This study examines the mental preparation of elite athletes
using naturalistic action research. The focus of investigation
was on the personal difficulty of dealing with the "expert
issue" that existed in the consultative relationship.
The unfolding research experience confronted the researcher
with personal dilemmas that needed to be resolved; activating
significant shifts in the direction of exploration. These shifts
were triggered in conversational contexts, highlighting the
impact of co-evolved intimate sharing.
Quantum leaps in understanding occurred when the researcher;
(a) realised that a research proposal had been formulated that
was not congruent with ecosystemic philosophies, (b) discovered
action research, thereby shifting from an isolated
self-reflective position to embracing the phenomenon of shared
inquiry, (c) formed an action research group to investigate
consultative issues, (d) became aware that the action research
process was a reflection of an individual's unique idiosyncratic
interactive and thinking style, (e) had to deal with the impact
of a work experience as the action group turned into a
therapeutic team, and (f) aligned himself to a narrative writing
style to formally report on the "fluid", "free-flow"
conversational experiences that had occurred in the research
context.
"Reflective interactive exploration"
written methodology to capture the ideas
emerged as a formal
that evolve
conversation. This methodology became the vehicle to
during
(a) shift
more responsibility onto the athlete to become the "researcher
of self", (b) open up further conversation, and (c) to relieve
the psychologist of the expert position. The methodology was
also utilised in the action research group to explore issues and
to exchange ideas with the supervisor.
The theory of the "mask of competency" of the athlete
existing in a "culture of competition" is forwarded. A
therapeutic model that balances intervention techniques with
therapeutic conversation is suggested when consulting with
athletes. Therapeutic conversation is broadened to incorporate
concepts such as "energy flow", "obstacles and resistances" and
"connection and intimacy".
The personal "expert issue" was found to be a "reflection"
of the researcher's own unique perceptions and interactive
tendencies. Addressing issues at this level of personal identity
required special interpersonal conditions; a context of
respectful, intimate conversation. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/17010 |
| Date | 09 1900 |
| Creators | Jennings, Kenneth E. |
| Contributors | Rademeyer, G. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xiv, 260 leaves) |
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