Understanding sport psychologists’ training experiences through a professional judgement and decision making framework

Objectives: We examined how UK trainee sport psychologists’ developed professional judgment and decision making (PJDM) skills during their 2-year training qualification. Design: Qualitative, assorted analysis. Methods: Following university ethical approval, secondary data analysis was applied to a longitudinal data set collected from trainee sport psychologists. The data set was examined for evidence of PJDM processes (e.g., knowing how a range of routines can be implemented with a client) in current training practices. Participants were 7 UK trainee sport psychologists (female, n = 1; and male, n = 6). All participants were enrolled on the BPS Qualification in Sport & Exercise Psychology during the initial study. Participants had been interviewed 3 times over 2 years during training regarding their professional development. After this initial data collection, follow up semi-structured interviews were conducted to further illuminate PJDM processes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a deductive thematic analysis applied based on the PJDM framework. Results: Current training practices contributing to the development of PJDM included experience with clients, reflective practice, and supervision. The processes nested within these practices include the development of congruence, the creation of a support network, and initiating responsibility for one’s own learning. Conclusions: Applied implications for UK sport psychologist training and development include: the introduction of structured PJDM training practice. For example, the development of formal peer group networks may provide trainees with an opportunity to engage vicariously through storytelling. Future research should consider the role of supervision in the development of a trainees’ PJDM.