Knowledge Translation of Sport Psychology to Coaches: Coaches' Use of Online Resources

Abstract

Knowledge translation is an essential component of the research process. The purpose of this study was to examine the content of the information coaches attain from online sport psychology resources and their use of this information. This study also investigated differences in coaches' use of online resources across experience, certification, and competitive level of the coaches. Participants included 253 ( n males= 183; n females= 69) coaches averaging 13.6 years of coaching experience who varied considerably in the sport, income level, competitive level, and age of the athletes they coached. Results demonstrated that coaches currently get information from online sport psychology resources “a few times per year”, but would get it “once per month” if more accessible and credible resources were available. The study findings also indicated that coaches primarily get general information related to sport psychology from online resources, but would be interested in applied information such as sport psychology tips, skills/strategies, and how to implement sport psychology with their athletes.