The Development of Empathic Accuracy in Sports Coaches

Abstract

In sports coaching, the capacity of the coach to understand their athlete is viewed as a vital factor for evaluating that athlete and for achieving an appropriate working partnership. This understanding can be conceptualized as empathic accuracy, which is the ability to accurately infer the psychological state of an athlete. This article discusses the practical implications and guidelines for coaches that have emerged from the body of research examining empathic accuracy. Ways in which coaches can refine and develop their empathic accuracy are examined in four areas; gathering information, avoiding biases, maintaining appropriate levels of empathy, and being reflexive.

KEYWORDS:

• empathy
• athlete-centered
• social intelligence
• interpersonal
• coaching