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Ethical Dilemmas in Sport Psychology: A Dialogue on the Unique Aspects Impacting Practice

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Amy B. Stapleton
Amy B. Stapleton
Amy B. Stapleton
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Douglas M. Hankes
Douglas M. Hankes
Douglas M. Hankes
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Kate F. Hays
Kate F. Hays
Kate F. Hays
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William D. Parham
William D. Parham
William D. Parham
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Abstract

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 41(3) of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice (see record 2010-11935-001). Due to a production error, the name of Amy B. Stapleton was substituted for the name of Jeffrey E. Barnett as the editor of the Focus on Ethics section in the April issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 41, 2, 143–152.] The multidisciplinary field of applied sport psychology, a specialty area of psychology practice, has been acknowledged as a proficiency area by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2007). This unique discipline often requires the psychologist to work outside the realm of traditional practice. In doing so, sport psychologists frequently encounter unique ethical dilemmas. In an effort to promote awareness and dialogue, this article describes some of the more commonly faced ethical considerations in applied sport psychology. Issues related to developing and maintaining competence in the field, confidentiality, and boundary issues are discussed, and case examples are provided to illustrate the relevant ethical consideration. Subsequently, three applied sport psychology experts respond to the lead article’s discussion and offer poignant reflections on ethical issues presented. In addition, suggestions for successfully resolving ethical dilemmas related to competence, confidentiality, and boundary issues in sport psychology are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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FOCUS ON ETHICS
Amy B. Stapleton, Editor
Ethical Dilemmas in Sport Psychology:
A Dialogue on the Unique Aspects Impacting Practice
Amy B. Stapleton
Independent Practice, Eugene, Oregon Douglas M. Hankes
Auburn University
Kate F. Hays
Independent Practice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada William D. Parham
University of California, Irvine
The multidisciplinary field of applied sport psychology, a specialty area of psychology practice, has been
acknowledged as a proficiency area by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2007). This unique
discipline often requires the psychologist to work outside the realm of traditional practice. In doing so, sport
psychologists frequently encounter unique ethical dilemmas. In an effort to promote awareness and dialogue,
this article describes some of the more commonly faced ethical considerations in applied sport psychology.
Issues related to developing and maintaining competence in the field, confidentiality, and boundary issues are
discussed, and case examples are provided to illustrate the relevant ethical consideration. Subsequently, three
applied sport psychology experts respond to the lead article’s discussion and offer poignant reflections on
ethical issues presented. In addition, suggestions for successfully resolving ethical dilemmas related to
competence, confidentiality, and boundary issues in sport psychology are discussed.
Keywords: ethics, sport psychology, competence, confidentiality, boundary issues
Ethical Considerations in Applied Sport
Psychology
Amy B. Stapleton
Since the 1960s, the field of sport psychology has developed
from the larger disciplines of sport science, psychology, and med-
icine. In 2003, sport psychology was recognized as an area of
proficiency by the American Psychological Association (APA,
2007). The proficiency identifies several aspects, including mental
skills training for peak performance, contextual issues for consul-
tation in sport settings, developmental and social aspects of sport,
and biobehavioral bases of sport and exercise that define this
unique area of practice. The work of a sport psychologist, there-
fore, goes beyond solely offering traditional psychotherapy for
athletes. Sport psychologists may provide therapy for distressed or
impaired athletes or offer services focusing on enhancing the
client’s athletic performance. Interventions may be of a psycho-
educational nature through mental skills training or communicat-
ing with coaches and teammates; they may address developmental
needs such as sport retirement transitions; or they may treat clin-
ical issues, such as mood or eating disorders. In addition, they
routinely consult with coaches, sport organizations’ administra-
AMY B. STAPLETON received her PsyD in clinical psychology from
Loyola College in Maryland. She currently works as the clinical and sport
psychologist for the University of Oregon Department of Athletics. Her areas
of professional interest include sport and performance psychology, crisis
intervention, college mental health and consulting with law enforcement.
DOUGLAS M. HANKES received his PhD in counseling psychology from
the University of North Texas. He is director of Student Counseling
Services at Auburn University and is the sport psychology consultant for
the Auburn University athletic department. His areas of professional in-
terest include training, supervision, and the ethical practice of applied sport
psychology and student-athlete development and welfare.
KATE F. HAYS received her PhD in clinical psychology from Boston
University. She maintains an independent practice in Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Her areas of professional interest include the practice of applied
sport psychology and its application to other areas of performance psy-
chology, especially that with performing artists.
WILLIAM D. PARHAM received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from
Southern Illinois University–Carbondale. He is a licensed psychologist,
board certified in Counseling Psychology by the American Board of
Professional Psychology (ABPP) and a Fellow of Divisions 17, 45, and 47
of the American Psychological Association. His areas of scholarship and
professional practice include multicultural competency, sport/health psy-
chology, and personal empowerment.
CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THIS ARTICLE should be addressed to
Amy B. Stapleton, P.O. Box 41374, Eugene, OR 97404. E-mail:
drstapes@gmail.com
CORRECTED JUNE 8, 2010; SEE LAST PAGE
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2010, Vol. 41, No. 2, 143–152
© 2010 American Psychological Association 0735-7028/10/$12.00 DOI: 10.1037/a0017976
143
This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
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