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Sport Coaching

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Coaching for Rational Living

Abstract

Although the use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT; Ellis, 1956, 1991) has been empirically supported in the literature in its traditional psychotherapeutic application (David, Szentagotai, Eva, & Macavei, 2005; Dryden & David, 2008; Ellis, 1997; Szentagotai, David, Lupu, & Cosman, 2008), in recent years, researchers have begun to examine its efficacy within the context of other settings, including sport (Turner, 2014; Turner & Barker, 2013; Wood, Barker & Turner, 2017). REBT has its roots in the larger cognitive-behavioral framework and, as such, is based on the premise that one’s emotional and behavioral consequences (C) are not a direct result of an adversity or activating events (A), but rather are due to one’s beliefs (B) about the given situation; such beliefs can either be rational or irrational (Ellis 1956, 1991). Rational beliefs promote acceptance of oneself and others, foster adaptive emotional and behavioral responses, are rooted in true reality, and ultimately, assist in goal attainment. Conversely, irrational beliefs – exaggerative in nature - impose demands on oneself and others with shoulds, musts, and oughts, which potentially inhibit goal attainment. In the active, working phase of REBT, an individual’s irrational beliefs are disputed (D), with the goal of developing a more effective (E) philosophy comprised of rational beliefs (Ellis, 2002). Ellis (1956; 1991) purported that everyone possesses both irrational and rational beliefs, as well as choices about how to feel, think, and behave. Thus, one’s beliefs, emotions, and behaviors are interrelated and mutally impactful. Because goal achievement, particularly as it relates to sport performance, is of utmost importance to athletes, teams, coaches, and organizations, REBT has particular relevance in sport settings. In essence, REBT can assist athletes in interpreting a competitive sport situation from a more grounded and rational perspective. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of REBT within the context of sport, more appropriately described as Rational Emotive Behavior Coaching (REBC), highlighting the importance of assessment, conceptualization, and intervention through the use of an applied case vignette.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University, Glendale, Glendale, AZ, USA

    Angela M. Breitmeyer

  2. Centre for Sport, Health, and Exercise Research, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

    Martin J. Turner

Authors
  1. Angela M. Breitmeyer
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  2. Martin J. Turner
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Correspondence to Angela M. Breitmeyer .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Michael E. Bernard

  2. International Coaching Institute, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    Oana A. David

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Breitmeyer, A.M., Turner, M.J. (2018). Sport Coaching. In: Bernard, M., David, O. (eds) Coaching for Rational Living. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74067-6_23

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