Advancements in Mental Skills Training

Advancements in Mental Skills Training presents contemporary evidence-based intervention approaches from leading sport psychology researchers and practitioners. The book comprehensively examines the use of mental skills training for athletic performance and well-being from a cross-cultural perspective. It begins by introducing theoretical advancements related to mental toughness, cultural factors, performance optimisation and mindfulness. It goes on to examine the technological advancements related to mental skills training, outlining how mobile technologies can be used to measure and train perceptual-cognitive skills, and the effectiveness of virtual reality in mental training. The book concludes by discussing emerging topics, such as how sports psychology can incorporate spirituality, minority groups in sport and the impact of prejudice, and referee career development. This insightful text introduces the potential for sport psychology to be integrated into our daily functioning and provides strategies for athletes to optimize their performance and bolster their mental health. It will be an essential read for all sport psychology researchers as well as professionals working in the field.

Maurizio Bertollo is Rector's delegate for international affairs and Associate Professor of Motor Behavior at the University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti and Pescara, Italy. He is Vice-President of the European Federation of Sport Psychology and has been consultant for some Italian Sport Federations and some National Olympic Committees. Edson Filho is currently a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters in the field of Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, and has worked as a consultant for college and amateur athletes. Peter C. Terry is Dean of the Graduate Research School and Professor of Psychology at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He is past-President of the Asian-South Pacific Association of Sport Psychology and a veteran of nine Olympic Games as an applied sport psychologist.

Foreword Robert Schinke 1 Advancements in Mental Skills Training: An Introduction Peter C. Terry, Maurizio Bertollo, Edson Filho Section 1: Theoretical Advancements 2 Optimizing Performance in Sport: An Action-based Perspective Howie Carson, Claudio Robazza, Dave Collins, John Toner, Maurizio Bertollo 3 Mental Toughness Development and Training in Sport Richard G. Cowden, Lee Crust, Stephanie J. Tibbert, Patricia C. Jackman 4 The Motivational Role of Feedback in Motor Learning: Evidence, Interpretations, and Implications Suzete Chiviacowsky 5 Mindfulness and Mental Preparation Jean Fournier 6 An Optimization Approach to Mental Health in Athletes Brad Donohue, Yulia Gavrilova, & Marina Galante Harris 7 Team Dynamics Theory: Implications for the Development of High-Performing Teams Edson Filho 8 Cultural Codes Provide Novel Strategies for Mental Training Yang Ge, Liwei Zhang Section 2: Technological Advancements 9 Social Media and Sport Psychology Practice Stewart T. Cotterill 10 Mobile Technologies and Perceptual-Cognitive Training Itay Basevitch, Nataniel Boiangin, & Camilo Sáenz-Moncaleano 11 Eye Tracking and Cardiovascular Measurement to Assess and Improve Sporting Performance Emily M. Crowe, Mark R. Wilson, David J. Harris, & Samuel J. Vine 12 Biofeedback and Neurofeedback for Mental Skills Training in Sports Ming-Yang Cheng &Tsung-Min Hung 13 Brain Stimulation Techniques and Sports Performance Giulia Prete, Maurizio Bertollo, Luca Tommasi 14 Virtual Reality and Mental Training Cornelia Frank Section 3: Emerging Topics and Understudied Populations 15 Spirituality in Sport Psychology Consulting Maria Luisa M. Guinto 16 Minorities Stephanie J. Hanrahan 17 Psychological Interventions with Paralympic Athletes Michelle D. Guerrero, Jeffrey J. Martin, & Eva Prokesova 18 Innovations in Mental Skills Training for Young Athletes Paul McCarthy & Bryan McCann 19 Contemporary Approaches to Sport Leadership Megan E. Gilchrist & Clifford J. Mallett 20 Referees: Developmental, Performance, and Training Considerations Roy David Samuel