Research

Citation: Brown, M. (2020, January 2). Striving for perfection can help athletes bounce back from failure – if they forgive themselves, research shows. Folio. https://www.folio.ca/striving-for-perfection-can-help-athletes-bounce-back-from-failureif-they-forgive-themselves-research-shows/

Abstract: University of Alberta Study: Investigating perfectionism and performance after failure in competitive athletics (first of its kind).

License (CC-BY).

Citation: Neff. K (2024). Self-Compassion. Dr. Kristin Neff. https//self-compassion.org/

Abstract: Provides definitions of SC, elements, concepts (i.e. Fierce SC), research, myths, mindful SC, questionnaire, SC practices, exercises (i.e. SC youth scale), workshops, resources, Tedx Talk: “The difference between self-compassion and self-esteem”, podcasts with Dr. Neff.

Dr. Kristin Neff). License (CC-BY). 

License (CC-BY). Abst: A six-step SC exercise in how to calm negative internal voices and create positive self-care. Steps 1 – 6 explores such concepts as the difficulty of the task, family histories, the odds, luck, self-worth, and temporary experiences. Ref:  School of Life. (2017). Self-Compassion [Animated Short]. 

Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kfUE41-JFw

License (CC-BY). Abst: Video describes research taken of 580 adolescent female athletes over 3 years and how SC positively affected young girls staying in sport; SC was seen as a protective factor against body-image guilt and shame. See Also: ‘USC Athletes in What Makes a Body Beautiful’ (Video).  Ref: Gilchrist, J. [SSHRC-CRSH]. (2018). Self-Compassion Protects Against Negative Emotions in Sport. (Video). Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SftzbqwHCXk

License (CC-BY). Abst: Introduces how SC can be applied in one’s life by incorporating mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness; Video discusses SC being associated with body image appreciation and lower levels of anxiety. See Also: Common Humanity is discussed in the Self-Compassion podcast at 8:57min-10:00min. 

REF: Sereda, B. [An Introduction to Self-Compassion]. (2021). Self-Compassion- A Potential Resource in Dance [Video]. Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK6zssiOHLs

License (CC-BY-NC). Abst: Dr Amber Mosewich and Dr Leah Ferguson discuss why it is difficult for athletes to embrace SC? What is the relationship between mental toughness and SC? And how does SC relate to perceived sports performance? 

REF: Forsyth, J. (Host). (June 19, 2019). Dr. Amber Mosewich and Dr. Leah Ferguson on Self-Compassion for Female Athletes [Audio podcast episode]. Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Podcast. WISEAN.open.spotify.com/episode/6LSX5xAzoDLf1BvM9Guv1S  

License (CC-BY). Abst: Key findings show male athletes low on SC were more likely to express destructive reactions as feeling stigmatized when seeking help; Male athletes high on SC reported better psychological well-being and decreased shame; Website includes Youtube video – “Self-Compassion and Masculinity”. 

REF: Neff, K. (2024). What is Self-Compassion? Self-Kinpassion (A Sport, Health, and Exercise Self-Compassion Website). www.self-kinpassion.com

License (CC-BY): Abstract: Healthy/Unhealthy Perfectionism; Perfectionism strivings and concerns. Impacts of different kinds of perfectionism on sports performance (compliments psychology module).

Citation: Dunn, J. (Host). (2021, May 28). Perfection(ism) in Sport. Audiovisual. University of Alberta. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1amRLVblEQ65LcCVQ6VET_7eNIZ9DpJsx/view?usp=sharing 

OER Lesson Plan: Instructor's Guide to Perfection(ism) in Sport.

Learning Objectives: Developing an understanding of perfectionistic strivings and concerns, and how these factors influence healthy (adaptive), and unhealthy (maladaptive) perfectionism, and how these behaviours impact sport performance.  

License (CC-BY). The MIPS Questionnaire poses a series of questions to athletes regarding Perfectionism and Non-Perfect performance during training and competitions, and perceived pressure from coaches, teammates, and parents. 

Citation: Stöeber, Joachim., Otto, Kathleen., & Stoll, Oliver (2006). Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport (MIPS): English version. School of Psychology, University of Kent. (Unpublished).https://kar.kent.ac.uk/41560/1/MIPS%20-%20English%20Version%20%28Nov%202006%29.pdf

OER Lesson Plan: "Take The MIPS Challenge" 

Learning Outcome of Lesson Plan: For students to become more self-aware of how perfectionism can affect the different sporting contexts they are in as training or competition, and how others (i.e., coaches and teammates) play a role in creating these feelings of perfectionism during athletic performances.

 **The MIPS is also included within the OER Lesson Plan for Perfection(ism) in Sport**

License (CC-BY). Themes: Fear of failure, perfectionism is outcome-based, injuries, and identity loss.

OER Lesson Plan: Johnny Wilkinson - Defining Healthy Perfectionism (Class Exercise time: 20 -25 minutes).

Learning Outcome – Students will identify examples of maladaptive (unhealthy) perfectionism in the article, as well as describe how Johnny Wilkinson developed a healthier approach towards perfection in his sport. 

Citation: Moss, S. (2010, May 10). Johnny Wilkinson: 'I had to be perfect in everyone's eyes. It was so tiring'. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/may/10/jonny-wilkinson-rugby-injuries-toulon

License (CC-BY).  Abstract: Coach Gaines’ halftime speech about ‘Being Perfect’. 

Movie clips. “Coach Gaines on Being Perfect”. YouTube video, 3:27. 2004.

OER Lesson Plan: Coach Gaines' Final "PEP" Talk

Learning Outcome – In the video, students are asked to consider examples from Coach Gaines' PEP Talk that may lead to healthy or unhealthy perfectionism, as Coach Gaines reflects on what it means to be perfect. Concepts are related to Perfection(ism) in Sport audio-video by Dr. John Dunn.