AASP Newsletter - August 2016

Stewart Cotterill, PhD, University of Winchester, CPSYCHOL, HCPC Registered, BASES Accredited

At the time of writing this piece, I am working hard with our Editorial Board on developing the first online edition of the new AASP and Human Kinetics journal, Case Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology (CSSEP). I am very passionate about the dissemination of professional practice within our field, and just as importantly, committed to an evidence-based approach to practice. These objectives are both key principles underpinning the ethos of the new journal.

CSSEP seeks to provide contemporary examples of practice, both from and for a global audience. The case studies are designed to give the reader detail regarding approaches adopted and experiences gained, which can be used to enhance one’s philosophies and practices. Additionally, it is hoped case study authors will also gain a developmental opportunity as they reflect on their experiences and practices during the writing process.

In writing a case study, it is important to outline the context of the case, approaches adopted, practitioner qualifications, and experiences of the author. In keeping with an evidence-based approach to practice, authors are also required to articulate why a particular approach was taken. Yes, successful submissions need to demonstrate rigor and criticality, but, at the same time, the journal is designed for practitioners, trainees, and applied researchers. Thus, an understanding of supporting evidence is important, but cannot be a constraining factor for novel and creative approaches. Indeed, at CSSEP, we are keen to foster the submission of creative and innovative approaches to practice that could be ahead of the empirical evidence base, although not devoid of a broader evidence-based foundation. All creative solutions emerge from some pre-existing knowledge, and it is that foundation that needs to be communicated in these cases.

Reflection on the experience is also an important aspect of the case studies we seek for publication. This aspect includes a consideration of the effectiveness of the intervention(s), but also requires a reflection by the practitioner(s) on their experience in the environment, working with the client groups, and delivering the interventions. There is no specific prescribed model of reflection, but there is a need to demonstrate a structured approach to this process. This meta-cognitive approach is designed to demonstrate an ability to think about (and evaluate) the things that you contemplate while working as a consultant.

A general structure for the case study begins with the author(s) describing the context and the key agents involved, with special attention paid to the author(s) themselves, their approach to practice, their philosophy, and a brief outline of the experiences that have helped to shape and evolve their particular approach. Then, after explaining the case, its theoretical underpinning, the focal interventions, and outcomes, authors will be required to reflect on their experience, the effectiveness of their approach, things they would do differently, and major lessons learned.

A core aim of CSSEP is to bring together applied practitioners and applied researchers in a way that has not been achieved in the academic literature. To be successful, we need to ensure that the innovative and highly effective practitioners who are fully immersed in the field of applied sport and exercise psychology feel both able and willing to share their experiences, successes, and challenges faced. In this way, we can create a positive community of practice that can drive forward the field of sport and exercise psychology.

For anyone interested in submitting to the journal, there is an example case study available on the journal website.

I am also very happy to field informal questions or queries about the format of case studies or the suitability of specific works for publication in CSSEP. I can be contacted at Stewart.Cotterill@winchester.ac.uk. You can also follow the journal and newly published case studies on Twitter @CSSEPjournal.