PSY FPX 6840 Assessment 4 An Informational Interview with Dr. John Lesaine Name Capella university PSY FPX 6840 Current Issues in Sport Psychology Sport Psychology and Social Identity

PSY FPX 6840 Assessment 4 An Informational Interview with Dr. John Lesaine Name Capella university PSY FPX 6840 Current Issues in Sport Psychology 

Sport Psychology and Social Identity

The realm of sport psychology traditionally focuses on enhancing athletes’ physical abilities to optimize their performance on the field. However, an often overlooked aspect is the myriad stressors individuals may encounter even before reaching such competitive levels. Particularly during adolescence, the need for social belonging becomes paramount as youths navigate shifts in their self-concept while transitioning from the sheltered environment of home to the social milieu of peers (Chamberlain et al., 2021). Interactions with friends and society significantly influence their self-perception and performance. State of the Field Dr. John Lesaine, an esteemed figure in the Department of Sport Professions at Newberry College, brings a wealth of experience as a sport psychology consultant working directly with athletes. His educational background, including a B.S. in Sport Management from Newberry College, an M.S. in Sport Psychology from Capella University, and an Ed.D. in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy, underscores his expertise (Chamberlain et al., 2021). In our informational exchange, Dr. Lesaine delved into the intersection of sport psychology and social identity, particularly among youth and professional athletes. Social identity, as defined by Chamberlain et al. (2021), constitutes an integral part of an individual’s self-concept, shaped by their membership in social groups and the emotional significance attached to it. Applications and Interventions Dr. Lesaine advocates for the technique of “probing” as a primary application of sport psychology in his interactions with student athletes and professionals. By employing a series of targeted questions, he fosters a comfortable environment to delve into underlying issues affecting athletes, distinguishing between sport-related and off-field challenges (Karamitrou et al., 2017). The ultimate objective is to cultivate a foundation for positive self-talk, a pivotal aspect of athletic performance enhancement (Lefebvre et al., 2022). Additionally, Dr. Lesaine underscores the significance of social identity in athletes’ career transitions post-retirement. The cessation of an elite sports career often triggers a profound loss of identity, necessitating support during this potentially isolating phase (Edwards, 2021). Leveraging technology, such as apps and social media, offers innovative avenues for athletes to explore and reinforce their identities, albeit with ethical considerations regarding confidentiality (Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2021). Developmental Plans and Goals As an African American male, I acknowledge the emotional toll of racial injustices and aim to leverage my experiences to foster empathy and support for athletes irrespective of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Recognizing the detrimental effects of rigid masculine norms on men’s mental health, I aspire to facilitate an environment where athletes can express themselv