Role of the sport psychologist in treating injured athletes: A survey of sports medicine providers

Abstract
Sports medicine physicians were surveyed regarding the role of the sport psychologist in treating injured athletes. Physicians' perceptions of the frequency of psychological problems in conjunction with athletic injuries and the appropriateness of referring injured athletes with various behavioral concerns were assessed. Information on physicians' past psychological referral behavior and satisfaction with such referrals was obtained. Results indicated that the physicians had a moderately positive attitude toward the involvement of sport psychologists in the sports medicine treatment team. Implications of the findings for the practice of sport psychology in sports medicine settings are discussed. Recommendations are given for increasing the level of awareness of the capabilities of sport psychologists in the sports medicine community.