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Empathy Being a Double-Edged Sword: Friend or Foe?

The poem by Morgan Harper Nichols accurately outlines and encapsulates the true essence of empathy as our strength as it allows us practitioners to guide and support athletes in the best possible manner.

As sport psychologists, we stand ready to open that door, creating a psychologically safe and non-judgemental environment for athletes, where they feel secure and can share their thoughts, vulnerabilities and emotional experiences without any inhibitions.

While we may have never walked in their shoes and have not experienced their challenges first-hand, empathy allows us to deeply understand their emotions, creating a rapport. This connection fosters trust, enabling athletes to open up about their aspirations, struggles and fears.

The ability to try and put ourselves in other people’s shoes and empathize with the fact that their soles are worn, and strength is torn helps us acknowledge the resilience athletes display by conquering their struggles, defeats and heartaches to emerge victorious and resilient. 

More often than not, empathy serves as an invaluable asset in our role as sport psychologists by acting as a trusted friend. Demonstrating empathy helps in building a strong professional relationship that enables clients to feel understood and supported.

Whilst guiding athletes through their emotional turmoil and witnessing their triumphs and them overcoming their struggles has been deeply rewarding, we as psychologists can often find ourselves burdened under the weight of a story we have never lived before. The constant exposure to athletes’ struggles can lead to emotional exhaustion and compassion fatigue, as we may internalize their challenges. Under some circumstances, the very trusted friend can become a “foe” leaving us mentally exhausted.

While we hold the door for them and empathize with all that they have walked through, we might tend to over-identify and believe that the least we can do is understand their struggles and support them in the best possible manner. This can inadvertently impose immense pressure on us, potentially compromising one’s own emotional and psychological well-being.

NEVERTHELESS, a question I have been pondering over for months is – while we step out to rescue the world and empathize with others, how often do we extend the same empathy to ourselves?

From my own personal experience, I’ve come to realise that empathy, the very act of kindness and support, can often result in sport psychologists experiencing exhaustion, compassion fatigue and burnout. My recent recognition and acknowledgment of experiencing burnout has been extremely humbling, as it has served as a reminder that even those of us who offer support must, in turn, support ourselves. After all, we cannot pour out of an empty cup, and neglecting my own well-being was in some ways, diminishing my effectiveness as a sport psychologist.

To conclude, empathy is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it acts as a guiding compass in my interactions with athletes, but on the other hand, it presents some potential pitfalls. We do hold the door, not to walk in athletes’ shoes, but to offer unwavering support, understanding, and guidance. However, it is imperative for us to safeguard ourselves and practice self-care, establish and maintain clear boundaries, cultivate emotional regulation, and empower ourselves by seeking supervision to counteract the challenges that empathy can bring upon us.

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On the Field and Behind the Scenes: Challenges Encountered by Sport Psychologists During Competitions

Peering through the spectator’s lens, it is easy to be captivated by the exhilarating world of sport psychology where professionals accompany athletes to far-flung destinations, bask in the glory of victory, and the cheers of the crowd generates an electrifying aura. While being a sport psychologist is an intriguing and attractive profession, nonetheless, psychologists tend to navigate through a labyrinthine landscape that defies the glimmering facade.  

The current article unveils a gamut of challenges that sport psychologists face amidst competitive chaos, alongside offering recommendations to professionals to consider their own well-being.

Upholding confidentiality in a multi-disciplinary team

Working as a member of the multi-disciplinary team can often become demanding for sport psychologists, especially when it comes to maintaining confidentiality. In organisational settings where the sport psychologist closely collaborates with coaches, physiotherapists and other team members, it is imperative to find adequate balance between information sharing and preserving athletes confidentiality. Therefore, it is essential for practitioners to clearly outline and communicate boundaries regarding confidentiality within the multidisciplinary team.

Under extraordinary circumstances, where essential information needs to be shared with another team member for the athlete’s well-being and development, one should only disclose relevant information of the athlete (i.e., with the player and parental consent) to another member of the team (while respecting privacy and maintaining confidentiality) who requires that specific information to carry out their own responsibilities successfully. For instance, when working with an athlete, sport psychologists often collaborate with medical professionals such as physicians, physiotherapists, or nutritionists. In such cases, sharing specific psychological insights or strategies might be required to ensure a comprehensive approach to the athlete’s well-being and performance.

Incessant attentiveness and consciousness

Being immersed in fast-paced competitive events for extensive hours on the field can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, as it demands heightened alertness and consciousness on part of the sport psychologist. Continuous observations of every athlete’s performance, actively seeking feedback, along with staying attuned to the players’ needs, both individually and collectively, can be mentally and physically draining, impacting the practitioners own performance and well-being. Thereupon, it is crucial for sport psychologists to manage their own energy levels and take frequent breaks to recharge and rejuvenate in order to ensure that they continue to provide adequate support to the athletes.

