#305 Bernadette Kellermann - Exploring Transitions Between Mental States During Performance
Nov 4, 2024
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In this insightful conversation, Bernadette Kellermann, a Sport Psychologist and PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, shares her unique journey from music to performance psychology. She discusses the Multi-Action Plan (MAP) Model and its application in understanding transitions between mental states in high-level judo performance. The exploration includes the interplay of mental dynamics during competition, the significance of emotional regulation, and the unique performance states athletes navigate. Bernadette highlights reflective practices that enhance athlete development, enriching our understanding of mental transitions in sport.
Bernadette Kellermann's journey from music to sport psychology underscores the interdisciplinary nature of performance dynamics in high-pressure environments.
The Multi-Action Plan (MAP) model categorizes mental states into four types, providing valuable insights into athlete performance and transitions during competitions.
Kellermann emphasizes the importance of recognizing the nuanced transitions between mental states to develop individualized strategies for enhancing athlete performance.
Deep dives
Background and Journey into Performance Psychology
The speaker, Bernadette Kellerman, has an unconventional academic background, starting with a performance degree in music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Her journey into performance psychology evolved as she sought to explore the intersection of her music background and psychology. She has pursued various qualifications, including a Master’s in performance psychology and a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. This unique trajectory has enriched her understanding of performance dynamics, particularly in high-stakes settings such as sports.
Understanding the Multi-Action Plan (MAP) Model
The Multi-Action Plan (MAP) model categorizes four types of performance states for athletes: two optimal states and two suboptimal states. Type one is akin to a flow state, where performance feels effortless, while type two is more effortful yet still successful. Types three and four represent declining performance, with type three marked by fatigue and overthinking, and type four indicating complete disengagement. This model is utilized to understand athletes' mental states and transitions during competitions, specifically aimed at providing a more nuanced view of their experiences.
Insights from Judo Competitors
Kellerman's research with judo athletes highlighted the unique demands of their sport, which requires quick mental adjustments and tactical responses. Participants expressed that type four performance, characterized by significant struggle, is rare in competition due to the immediate physical and emotional stakes. Instead, they focused on types two and three, describing the effort involved in maintaining performance under stress while recognizing the complexities of managing their mental states. The study illustrates how insights from combat sports can contribute to understanding performance dynamics in high-pressure environments.
Transitional Dynamics between Performance States
Kellerman's findings revealed that transitions between performance types can occur in response to various cues categorized as technical, tactical, fatigue-related, and cognitive-emotional. For example, a tactical error from an opponent may lead to a down regulation of performance, while a mental refocusing can enhance performance levels, termed up regulation. Participants reported their experiences of navigating these transitions, embracing the fluctuating nature of their mental states during competition. The ability to recognize these shifts provides valuable insights for both practitioners and athletes to improve performance through self-awareness.
Complexity and Reflection in Performance Psychology
The complexity of performance, as discussed by Kellerman, emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the nuances in athletes' mental states. The MAP model serves as a framework, yet she notes the limitations while advocating for recognition of the overlap between performance types. This perspective aligns with the idea of a spectrum of mental states, rather than distinct categories, allowing for a richer interpretation of athletes' experiences. Kellerman highlights that this complexity reflects the diverse challenges athletes face and underscores the importance of individualized strategies in performance psychology.
In this episode I speak with Bernadette Kellermann. Bernadette is a Sport Psychologist and PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh. Bernadette researches the Multi-Action Plan (MAP) Model and transitions between mental states in performance.
The MAP Model is an action-focused, sport-specific intervention model that can be utilised to investigate and improve human performance.
We discuss two fascinating papers Bernadette has written about transitions between mental states within MAP along with Prof Dave Collins, Dr Alan MacPherson, and Dr Maurizio Bertollo.
In addition to her performance psychology studies, Bernadette is a violinist, composer, and tutor having graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
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