Sport. 10. Team ACT at the Olympic Games. 11. Navigating Disruption: Applying ACT to Injury Rehabilitation and Transitions in Sport. 12. Using ACT to Navigate the Challenges of Athlete Identity: A Case Study from Applied Practice. 13. Delivering ACT Interventions with Neurodivergent Athletes.