In addition, when the psychologist travels with the team, stays in the same hotel, and dines with them regularly, such level of familiarity often results in blurred boundaries leaving the practitioner drained. Henceforth, while travelling with the team, it is necessary to fix and communicate clear engagement hours to the players and other support staff to strike a balance between being available to athletes and taking care of one’s own well-being.

Concurrently managing differing emotions

One of the most significant challenges that sport psychologists might experience on-site would be managing the diverse emotional states of athletes simultaneously. Some athletes would be ecstatic and overjoyed after a successful performance, while others would be disappointed and distressed after a loss. Manoeuvring such varying emotions requires one to be highly empathetic, adaptive, and responsive. In the middle of competition madness, providing validation and supporting athletes through their emotional rollercoasters can be emotionally overwhelming and exhausting for the practitioners themselves. Therefore, while being away for competitions, it is important for practitioner’s to stay connected with their social support networks (e.g., colleagues, family and friends) and share their experiences, vent frustration, and seek advice when required. Regular check-ins and communication with friends and family can provide practitioners with emotional support and maintain a sense of connectedness.

Managing one’s own stress in high-pressure and unpredictable situations

The sporting environment is often characterised as stressful, uncertain, and highly competitive and success oriented, both for athletes and the entire support team, including sport psychologists. The heightened stakes and performance expectations creates a highly stressful environment, where psychologists are expected to think on their feet, adjust their interventions last minute, and provide timely support in response to ever-changing circumstances. While sport psychologists provide athletes with adequate tools and strategies to cope with pressure effectively, it is essential for them to adopt similar stress management techniques (e.g., breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling or any other interventions) to manage their own stress levels.

Lack of structured routines and timings, inadequate diet and sleep deprivation

Sport psychologists often operate in environments that follow unpredictable schedules, with matches or events running late or starting earlier than planned. Such lack of structure can easily make it difficult for practitioners to establish consistent routines, resulting in disrupted meal times, irregular breaks, and limited time for rest and self-care.

More often than not, practitioners might find themselves relying on quick and convenient food options or skipping meals altogether. In addition, irregular schedules and long hours on-site can result in inadequate sleep. Consequently, impairing their cognitive functioning, attention, and decision-making abilities, that can further impact their ability to effectively analyse and respond to athletes’ needs.

To mitigate this challenge, it is essential for sport psychologists to consciously prioritise their own self-care and get adequate sleep, proper nutritious meals, and maintain a routine that supports their well-being during hectic competition schedules.

To conclude, while working in the sporting ecosystem is fascinating, the challenges experienced by sport psychologists are plentiful. Practitioners embark on a demanding journey, pouring their energy, expertise and unwavering support into the athletes. Hence, amongst the whirlwind of competition, it is important for sport psychologists to practice what they preach and make sure to pause, take a breath, and prioritise their own well-being.

Here’s a gentle reminder for all practitioners spending extensive hours on-ground:

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first”

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Indian Premier League and the Psychological Challenges within the Bio-bubble

The onset of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season gave rise to a controversy in the country with constant debates on whether the IPL should go on as India continued to battle the second wave of the COVID-19 apocalypse. Many experts, sports enthusiasts, commentators, and fans came forward and voiced their opinions and sentiments, before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indefinitely suspended the IPL after some cricketers and sporting personnels tested positive.

Some believed that with the devastation and suffering that overwhelmed the country, the very need of a sporting celebratory event at a time like this was questionable and inappropriate. They contended that the decision for IPL to continue was unempathetic,  tone-deaf, irrelevant and should not have continued, out of respect for what was happening in the country. While the IPL provided a sense of job security and supported livelihoods of many, the critics felt that the COVID-19 resources such as testing facilities, ambulances etc. were needed for the general public of the country rather than being exclusively reserved for the tournament.

On the contrary, some individuals were of the opinion that the IPL gave it’s viewers relief from the grim situation outside. For instance, cricket commentator and former player, Hemant Kenkre remarked, “This is the only entertainment you have during the lockdown” and added that the IPL was a stress buster for the fans and distracted them from the distressing news on social media platforms. Similarly, Pat Cummins, an Australian cricketer posted on Twitter outlining that,“playing the IPL while the population is in lockdown provides a few hours of joy and respite each day at an otherwise difficult time for the country.”

The second wave of COVID-19 has struck India like a tsunami, not only impacting the population physically, but has also had a detrimental impact on the psychological well-being of individuals. With near and dear ones getting affected, the daily surge in the number of positive cases, and alarming fatalities has undoubtedly given rise to panic and hysteria along with feelings of stress, anxiety, worry, fear, and hopelessness. Further, living in a collectivistic society like India, that thrives on social interaction and support, now being devoid of human connection with everyone staying indoors to safeguard themselves has resulted in a sense of isolation and loneliness.

