Working with religious and spiritual athletes

Abstract

1 With a growing number of sport performers revealing their religious and spiritual beliefs, it is 2 becoming increasingly important for sport psychologists to recognize and appreciate the 3 values (and value systems) to which such beliefs are attached. Using the RRICC model 4 (Plante, 2007) as a framework for discussion, and through the lens of cultural praxis, the 5 purpose of this article is to highlight ethical issues for sport psychologists when working with 6 religious and spiritual athletes. The RRICC model addresses the ethical principles of respect, 7 responsibility, integrity, competence, and concern. It is hoped that a discussion of these 8 guidelines will help sport psychologists better navigate the often challenging landscape of 9 working with athletes whose everyday lives and identities are grounded in religious and 10 spiritual association. 11