The effect of SHIP® (spontaneous healing intrasystemic process) on adolescent tennis players

Abstract

The core problem statement of this study is that SHIP® as a psychotherapeutic intervention has never been tested in a sport psychological context. The study on which this article is based attempted to address this specific lack of research in Sport Psychology. SHIP® focuses mainly on psychological processes such as healing and growth. Experts emphasize that research on psychological processes in sport is very important for the future of Sport Psychology. With the above considerations in mind, a study was done with two groups of adolescent tennis players (an experimental group and a control group). While the experimental group took part in the intervention the control group did not receive any intervention. Both groups were evaluated before, during and after the intervention using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI- 2), the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Ryff’s psychological well-being scale as measuring instruments. The results within the groups and between the groups were statistically analysed. The results indicated that the experimental group improved significantly in their ability to cope with competition stress, mood states and psychological well-being, while the control group remained almost unchanged on the above-mentioned attributes. The study found that SHIP® not only has therapeutic value, but can also impact positively on the potential and mental capacities of adolescent tennis players. It is concluded that SHIP® has definite value in the field of Sport Psychology.

Key words: SHIP® healing; growth; potential and mental capacity.