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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Barbara Medea
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© Mistakes made by players during a game are common in football, and when handled well they provide opportunities to learn and develop skills. However, when there is excessive self-criticism associated with the error, leading to dysfunctional cognitions about the self, there is the potential for a reduction in performance and wellbeing. Self-criticism can serve a number of functions but when it is excessive and undermines a player's sense of adequacy and self-esteem it can lead to anxiety and depression. The current article explores the use of self-compassion techniques as methods for reducing the potential negative impacts of self-criticism. This paper is a narrative review of the literature, examining the theory and evidence base associated with the use of self-compassion approaches in sport, particularly football. The article presents protocols used with professional footballers to promote performance and wellbeing. Key learning aims (1) Elite athletes are prone to a range of mistakes and stressors, sport and non-sport related, that they are required to deal with in order to maintain their performance and wellbeing. (2) Self-compassion strategies are useful techniques for elite athletes to both help maintain wellbeing and prevent the occurrence of 'mental health symptoms'. (3) Evidence suggests that self-compassion strategies are helpful to footballers, and beneficial protocols have been used in studies with professional footballers.
Author(s): James IA, Medea B, Harding M, Glover D, Carraca B
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
Year: 2022
Volume: 15
Online publication date: 10/10/2022
Acceptance date: 17/08/2022
ISSN (electronic): 1754-470X
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
URL: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X22000411
DOI: 10.1017/S1754470X22000411
