Athlete Mental Health and Performance Optimization: The Optimum
Performance Program for Sports (TOPPS)introduces TOPPS, which provides
structured protocols to assist with recruitment, engagement, screening,
assessment and performance optimization. The book presents step-by-step
instructional guidelines, real-world case examples, screening and
assessment questionnaires, scoring instructions, intervention handouts
and worksheets that complement intervention. TOPPS has demonstrated
significantly improved relationships with teammates and coaches,
decreased substance use and psychiatric symptoms, and decreased factors
interfering with sport performance. These results have been sustained in
follow-up and has been shown to have improved outcomes regardless of
mental health diagnostic severity.
The Book's first three chapters introduce performance optimization
orientation, theories and evidence supporting TOPPS, general assessment
and intervention approaches, psychometrically-validated measures and
strategies used to address culture, methods of establishing a culture of
optimization and requisite infrastructure within the respective system,
and therapeutic style, techniques and implementation strategies.
Remaining chapters show how to implement TOPPS.