Testing the delivery efficacy of a knowledge mobilization tool distributing pre-performance anxiety resources to coaches
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Date
2024
Authors
Stevens, Courtney A.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Abstract
Knowledge mobilization (KM) is an essential element of sport psychology research, as effective KM increases the impact of research findings and helps to alter the landscape of applied practice. The Sport Psychology for Coaches (SP4C) website was created to act as a KM tool providing coaches of all demographics with reliable, evidence-based information and resources, while mitigating several barriers which contribute to the knowledge-to-action gap currently observed in the field of sport psychology (Gould, 2016; Holt et al., 2018). This study was designed to build upon the prior needs assessment conducted by Pope and colleagues (2015), and the subsequent pilot test conducted by Farhat and colleagues (2022), whereby coaches’ interests, format preferences, and user habits were assessed. Guided by the Knowledge to Action framework (Graham et al., 2006), the purpose of the current study was to further assess the efficacy of the SP4C website by delivering novel information to coaches through two varying delivery methods; structured and unstructured. Data on coaches’ knowledge and attitudes, coaching-related autonomy and competence, and intentions to use the information were collected to evaluate the efficacy of the website. Thirty-seven coaches (Mage = 38.4, Mexperience = 13.4 years, 56.8% coaching at competitive level) participated in the mixed methods longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Voluntary follow-up interviews were conducted to gain insight into coaches’ individual experiences with the website and provided content, and to supplement the quantitative data collected. A series of one-way ANOVAs and ANCOVAs were conducted to assess quantitative data, and codebook thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative data. Results indicated that provision of the resources to coaches via the SP4C website increased their knowledge, positive attitudes, autonomy, competence, and intentions, a finding supported by coaches in their follow-up interviews. Further, provision of structured guidance in conjunction with the resources enhanced the effect for both knowledge and competence. In their follow-up interviews, coaches supported this finding by highlighting how the structured delivery method helped them uptake the information and feel better able to apply it in practice. Together, our findings suggest that provision of sport psychology resources to coaches through the SP4C website is beneficial, and the provision of structure within the informal learning resource can enhance the degree of knowledge uptake occurring and help coaches feel more confident in their ability to implement the information in their practice.
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Keywords
knowledge mobilization , sport psychology , pre-performance anxiety , sport psychology for coaches , coach education