Abstract

The development and ultimate credibility of sport psychology will be influenced by its degree of success in responding to standards of scientific and public accountability. Spurred in part by credentialing considerations, the field is presently in an important period of self-definition, a process that will influence the nature of future training programs. Drawing upon the history of clinical psychology training, the implications of training models for the integration of scientific and applied training are discussed. It is concluded that better training in idiographic research and assessment methodology is needed if the preferred scientist-practitioner model is to be successfully implemented in sport psychology. Also discussed as a contemporary accountability issue are the marketing and dissemination of untested self-help programs by sport psychologists. In the absence of preliminary evidence for their efficacy when presented in a self-help format, it cannot be assumed that such programs will be effective, and there is evidence that adverse effects can sometimes result. Measures that may be taken to enhance accountability in this area are discussed. Verf.-Referat