Ramifications of Performance

What are the most significant positive and negative issues that could arise from further research surrounding performance psychology interventions?

What are the most significant positive and negative issues that could arise from further research surrounding performance psychology interventions? Why are these significant? How might your own research mitigate or exacerbate these issues? Why?

The study of performance psychology and its interventions have opened my mind to several thoughts regarding the study of high performers. Most of the research in this area, as I have noticed, has been that of athletes, musicians, and military personnel. For me personally, this has been the perfect fit, as I work with pro athletes on a daily basis. Over the years, without any direct intentions, I have also been fascinated with the psychology of military personnel, namely units such as the Navy SEALs. Within the realm of athletics, performance is usually measured in wins, losses and game statistics which are at stake. There exists a world, however, in which there are other high performance minded individuals in which if a mistake is made, it could cost them their lives or the lives of their comrades.

"Within the realm of athletics, performance is usually measured in wins, losses and game statistics which are at stake.”

In my opinion, this is the highest form of performance. Furthermore, factors such as cohesion have been studied in-depth within military constructs and has shed light on not only in areas such as athletics, but even in the business world. In a study by Halfhill et al (2005), they showed that 47 military service teams found group personality makeup correlated directly with group performance.

In regards to the interventions and the further exploration of this area, I think there needs to be more research done in performance psychology. Another area that I think that needs to be addressed is the diagnoses of problems. With psychology being so subjective in certain regards, I think there needs to be an individual approach when it comes to performance. Sarkar et al (2014) state that psychologists who are working in high performance environments must assist individuals to usher in a commitment to personal development and mastery. Being able to properly place, pinpoint, and diagnose how to approach helping high performers is pivotal to the ultimate outcome for any said performer. More in-depth study on character types, personalities, and even how certain individuals process information could prove highly valuable.

" Being able to properly place, pinpoint, and diagnose how to approach helping high performers is pivotal to the ultimate outcome for any said performer. ”

Lastly, I will say that high performance can be extended even further to professions such as actors, surgeons, pilots, and dare I say politicians (or any of several forms of public speakers).

References:

Halfhill, T., Nielsen, T. M., Sundstrom, E., & Weilbaecher, A. (2005). Group Personality Composition and Performance in Military Service Teams. Military Psychology, 17(1), 41-54. doi:10.1207/s15327876mp1701_4

Sarkar, M., & Fletcher, D. (2014). Ordinary Magic, Extraordinary Performance: Psychological Resilience and Thriving in High Achievers. Sport, Exercise, And Performance Psychology, 3(1), doi:10.1037/spy0000003