Question 1

When referrals don't go smoothly, athletes often:

Accepted Answer

When referrals don't go smoothly, athletes can experience a range of negative feelings and perceptions. They may feel like they are damaged goods, indicating a sense of diminished self-worth or value. They might also worry that they will lose what made them successful in the first place, reflecting fears about losing their competitive edge or essential qualities. Additionally, feeling that they were not adequately prepared for the referral process can contribute to frustration and a sense of being let down by those around them. Therefore, all of these answers accurately describe potential reactions athletes might have when referrals don't go smoothly.

Question 2

If an athlete refuses to see another mental health professional, the performance enhancement practitioner should:

Accepted Answer

The performance enhancement practitioner should continue helping the athlete with performance concerns, as their primary role is to assist with performance enhancement rather than addressing deeper mental health issues that require specialized care. If the athlete refuses to see another mental health professional, the practitioner can still support the athlete in their area of expertise while respecting the athlete's autonomy and decision.

Question 3

Supervision is a good place in which to discuss and practice referral processes.

Accepted Answer

Supervision provides a supportive and educational environment where discussing and practicing referral processes can enhance understanding, ensure appropriate action, and improve client care.

Question 4

Which of the following specific athlete-related issues would the sport psychology consultant generally be MOST likely to handle without referral to outside professional counseling?

Accepted Answer

Sport psychology consultants are trained to handle performance-related issues such as anxiety, which can directly impact an athlete's performance. Issues like eating disorders, substance abuse, and concerns related to sexual orientation often require specialized treatment beyond the scope of sport psychology.

Question 5

Individuals trained in sport psychology, depending upon the program offering their degree, have received different emphases on performance enhancement and skills related to counseling/psychotherapy.

Accepted Answer

Sport psychology programs vary in their focus, with some emphasizing performance enhancement techniques for athletes, while others may include a stronger emphasis on counseling and psychotherapy skills, reflecting the diverse applications of sport psychology.

Question 6

Which of the following needs to be taken into consideration for deciding whether or not to issue a referral?

Accepted Answer

All of these factors are important considerations when deciding whether to issue a referral. The severity of the issue, its relation to other factors in the person's life, and the duration of the problem all play crucial roles in determining the need for a referral to ensure the individual receives the appropriate support or intervention.

Question 7

An athlete who is facing a rough competitive situation and who experiences mild to moderate anxiety, fear, and negative self-talk is likely to need a referral to a licensed psychologist.

Accepted Answer

While experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, fear, and negative self-talk is challenging, these issues can often be addressed with mental skills training and coping strategies provided by a sport psychologist or mental performance consultant. A referral to a licensed psychologist is typically recommended for more severe mental health issues.

Question 8

What is meant by the concept "referring in"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is meant by the concept "referring...

Question 9

Even though confidentiality is important, the therapist should still report what happened in each session to the coach of the athlete.

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality in therapy is paramount, and therapists are bound by ethical guidelines to protect their clients' privacy. Reporting session details to a coach without the athlete's explicit consent would violate confidentiality agreements, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to the client or others.

Question 10

The rate of male athletes with eating disorders is increasing faster than the current rate of increase for female athletes.

Accepted Answer

Recent studies and reports have indicated that the rate of eating disorders among male athletes is increasing at a faster pace compared to their female counterparts. This is attributed to growing pressures regarding body image and performance, changing societal norms around masculinity, and increased awareness and reporting of such disorders among men.

Question 11

Which of the following is the lesser problem to be considered by the coach/sport psychologist when an athlete has a serious enough problem that he/she needs referral to a licensed psychologist?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the lesser...

Question 12

John identifies himself as a football player and a football player exclusively. It is likely John has identity issues and has ______ his identity.

Accepted Answer

Foreclosure in identity formation refers to committing to an identity without exploring other options. John's exclusive identification as a football player suggests he has not explored other aspects of his identity, fitting the definition of identity foreclosure.

Question 13

The list of important issues to be sensitive to when making a referral to a licensed psychologist does not include:

Accepted Answer

Dating behavior of the athlete is generally not a primary concern when making a referral to a licensed psychologist unless it directly impacts the athlete's mental health or performance in a significant way. The other options (B, C, D) are more directly related to mental health issues that a psychologist would be equipped to address.

Question 14

Some athletes may not follow their sport psychology consultant's advice to see assistance from other professional on a 'main campus' because they don't feel it is helpful to athletes.

Accepted Answer

Athletes may resist seeking additional professional help due to a belief that those professionals do not understand the unique challenges and pressures athletes face, leading them to perceive such assistance as not helpful.

Question 15

Which of the following is a personal problem for which an athlete may need a referral?

Accepted Answer

All the options listed (eating disorder, sexual orientation issues, alcohol and substance abuse) are personal problems that might necessitate a referral to a professional who specializes in those areas.

Question 16

Which of the following is not a major issue related to athlete referral?

Accepted Answer

Social skills, while important for overall athlete development and team dynamics, are not typically categorized as a major issue related to athlete referral for psychological or counseling services. Issues like substance abuse, identity issues, eating disorders, and anger/aggression are more commonly recognized as significant concerns that might necessitate professional intervention.

Question 17

There are "do's" and "don'ts" when dealing with eating disorders. TheDon'ts include:

Accepted Answer

Holding team weigh-ins can be harmful and triggering for individuals with eating disorders, as it places undue emphasis on weight. Choices B and C are generally recommended actions, and discussing behaviors can be part of a constructive approach when done sensitively.

Question 18

Considerations for deciding if a referral is needed include all of the following: use of existing coping strategies, length of time the issue has existed, the severity of the issue, the desire of the coach to have the athlete back with the team.

Accepted Answer

The desire of the coach to have the athlete back with the team is not a professional consideration for deciding if a referral is needed; it should be based on the athlete's well-being and the professional assessment of the issue's severity, duration, and impact on the athlete's ability to cope.

Question 19

Which statement about eating disorders is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorders can manifest differently in males and females, with societal pressures, cultural expectations, and biological factors contributing to these differences. For example, males may focus more on muscle building and athleticism, while females might be more concerned with thinness.

Question 20

Performance enhancement may be of limited value if the athlete's life is a jumble of serious confusion or conflict.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Performance enhancement may be of limited value...

Quiz 20: When to Refer Athletes to Other Helping Professionals