@article{MarkovGlazerElbeSchliermann, author = {Markov-Glazer, Alon and Elbe, Anne-Marie and Schliermann, Rainer}, title = {Sport psychology consultants' views on mental training with elite Deaf sport athletes}, series = {International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology}, journal = {International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, issn = {1557-251X}, doi = {10.1080/1612197X.2023.2245422}, pages = {1 -- 16}, abstract = {The elite sport movement for athletes with hearing impairments, namely Deaflympics, differs from the Paralympic and Olympic sport movements because it exhibits a variety of distinct sociocultural and organisational characteristics. Yet, mental training with Deaflympic athletes receives little to no attention from the scientific community. Little is known about sport psychology consultants' (SPCs) work with Deaflympic athletes. In this study, we explored SPCs' exposure to so called Deaf sport as well as their experiences, attitudes, and assumptions regarding the utility of psychological skills training (PST) with Deaflympic athletes. A self-constructed questionnaire with closed and semi-open questions was completed by 93 (58.8\% female) SPCs in European German-speaking countries. Analyses revealed SPCs had limited exposure to Deaflympic sport but indicated readiness to work with Deaflympic athletes. SPCs shared no reasons as to why PST skills and techniques would not be effective with Deaflympic athletes. However, SPCs regarded communication challenges as a major obstacle. We conclude that the integration of elite Deaf sport in SPCs' training programmes is vital, considering SPCs' lack of exposure and experience with Deaflympic athletes as well as their communication insecurities. In addition, further empirical research on PST effectiveness in Deaflympics athletes should provide the foundation for evidence-based utility of applied sport psychology in Deaflympic sport.}, language = {en} } @article{MarkovGlazerElbeSchliermann, author = {Markov-Glazer, Alon and Elbe, Anne-Marie and Schliermann, Rainer}, title = {From their eyes: Deaflympic athletes' and coaches' perspectives on mental training}, series = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, publisher = {Frontiers}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2025.1613833}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-84183}, pages = {15}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION Sport psychology research has largely overlooked athletes with hearing impairments competing in Deaflympic sports, the designated elite sporting movement for this population. This study therefore explored Deaflympic athletes' and coaches' perspectives on mental training in the elite Deaf sports. METHODS A qualitative approach was used, involving six focus group interviews with 23 athletes (Mage = 33.09; 26.1\% female) and four coaches from individual and team Deaf sports. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes emerged: sport psychology consultation, the influence of visual orientation on psychological skills and demands, and Deaf sport culture and communication. While participants expressed strong interest in sport psychology, engagement with professionals was limited by accessibility issues, lack of sign language-fluent consultants, and structural barriers. Deaf athletes reported adapting some techniques to match their visual-spatial orientation and both advantages and challenges of visual reliance in sports. Distinct communication dynamics between native signers and spoken-language users within Deaf teams were also revealed. DISCUSSION These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive sport psychology frameworks that support the needs and preferences of Deaflympic athletes and promote equitable access to effective mental training resources.}, language = {en} } @article{MarkovGlazerElbeSchliermann, author = {Markov-Glazer, Alon and Elbe, Anne-Marie and Schliermann, Rainer}, title = {The use of psychological skills in deaflympic sport}, series = {European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity}, volume = {17}, journal = {European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity}, number = {15}, publisher = {European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity}, address = {Olomouc}, doi = {10.5507/euj.2024.012}, pages = {13}, abstract = {This study explores the use of psychological skills among Deaflympic athletes and aims to provide initial insights into sport psychology practices in this overlooked population. To this end, the frequency of psychological skills' usage, usage patterns, and differences between subgroups were examined within this population. The Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) was administered to 84 German Deaflympic athletes (mean age = 28; 27\% female) along with biographical questions (e.g., hearing status). The findings indicate that Deaflympic athletes regularly utilize psychological skills in training and competition, displaying similar usage to that of Olympic athletes. However, only a minority of Deaflympic athletes train their skills with professional consultants. Additionally, relaxation techniques were employed rarely in comparison to the other investigated skills. This study's findings contribute to the foundation of sport psychology research with Deaflympic athletes and underscore the need for a differentiated approach in tailoring interventions for this population.}, language = {en} }