What can sports psychology learn from work and organizational psychology? Benefits and pitfalls of applying theoretical models from one context to another

• Published in: New ideas in psychology 2024-01, Vol.72 (5), p.101057, Article 101057
• Main Authors: Isoard-Gautheur, Sandrine, Balk, Yannick, Lefebvre du Grosriez, Solène, de Jonge, Jan, Sarrazin, Philippe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Humanities and Social Sciences; Narrative review; Sports psychology; Theoretical models; Work and organizational psychology
• ISSN: 0732-118X; 1873-3522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2023.101057

In the last couple of decades, there has been an increasing trend of sports psychology research studies drawing on theoretical models from the realm of work and organizational psychology. These models have been either directly applied or adapted to fit the sports context. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of using models rooted in work and organizational psychology in sports psychology. We will first examine the similarities between the two contexts, followed by an in-depth analysis of theoretical models that have been successfully or unsuccessfully transferred to sports psychology, such as the Goal Setting Theory, the Theory of Transformational Leadership, the Conservation of Resources Theory, and the Demand-Induced Strain Compensation-Recovery Model. Ultimately, this review will provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits and pitfalls associated with applying work and organizational psychology theoretical models to sports psychology.