A framework for mental training in sport: Enhancing mental skills, wellbeing, and performance

Abstract

Frameworks that illustrate the comprehensive process of mental training have provided a “big picture” of the provision of applied sport psychology services. The purpose of this article is to propose an updated framework for mental training in sport. The revised framework includes four categories of mental skills including personal foundation, performance, personal development, and team skills. Mental health, as represented by emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, is also included in the framework as a major focus for applied work by mental performance consultants, not just clinical mental health providers. The flow of the framework suggests that the consultant’s philosophy and skills in using various models, strategies, and techniques, coupled with athlete commitment, can enhance athletes’ mental skills and mental health to enhance performance and other significant outcomes. Suggestions for future work in mental training in sport include research examining the role of mental health in mental skills development, implementation of mental health enhancement programs, periodized approaches to sport psychology service delivery, and a renewed focus on intentionality in athletes to build mental skillfulness over time and situations for an adaptive, agile mindset.

Lay summary: Mental training is a process in which athletes, usually with the help of consultants or coaches, systematically use strategies and techniques to build mental skills and wellbeing to enhance their performance, development, and experiences in sport. Enhancing mental health in athletes is an important objective for mental performance consultants.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

• Consultants base their service delivery on a foundational philosophy and model of practice, from which they utilize and integrate various mental training strategies and techniques.

• Mental skills are learnable psychological capabilities that facilitate individuals’ success in life pursuits.

• Mental health focuses on athletes’ wellbeing and how much they are flourishing; it is not merely the presence or absence of mental illness.

Disclosure statement

The author reports there are no completing interests to declare.