Exploring the Effects of a Single Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Workshop in Elite Blind Soccer Players

• Published in: The Sport psychologist 2018-12, Vol.32 (4), p.321-332
• Main Authors: Wood, Andrew G., Barker, Jamie B., Turner, Martin, Thomson, Peter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletes; Behavior modification; Blindness; Cognitive therapy; Effects; Soccer; Workshops
• ISSN: 0888-4781; 1543-2793
• DOI: 10.1123/tsp.2017-0122

Research examining the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on athletic performance is emerging. There is, however, a paucity of research exploring psychological interventions in specialized sport populations. The present study investigated the effects of a single REBT workshop, including intellectual and practical insight into the ABC(DE) framework, on psychological, physiological, and performance markers in an elite blind soccer team. From use of a within-participant pretest–posttest crossover design in an ecologically valid setting, data indicated small and immediate reductions in irrational beliefs, perceived helpfulness of preperformance anxiety, and physiological markers (i.e., systolic blood pressure) prior to a penalty-kick simulation. However, no substantial changes were shown in penalty-kick performance. In sum, although the findings elucidate some benefits of a single REBT workshop, the educational insight into the ABC(DE) framework was deemed insufficient for meaningful changes in outcome measures. Practical implications and recommendations for future researchers are discussed.