A psychological framework for developing success: from 5 to 16 in four years

Abstract

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny (2012) said the Irish Paralympic team’s achievements in recent years have been ‘a great source of pride and inspiration’. This paper investigates the underlying psychological factors for this success by looking at the many positives from Beijing to London, a narrative account from a medal winner pre-Games, and some autoethnographic recommendations for building a framework for developing psychological success in Ireland within the Paralympic context for Rio 2016. The data gathered have been taken from using autoethnographic multiple methods over a seven-year timeframe from psychological post-Games reports to individual consultations and focus groups between athletes, coaches and support and performance personnel. Positive future developments for Rio ranged from specific planning to visual identity and team culture, while the improvements centred on interpersonal conflict, attempting to build trust within sports and the Paralympic team as well as structuring three distinct timeframes into the cycle (pre-, during and post). Recommendations include providing contextual time for the sport science and medical personnel, empowering athletes and sports to take responsibility for themselves and providing team building opportunities during the lead up to the 2016 Games.

Keywords:

• reflective practice
• Paralympics
• positives
• negatives
• contextual
• autoethnographic