Precarious and vulnerable work: The experiences of applied sport psychologists.

Abstract\nLay summaryThis article analyzes the vulnerable and precarious nature of applied sport psychology practice. Adopting a longitudinal approach over an 18-month period, data were collected through 41 semi-structured interviews with six applied sport psychologists working across soccer, swimming, and athletics. Interviews took place at 6–8 week intervals, and transcripts were iteratively analyzed with Kalleberg’s theorization of precarity and Kelchtermans’ writings around vulnerability adopted as the primary heuristic devices. Four themes were identified, highlighting how: (a) “precarious employment conditions”; (b) “constrained decision making”; (c) “challenges to demonstrating impact”; and (d) “contrasting beliefs of appropriate practice” typified practitioners’ applied experiences. Our findings and analysis advance discussions about the precarious nature of applied sport psychology work by recognizing some of the inherent structural vulnerabilities that characterize the role. Insights developed from this research have important implications for the profession, including the preparation, development, employment and ongoing support of its workforce.This study explores the challenges faced by sport psychology practitioners, highlighting the limited availability of paid, full-time opportunities, a lack of control over working conditions, and difficulties in demonstrating impact. The findings carry significant implications for the profession, particularly in terms of preparing, developing, employing, and providing ongoing support to applied practitioners. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICEIncreased awareness of the precarious and vulnerable nature of applied sport psychology work can lead to better preparedness of practitioners for the challenges they may face.Educating practitioners about navigating micro-political environments can enhance their effectiveness in working with athletes and teams.Understanding the importance of employment contracts can empower practitioners to negotiate more appropriate terms and improve their professional standing within the field.Increased awareness of the precarious and vulnerable nature of applied sport psychology work can lead to better preparedness of practitioners for the challenges they may face.Educating practitioners about navigating micro-political environments can enhance their effectiveness in working with athletes and teams.Understanding the importance of employment contracts can empower practitioners to negotiate more appropriate terms and improve their professional standing within the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]