Rational Self-talk

The literature concerning the application of rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) with athletes is growing, revealing the myriad ways that REBT can be operationalised in sport settings. In addition, the extant research indicates that irrational beliefs, as defined within REBT, are deleterious for athletes’ psychological wellbeing. Thus, ways in which practitioners can help athletes to reduce irrational beliefs in favour of rational beliefs are particularly valuable. One way that REBT can be operationalised in sport is by the use of self-talk, a notion that has been tested in recent research. The current chapter details REBT theory and practice, linking to self-talk theory and research. The use of self-talk that integrated REBT principles is detailed, and two applied case studies are provided to illustrate this integration.