| This dissertation explored the process of designing and implementing a sport psychology program in a public high school setting. A case study method was utilized, in conjunction with Maher's Program Planning and Evaluation approach, to understand how to design and implement three distinct sport psychology programs for three all male high school athletic teams---football, basketball, and baseball---over the course of the 2005-2006 academic year. Theoretical and empirical literatures in sport psychology, school psychology, and gender were considered as important aspects underlying the investigation. A rationale was provided endorsing benefits to student-athletes at the secondary level from receiving sport psychology programming. The author applied the program planning and evaluation approach, which consists of four phases---clarification, design, implementation, and evaluation---to her work with the three teams. The process and products of engaging in these phases are described with respect to curricular content of the three sport psychology programs, along with descriptions of the other consultative services that were offered. Moreover, formative program evaluation information is presented, including player and coach reactions to the three programs. In this regard, student-athletes and coaches from the three programs endorsed the program and reported gaining benefits from their participation. In addition, sport psychology was seen as being a valuable addition to the overall educational program in public schools. The author also explored the possible effects that her gender may have had, both positive and negative, on her work, as well as five variables related to her approach that she believed facilitated her work with the teams and the success of the program. A comparison was made with the previous work done by Weissman (2003) in designing and implementing sport psychology programming in a public high school. In addition, recommendations were offered for individuals wishing to design and implement sport psychology programming in the school setting, as well as for individuals wishing to obtain sport psychology programming for their student-athletes. |
