Mack, Rory and Breckon, Jeff and Butt, Jo and Maynard, Ian (2021) 'Practitioners' use of motivational interviewing in sport: A qualitative enquiry.' Sport Psychologist, 35 (1). pp. 72-82. ISSN 0888-4781 (In Press)

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Abstract

This study explored the use of motivational interviewing (MI) in sport contexts by experts in that approach. Specifically, the purpose was to understand which aspects of the MI approach are deemed valuable for working in sport and to begin to understand how these aspects are best applied. Nine practitioners participated in semistructured interviews, and thematic analysis identified themes related to core and subcomponents of MI (e.g., relational spirit, technical microskills, applied tools, and the MI communication styles continuum). Additional themes relate to integrating MI with other interventions, the challenges of working with athletes (e.g., mandated attendance, ambivalence about change), and unique aspects of working in sport contexts (e.g., frequency, duration, and location of contact points). The participants also outlined essential ingredients for an MI training curriculum for practitioners in sport. This counseling approach appears to have valuable relational and technical components to facilitate the building of the therapeutic alliance, enhance athlete readiness for change, and support delivery of action-oriented interventions in applied sport psychology.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	motivational interviewing; applied sport psychology; therapeutic alliance; ambivalence; integration
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Health Faculty of Science and Health > Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, School of
SWORD Depositor:	Elements
Depositing User:	Elements
Date Deposited:	04 Dec 2020 16:43
Last Modified:	18 Aug 2022 10:38
URI:	http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/28957

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