Faculty member coauthors chapter in sports psychology text

Christine Weinkauff Duranso, assistant professor of psychological science at the University of North Georgia (UNG), wanted to use a recent authorship opportunity to start a conversation on the mental obstacles facing athletes.

"I was interested in this topic because it spoke to both my personal experiences as a lifelong athlete and as a developmental psychologist who studies exercise," she said.

Duranso wrote about the fear of failure in "Comprehensive Applied Sports Psychology." The book explores the mental and psychological emotions that are at play in the athletic community.

"For athletes, especially those who participate in individual athletic endeavors, performance is under a spotlight and failure is very visible under that spotlight," she said. "Doing your best as an athlete may not be enough, and failing to meet your potential or the expectations of others can be mightily difficult to overcome."

Duranso gave helpful insights as to how sports consultants can use strategies to help athletes combat these emotions.

"The book was written for a graduate-level course in applied sport consulting, but is designed to speak to anyone who works with athletes, or is an athlete themselves," she said. "Coaches and parents, especially, can gain insight into the challenges of optimal athletic performance, and how to help the athlete in their life do their best and truly enjoy the sport in which they are involved."