1st Edition
Handbook of Mental Performance Lessons from High Performance Domains
This extensive overview of mental performance optimisation techniques offers both a state-of-the-art reference resource and comprehensive tool for those engaged in the management and implementation of mental performance programs.
The book is written by a combination of academic and operational experts from a wide range of high-performance domains, including the military, space programs, academia, executive coaching and elite athlete coaching, who complement scientific analyses and overviews of current knowledge with their own experience. Divided into three parts, the book begins by providing a broad conceptual framework through which to embed the latter technical content. Part two looks specifically at the interventions, knowledge, skills and techniques needed to improve mental performance for both individuals and teams. The final section pulls together the theory of the previous parts, taking a more practical approach by covering implementation, methodological plans on how to appraise new techniques, lessons learned based on the practical experience of the authors and considerations regarding the necessary learning environment for mental performance improvement.
Pairing an overview of all available neurological, cognitive and psychological interventions aimed at improving mental performance with a review of their implementation, this is a go-to guide for practitioners involved in managing mental performance and program managers looking at the implementation of a mental performance policy across a wide range of domains. It will also be of interest for courses on performance psychology and human performance in both an academic and professional environment.
Part 1: Foundation
1. Introduction
2. Scientific Foundation
Nathalie Pattyn, Jeroen Van Cutsem, Antonio Martin, Robin Hauffa and Joern Ungerer
3. Ideal Performance States: Integrating Physiology, Cognition and Emotion
Martin I. Jones and Paige Mattie
Part 2: Scientific Evidence Base
4. Self-talk, Goal Setting and Visualization
Martin I. Jones and Paige Mattie
5. Restorative Techniques: Mindfulness, Relaxation, Breathing and Yoga
Nathalie Pattyn, Deanna Beech, Jenny Wilhelmsson, Helen Kilding and Adrianna Mendrek
6. Pharmacological Strategies to Improve Mental Performance
Jeroen Van Cutsem and Nathalie Pattyn
7. Neurostimulation Tools and Approaches
Kristin J. Heaton, Caitlin Ridgewell, Jessica Couse and William Neumeier
8. Computer-assisted Cognitive Training tools
Kristin J. Heaton, Audrey Hildebrandt, Nicole Ekon and Erin L. Beatty
9. Biofeedback
Martine Van Puyvelde and Nathalie Pattyn
Part 3: Implementing Mental Performance Training
10. Learning Environment: Systemic Approach
Silvia DeGirolamo, Claus Rønnow Pedersen, Jesper Corneliussen, Anders Kjærgaard and Nathalie Pattyn
11. Team Performance: Mental Performance N+1
Deanna Beech, Heikki Mansikka, Don Harris, Kai Virtanen and Nathalie Pattyn
12. Mental Performance and Mental Health
Robin Hauffa
13. Implementing Mental Performance Programs in Elite Military Units
Paige Mattie, Anders Kjærgaard and Nathalie Pattyn
14. Mental Performance in Extreme Environments (Space and Antarctica): Findings and Countermeasures
Nathalie Pattyn, Susan Charlesworth and Dietrich Manzey
15. Mental Performance Programs in the Corporate World
Aisha Cortoos and Maarten Bocksteins
16. Psychological Support for Olympic Athletes
Paul Wylleman
17. Program Evaluation: How to Determine the Success of an Intervention
Erin L. Beatty, Silvia DeGirolamo and Martin I. Jones
18. Ethical Caveat about Mental Performance Enhancement
Marion Trousselard, Koen Hogenelst and Nicholas Van Den Berg
19. Conclusion
Biography
Nathalie Pattyn, MSc, MD, MPsy, PhD is Human Performance Professor, Royal Military Academy, Belgium, and Invited Researcher at the Université de Montréal, Canada.
Robin Hauffa, MD is a senior psychiatric resident at the Military Hospital in Berlin, Germany and the former Medical Advisor at the German Special Operations Component Command. He also serves as the Human Performance Advisor to the NATO SOF Medicine Development Initiative, Security and Defense Medicine at University College Cork, Ireland.
