Process of Psychological Growth Associated with the Experience of the Yips Using the Trajectory Equifinality Model

摘要

The purpose of this study was to explore the process of positive psychological changes (i.e., psychological growth) with the experience of the yips using qualitative research methods, focusing on positive aspects among the psychological changes with the experience of the yips. We interviewed one baseball player who had experienced the yips in the past and gained data on the psychological growth associated with the yips experience and what is believed to be involved in it. We then used Trajectory Equifinality Model to analyze the data obtained from the interviews. The analysis yielded four categories of psychological growth with the experience of the yips. These results suggest that “psychological conflict and struggle following the experience of the yips”, “intentional and active meaning-making with regard to the yips and throwing”, “social support” and “overcoming the yips” play important roles in their psychological growth.