Write a report identifying appropriate psychological theories and explanations addressing the following:
1. a discussion and explanation of the causes and remedies of the type of conflict we have seen between Caroline and Nicola
2. a discussion and explanation of what contributes to successful creative collaborations that could be applied to other athletes at Acro.
The focus is on answering the two points in relation to the information available in the scenario, and your understanding of psychological theory.
Scenario
Acro gymnastics is a team sport whereby gymnasts execute group skills whilst balancing and holding their own and each other’s weight in complex positions. Think of a human pyramid, but much more advanced. Gymnasts choreograph their own routines, and creativity and flair score very high.
John Mulhern, Head Coach of Scottish Acro Gymnastics is facing the biggest challenge of his coaching career so far: the
Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships is in two months, but his biggest hope of a gold medal, superstar team Caroline
and Nicola (who are also a couple), are experiencing tension.
With such high stakes, John receives permission from British Gymnastics to hire a sports psychologist. Imagine that you are
that psychologist and you have received the following email from John. He hopes your advice will not only help Caroline and Nicola, but future partnerships too.