Research
Schoolsport2020: Concepts and tools for the development of the Education of Physical Education teachers in the context of societal challenges
Head:
Jens Kleinert
Steering Committee:
Thomas Abel, Britta Fischer, Helga Leineweber, Fabian Pels, Eike Quilling, Bettina Rulofs, Ingo Wagner
Project Staff:
Anke Bartonitschek, Fabienne Bartsch, Julia Butterweck, Birte von Haaren-Mack, Merle Müller, Teresa Odipo, Alina Schäfer, Monika Thomas
Duration:
03/2016 – 06/2019
Funding:
Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Mehr Infos: https://www.dshs-koeln.de/schulsport2020/
Mental Health in Coaches: Diagnostics and Intervention
Principal Investigators:
Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert & Prof. Dr. Michael Kellmann (RUB)
Project Management (Contact):
Dr. Christian Zepp
Funding:
Bundesinstitut für Sportwissenschaften (BISp)
Duration:
01/2015 – 07/2017
Description:
Burnout in elite sports has been a topic in the sport sciences for the past 30 years. Since the first publication that dealt with burnout processes in sport (Caccese & MAyerberg, 1984) this topic received a lot of interest. Reviews by dale and Weinberg (1990), Goodger, Gorely, LAvallee and Harwood (2007) and Altfeld and Kellmann (2013) show on the one hand, that the number of burnout studies grew during the past years, and on the other hand that the theoretical background is rather stress-related.
In the context of growing interest of the sport sciences for this topic, burnout in coaches had a subordinated part. However, this topic has a high relevance from a social, sport science and sport practical perspective. From a social perspective coaches represent a highly stressed occupational group (e.g. teacher: Shaw, Keiper & Flaherty, 1985; caregivers: Bennett, Lowe, Matthews, Dourali & Tattersall, 2001), which leads to the fact that knowledge about burnout processes in sport are also relevant for the overall society.
For sport sciences mechanisms of burnout are unexplained (Fletcher & Scott, 2010). That includes the development of burnout, and especially the prevention of burnout. Previous studies are theoretically based, and sensitive psychometric instruments are missing that are able to identify such mechanisms and help to distinguish preclinical from clinical symptoms.
Finally, burnout is highly relevant from a sport practical perspective, because the ability to perform and use one’s abilities is influenced. Because the athletes’ mental state depends on a positive coach-athlete-relationship, burnout in coaches impacts on the athlete as well (Price & Weiss, 2000).
Based on this short problem description the aims of the projects are to connect stress theories with the self determination (Deci & Ryan, 2000) – that is two established theoretical approaches in the area of psychological health – to have a theoretical gain in explaining burnout-mechanisms. In addition, psychometric instruments are to be developed and evaluated that are able to identify burnout conditions, early symptoms and burnout processes. Moreover, interventions are to be developed, implemented and evaluated that help to prevent burnout (health promotion and primary prevention) and to stop the development of burnout in early stages (early detection).
Reduction of Aggression Through Physical Activity
Principal investigator:
Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert
Project Management:
Dr. Fabian Pels
Funding:
GSU research funding CHIPS (Center for Human Integrative Physiology in Space)
Duration:
04/2012 - 03/2015
Abstract:
Theoretical background
Recent research shows that sport and physical activity do not reduce aggression per se. It seems necessary to examine the role of potential moderators of the relationship between physical activity on the one hand and aggression on the other hand.
Aim/Research Question
The project aims to examine whether several aspects of physical activity (group vs. individual tasks, movement type) function as moderators.
Method
- 1. Laboratory experiment.
- 2. Field experiment.
Loneliness and Sport
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert
Project Management:
Dr. Fabian Pels
Funding:
GSU research funding CHIPS (Center for Human Integrative Physiology in Space)
Duration:
04/2012 – 03/2015
Description:
Theoretical Background
Loneliness is the result of a deficiency in a person’s social relationships. In other words, lonely people suffer from a frustration of the need for relatedness.
Aim/Research Question
The project aims to examine whether participation in sport groups serves to reduce loneliness. In particular, it aims to analyze the role of social well-being within and identification with these groups with regard to loneliness.
Method
- 1. Literature analysis: Systematic review.
- 2. Empirical studies: a) cross-sectional study, b) longitudinal study.
RanRücken: Psychosocial Skills in the Prevention and Treatment of Back Pain
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert
Project Management (Contact):
Johanna Belz (j.belz@dshs-koeln.de)
Funding:
Federal Institute of Sport Science; project is part of the network Research Network for Medicine in Spine Exercise (MiSpEx)
Duration:
2015–2018
Project description:
Theoretical background
Self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation are of great importance both for the optimal course of treatment of chronic non-specific back pain as well as for preventive approaches to back pain in elite sports. To date, there is a lack of evidence-based therapy modules, which therapists and coaches can easily integrate into everyday practice, to improve these aforementioned psychosocial factors.
Study objective
In a previous study, various therapy modules were developed to optimize therapy motivation in patients with chronic non-specific back pain and their feasibility was evaluated. In the current project, these therapy modules are revised, both for the treatment of chronic non-specific back pain in the general population as well as for the prevention of back pain in elite sports.
Method (method, sample)
Intervention studies
Transfer
Based on the results of the intervention studies, the focus will be on the development, implementation and evaluation of a transfer concept for educational institutions of physiotherapy, sports therapy and exercise therapy. In addition, the acceptability and feasibility of the preventive approach for psychosocial skills in elite sports will be evaluated.
