Accompagnement psychologique dans le sport de haut niveau : principes généraux

Abstract

On the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the psychological pressure is mounting as much on athletes in the process of qualifying as on those who have already qualified. Through the values conveyed by Olympism (excellence, respect and friendship), participation or even success in this competition can represent an ultimate goal for an athlete's career. Its worldwide resonance, its infrequency every 4 years and its location in Paris make it a special event that is both a source of motivation and a source of intense stress. But whether it's the Olympic and Paralympic Games or any other sporting competition, achieving the optimum level of motivation to exploit the athlete's skills and abilities to the full without putting their physical and psychological health at risk can be a real challenge. In this interview with Doctor Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Doctor Guillaume Coudevylle discusses the importance of basing any intervention on basic principles derived from sport psychology research. He goes back over these principles, reminding us that they are the result of scientific contributions over the last hundred years. In view of the multitude of parameters involved in a performance, the examination of a personality as the fruit of a singular upbringing and history, and the complexity of a performance situation, his approach helps to clarify objectives and means.