Sports Psychology, Anger Management in Sport: Why do some athletes snap?
Recently, I appeared on ABC's Good Morning America. One producer has asked me to comment on the recent violent act in the Rangers vs. Islanders hockey game.
I have written on violence in sport in the past and I were interviewed by the British Broadcasting Company on this issue. However, this latest act caused me to think a bit more about the causes of this kind of vicious circle behavior and what candone to prevent it to happen again.
I believe that some of the athletes who behave violently people who have grown up in dysfunctional families where they were exposed to violence, cruelty, drug abuse and the chaos. These types of environments do little to encourage the development of qualities such as kindness and empathy.
To make matters worse, some violent athletes currently abusing drugs, alcohol and / or steroids, which can be intensified their inner rage.
Some of theViolence is on the fact that many athletes can not be ascribed to learn how to control their emotions, because they control so much of their time to their craft, who have devoted their sport. In short, they are physically very talented, but they are emotionally undeveloped and rather immature.
Many of the sports that we love, such as football and ice hockey have are a violent element to them, and athletes, the rewards in some cases it will be tough and very physical competition. Itis sometimes difficult to control aggression even allowed some of it is appreciated and rewarded.
Top athletes are held in high esteem in our society, and sometimes require special treatment, special favors and special attention during their first years. This "special treatment" may give a sense of grandiosity, some athletes that can lead to a feeling as if they are "above the law" and not susceptible to punishment. Therefore, they have difficulty thinking about theConsequences of their actions.
Some athletes can at one of several psychiatric disorders such as intermittent explosive, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, or narcissistic personality disorder. People with this type of disease can have problems controlling their anger, and have difficulties in being concerned about the feelings of other people. Others can not hurt to bother them the way it is likely that most of us do not interfere. Players with such conditions can be very dangerousand off the field.
It is also important to remember the fact that athletes are human, and an act of violence on the pitch, up to a certain frustration that they experience are in a different aspect of their lives. A conflict with a wife or lover can cause an athlete has a bad day at "her office", which is a court or a playing field.
Some athletes get cheered by the crowds and the fans. Like rock stars and entertainers, some athletes thrive on the attention and adoration sheobtained from the large number of people. Top athletes can catch the enthusiasm of the fans and lose control of their emotions and their behavior.
Leagues can contribute to the violence in sport, by clear and rigorous to minimize penalties for violent crimes. I have helped many athletes to manage through the doctrine of anger management technique, meditation, visualization and self-hypnosis. This type of program is to be included in many organized sports programs. And it's probably a good idea to startthis type of training with young athletes, while athletes are in their formative years.
Athletes who show a pattern of violent behavior must be evaluated for the appropriate type of mental health refers to counseling. Some leagues have resisted this kind of assistance, but I think these types of programs are essential if violence in sports is to be minimized.