Dissertation Projects
Risk for Depression and Mental Well-Being in Adolescent Compared to Adult Elite Athletes - A Representative German Sample
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert
Project Managemet (Contact):
Johanna Belz (j.belz@dshs-koeln.de)
Project description (1st study of the dissertation):
Theoretical background
The relationship between sport at the elite level and mental well-being is ambiguous. On the one hand there is strong evidence for the positive effects of sport and physical activity (Paluska & Schwenk, 2000; Ströhle et al., 2007) and physical fitness (LaVigne, Smith, Shoulberg, & Bukowski, 2016) on mental well-being. On the other hand, the demands and stressors associated with elite sports may decrease mental well-being or even facilitate mental illness (Hughes & Leavey, 2012). A special focus should be placed on adolescent athletes with regard to their risk for depression and mental well-being as adolescent athletes are confronted with the strain of balancing the demands of their athletic career and their academic education (Aquilina, 2013; Brand, Wolff, & Hoyer, 2012).
Study objective
Purpose of this work was to assess the risk for depression and mental well-being of elite athletes dependent on the athletes’ age, gender, performance level and sport discipline.
Methods
Data was collected from a comprehensive sample of 1799 German squad athletes. The Patient-Health-Questionnaire-2 and the WHO-Five Well-Being Index were administered to assess the athletes’ risk for depression and mental well-being.
Results
Every 7th athlete was at high risk for depression and every 10th athlete showed impaired mental well-being. Adolescent, female and C squad athletes showed a higher risk for depression and/or lower mental well-being than other subgroups.
Discussion
Future studies should focus on adolescent athletes to prevent the manifestation and chronification of depression. Screening tools for depression should be followed up by clinical expert interviews to provide an external criterion for the obtained results.
Publications:
Belz, J., Kleinert, J., Ohlert, J., Rau, T., & Allroggen, M. (submitted). Risk for depression and mental well-being of adolescent compared to adult elite athletes - a representative German sample. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology.
Einfluss von Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen auf Verhaltensregulation im Arbeitskontext
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert
Project Management (contact):
Carolin Krabbe, MSc. Health & Social Psychology (c.krabbe@dshs-koeln.de)
Project description (1st study of the dissertation):
Theoretical background
Research on Organismic integration theory (OIT) in organizational settings typically focuses on the relationship between contextual factors (autonomy support, etc.) and different types of behavioral regulations (BR; e.g. external regulation). Personality, as a possible correlate, has been largely neglected in such investigations.
Study objective
This study examines the relationship between personality traits and different forms of BR at work.
Method
In total, 127 employees completed a scale assessing personality traits and a scale assessing BR at work. Five MANOVAs were conducted to test the main effect of each specific personality trait on the six forms of BR (including interactions with age, gender, employment).
Results
Results indicate that both highly extraverted and highly conscientious individuals show higher levels of autonomous behavioral regulations than individuals low on these traits. Results on neuroticism and agreeableness were inconsistent and the level of openness to experiences was not related to forms of behavioral regulation. Several interaction effects were shown.
Discussion
These results suggest that extraverted and conscientious individuals have specific characteristics, manifested in their integrated self-concept, that allow for autonomous behavioral regulation in the work place. Future studies should test methods to promote internalization considering the differing personality traits.
Publications:
Krabbe, C., Kleinert, J., & Pels, F. (submitted). Work motivation and personality: Big Five relate to behavioral regulation in employees. Journal of Vocational Behavior.
Organismic Integration as a Dynamic Process – Change in Behavioral Regulations in Exercise
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert
Project Management (Contact):
Anna Wasserkampf, MSc. Physical Activity & Health (a.wasserkampf@dshs-koeln.de)
Description
Theoretical Background
Although the health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise engagement are well-known, for many inactive or irregular exercisers these beneficial effects are not sufficient to ensure future participation. People start, stop and reinitiate with exercise after a relapse due to various individual reasons (both external and internal). Getting an insight into these individual reasons and how they might change over time (motivational dynamics) might be especially helpful for tailoring exercise programs to the individual’s needs. Organismic Integration Theory, a sub-theory of Deci’s and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory, postulates a suitable theoretical framework for this dissertation project, given that it helps clarifying the inclination individuals have towards integrating individual reasons for exercise behavior into themselves.
Research Objective
The overall aim of the current project is to shed some light on the dynamics of Organismic Integration Theory. Within the project, it will be looked at in how far exercise behavioral regulations change (whether they change at all), in what direction change occurs (increase, decrease, stability) and at what point in time change might be expected.
Methods (Procedure and Sample)
A systematic literature review of peer-reviewed data sources was carried out first, in order to examine the changeability of exercise behavioral regulations in adults. In a subsequent longitudinal study (6 months), it will be looked at exercise motivational profiles of obese patients and how these relate to exercise behavior 6 months after an inpatient obesity treatment. Lastly, a second longitudinal study (4-6 weeks) will be conducted, targeting the very first weeks after initiating an exercise class, in order to get in insight in motivational dynamics right at the beginning of the behavioral change process of adults.
Interim Results
The systematic literature review revealed that autonomous regulations increase from the first weeks onwards after exercise initiation, with increases seen up to one year. Most studies did not find changes in controlled regulations, although in a few cases changes were observed six weeks after baseline or later. Furthermore, patients who showed full autonomous motivation profiles for exercise were most likely to become active after hospitalization, while those who showed moderate controlled or moderate autonomous motivation regarding exercise, were more likely to remain inactive upon hospitalization.
Transfer(-expectations)
Aligned with the results of aforementioned studies, intervention programs will be developed, which take participants’ motivational profiles into account, thereby ensuring lasting behavior change as well as exercise adherence.