DEP. OF EXERCISE > Research > Ongoing research > Body Learning Identity > PhD PROJECT > JMW development

Development of an Evidence-based Sport Psychological Training Program for Young Elite Athletes

PhD project.

With increasing competition in international sports, it is important for the individual athlete to excel in every aspect of a given sport in order to be successful. It is well documented that sport psychological skills are important for optimal performance, and it is assumed to be beneficial, if these are learned at an early stage of the athlete’s career.

The aim of the project is to develop a sport psychological training program that can be used for young elite athletes in Denmark. The purpose of this training program is to support young elite athletes on their way to an international career, by teaching them skills important for training and competitions.

The development of the sport psychological training program is based on three pillars
1) Current research in sport psychology and talent development
2) Analysis of current talent development theories
3) Analysis of the interaction between the individual young athletes and their environment

Three intervention studies will be conducted during the course of this project in order to evaluate the effectiveness of sport psychological skills trainings on young elite athletes of different ages and in different types of sport.

The project is expected to be concluded in 2011.

Head of project: Johan Wikman

Supervisors: Anne-Marie Elbe and Reinhard Stelter