Athlete Mental Health and Performance Optimization

The Optimum Performance Program for Sports (TOPPS)

1st Edition - October 21, 2022
Authors: Brad Donohue, Joanne Perry
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 5 2 7 6 - 7
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 5 2 7 7 - 4

Athlete Mental Health and Performance Optimization: The Optimum Performance Program for Sports (TOPPS)introduces TOPPS, which provides structured protocols to assist with re… Read more

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Athlete Mental Health and Performance Optimization: The Optimum Performance Program for Sports (TOPPS)introduces TOPPS, which provides structured protocols to assist with recruitment, engagement, screening, assessment and performance optimization. The book presents step-by-step instructional guidelines, real-world case examples, screening and assessment questionnaires, scoring instructions, intervention handouts and worksheets that complement intervention. TOPPS has demonstrated significantly improved relationships with teammates and coaches, decreased substance use and psychiatric symptoms, and decreased factors interfering with sport performance. These results have been sustained in follow-up and has been shown to have improved outcomes regardless of mental health diagnostic severity.

The Book's first three chapters introduce performance optimization orientation, theories and evidence supporting TOPPS, general assessment and intervention approaches, psychometrically-validated measures and strategies used to address culture, methods of establishing a culture of optimization and requisite infrastructure within the respective system, and therapeutic style, techniques and implementation strategies. Remaining chapters show how to implement TOPPS.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
About the authors
Foreword
Preface
Athlete Mental Health and Performance Optimization: The Optimum Performance Program for Sports (TOPPS)
Uniqueness of The Optimum Performance Program for Sports
Scientific support
Athletes likely to benefit from this manual
Providers likely to benefit from this manual
Organization of this manual
Further reading
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Creating an optimization culture and infrastructure within the system
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Building TOPPS infrastructure
Methods of learning TOPPS protocols
Appendix 1A TOPPS promotional pamphlet example
Appendix 1B Semistructured interviews addressing culture
Appendix 1C Intervention integrity review form
Appendix 1D Case presentation prompting checklist
Appendix 1E Initial case presentation form
Appendix 1F Ongoing case review form
Appendix 1G Table of contents form
Appendix 1H Log of contacts form
Appendix 1I Standardized performance intervention progress notes
Appendix 1J Outstanding progress notes
Appendix 1K Monitoring form to optimize record keeping
References
Chapter 2. Therapeutic style and implementation strategies
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Therapeutic style of TOPPS optimizers
Concluding remarks
Chapter 3. Mental health and sport performance screens/assessments
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Mental health and sport performance screening/assessment
Appendix 3A Sport Interference Checklist (SIC)
References
Chapter 4. Orienting athletes and their supportive others to performance optimization
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Program overview
Performance philosophy protocol
Performance optimization assessment protocol
Supportive other engagement
Appendix 4A Performance orientation: Detailed protocol checklist (For beginners)
Appendix 4B Performance orientation: Summary checklist (For Experts)
Appendix 4C Performance triangle and performance optimization scale handout
Appendix 4D Optimize it handout
Appendix 4E Performance timeline worksheet
Appendix 4F Supportive other acknowledgment checklist
Appendix 4G Supportive other information and release to a contact form
Reference
Chapter 5. Performance meeting agendas and preparation for optimum performance mindset
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Introducing performance meeting agendas
Steps for implementation
Final thoughts
Chapter 6. Determining the performance plan
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Introducing performance planning
Steps for implementing the performance plan
Appendix 6A Performance priority worksheet
Chapter 7. Dynamic goals and rewards
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Introducing dynamic goals
Steps for implementation
Final thoughts
Appendix 7A Dynamic goals worksheet
Chapter 8. Establishing optimal motivation
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Introducing goal inspiration
Steps for implementation
Final thoughts
Appendix 8A Motivational worksheet for goal achievement
Appendix 8B Motivational worksheet for goal achievement
Chapter 9. Optimizing relationships with appreciation and gratitude
Abstract
Chapter highlights
Introducing appreciation exchange
Steps for implementation
Final thoughts
Appendix 9A Appreciation worksheet
Appendix 9B Appreciation assignment sheet
References
Chapter 10. Optimizing communication with positive requests
Abstract
Chapter highlights
Introducing positive requests
Final thoughts
Appendix 10A Positive request handout
Appendix 10B Positive request practice assignment
Appendix 10B Positive request practice assignment (Example)
Chapter 11. Optimizing the environment
Abstract
Chapter highlights
Introducing environmental control
Appendix 11A Goal-consistent and inconsistent cues list
Appendix 11B Strategies for cues list
Appendix 11C Things to do and places I like to visit
Appendix 11D Things that may interfere with goals list
Appendix 11E Invitation for fun
Chapter 12. Establishing optimal self-control
Abstract
Chapter highlights
Introducing self-control
Appendix 12A Self-control rating form
Chapter 13. Helping the dream job come to fruition
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Introducing dream job development
Concluding remarks
Appendix 13A Job club: Interviewing skills worksheet
Chapter 14. Optimizing financial management
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Introducing financial management
Appendix 14A Financial management worksheet
Chapter 15. Concluding performance programming and planning for lifetime optimization
Abstract
Chapter summary
Chapter highlights
Provider goals for intervention
Material required
Procedural steps for concluding performance programming implementation
Last performance meeting: Future performance optimization provider prompting checklist for beginners and experts
Index

Brad Donohue

Brad Donohue is a licensed clinical psychologist and Distinguished Alumni of Nova Southeastern University. He is a Distinguished Professor in the Psychology Department and Director of The Optimum Performance Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With a recent focus on optimization science, his applied research is chiefly focused on the scientific development, evaluation, and dissemination of optimization programs, including engagement, assessment, and intervention methods. He also oversees the delivery of mental wellness and performance-based services, including training initiatives that are focused on the optimization of performers in unique cultures with specialized skill sets. He is the author of more than 160 scientific manuscripts, has directed projects funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the United States. He has been invited to present applied research specific to TOPPS throughout Europe, Brazil, Canada and the United States, and is the recipient of various awards, including the Harry Reid Silver State Research Award, James Mikawa Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology Award, Donald Schmeidel Lifetime Service Award, and Barrick Distinguished Scholar Award. Specific to sports, he is a past national amateur light heavyweight boxing champion in the United States.

Affiliations and expertise

Distinguished Professor, Psychology Department, Director of The Optimum Performance Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Joanne Perry

Joanne Perry, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist who serves as the Director of Orthopedic Psychology within the Novant Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute in Charlotte, NC. In her role at Novant Health, Dr. Perry, provides clinical and sport psychological services to orthopedic and sports medicine patients, while also overseeing program initiatives, research, and partnerships. Dr. Perry serves as the team psychologist for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, as well as the consulting sport psychologist for Queens University. Her clinical specialties broadly include athlete mental health and sport performance enhancement. Prior to her role at Novant Health, she worked as the sport psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she delivered clinical and sport psychological interventions to student-athletes. Dr. Perry completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University and attended Saint Louis University for both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology. Following her graduate work, she completed a pre-doctoral internship at Northwestern University with a specialty focus in sport psychology. Dr. Perry has published on a variety of topics within the field of sport psychology, including studies that are explicitly relevant to TOPPS. She focuses on applied research.

Affiliations and expertise

Licensed Psychologist and Director of Orthopedic Psychology, Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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