However, in the current unprecedented situation, the IPL has been a silver lining and a coping mechanism for many individuals to manage the adverse effects of the lockdown, as they continued to remain in the confines of their homes. It provided individuals of all age groups with some form of entertainment. Moreover, some people engaged and built their Dream 11 teams (i.e., fantasy sports platform) that allowed them to interact with friends and family from their respective residences, and at the same time feel connected with one another.

While the IPL stars kept us entertained through these difficult times, the current article explores some of the psychological challenges that the cricketers might have faced while being in the bio-bubbles away from their family and friends.

Difficulty in adapting to the bubble

Though the sporting authorities and organisations made all the possible efforts to create a physically safe and secure bio-bubble for the athletes to compete in, nonetheless, the adjustment to the bubble seemed to be mentally challenging for many of them. Being restricted to a common space allowed teammates to bond, but at the same time it turned out to be challenging.

For instance, Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell stated, “It is very difficult. The stresses around that, especially when you are travelling, you are stuck in kind of a nightmare where you are reliving the same day over and over again. You start to become a bit sheltered from the outside world and you sort of forget how to have normal conversations with people outside. That can be very hard mentally and it is something which is a massive challenge for the cricketers.” His Indian teammate, Virat Kohli, reiterated stating, “It does get difficult at times because it is repetitive.”

Being away from one’s family for long periods of time also made adjusting to bio-bubbles extremely difficult for players. For instance, David Warner voiced, “The past six months has been quite challenging in itself getting used to these bubbles and not having the family with me.”

On top of everything else, performing in empty stadiums while a thick, grey soot engulfed the country could have a major psychological impact on the well-being of athletes along with impacting  their performances.

Bubble fatigue

The strictness of the tough and tight environment and being cut off from the outside world except for maintaining contact with loved ones through a screen (e.g., Zoom calls) and social media resulted in athletes experiencing “bubble fatigue”.

For example, Rajasthan Royals batting all-rounder Liam Livingstone flew back to England in the middle of the IPL season as he could not withstand the strict bio-bubble and cited that he experienced “bubble fatigue accumulated over the past year“. Similarly, Dawid Malan stated, “The other thing about bio-secure bubble is because people are not doing anything for a long period of time, more stuff gets thrown in. You have more meetings. You do more catch-ups. It actually tires you out a lot more mentally – the fact that you are constantly having to do stuff. That’s just not here (IPL) but in every bio-bubble we are in. There’s always something because whoever it is, he feels we need to get together all the time. Being away from cricket and being able to keep the mind away from things probably helps you more.”

Fear of contracting the virus

As the second wave of COVID-19 continued to spread like wildfire in India, the carefully created and monitored bio-bubbles did not seem to be disconnected from the horrific war like situation in the country, as the fear of contracting the virus gripped the cricketers, with some of them deciding to fly back home.

The Australian trio of Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, and Kane Richardson chose to withdraw mid-way from the IPL season stating personal reasons as crises continued to grow in India. While Ravichandran Ashwin, Indian cricketer at Delhi Capitals disclosed that he was leaving the IPL to support his family as they battled with COVID-19. 

To keep the anxiety of players at bay, the BCCI ramped up it’s bio-bubble safety measures by scheduling frequent tests at IPL venues. However, the panic surged as COVID-19 penetrated through the safety shield and disrupted the momentum of the tournament. Initially, two cricketers from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team – spinner Varun Chakravarthy and medium pacer Sandeep Warrier, contracted the virus. Soon after, the support staff of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) tested positive, along with more players from different teams joining the list.

The entry of the virus into the bio-bubble resulted in undeniable fear creating havoc and finally indefinite suspension of the tournament.

Trapped in a foreign country

Amidst the hysteria, the Australian Prime Minister’s sudden announcement on asking the Australian cricketers to make their “own arrangements” to return to their country, as they decided to close the borders due to the COVID-19 surge in India, did not help matters and aggravated their fears.

For instance, the KKR cricketer, David Hussey commented, “Everyone’s sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia”. I dare say there’ll be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia.” Further, Andrew Tye, an overseas player who withdrew from the tournament said, “I just thought I’d get on the front foot and get home before I got locked out of the country…”

While the athletes battled with their own fears and apprehensions in the confinement of their bio-bubbles, some joined to fight India’s battle against Covid-19 by either donating money or by sending out messages to fans, acknowledging the threatening situation outside the bio-bubbles.

Eoin Morgan, KKR’s captain, urged people to stay at home and strictly follow safety protocols of wearing masks and washing hands. In his message he added, “these are tough times for the world. Having seen it first hand at home, how devastating it can be, on behalf of KKR, we wish everybody who is ill well. But ultimately if we stick together, we can beat this thing.”

Hence, during these difficult times the following Nelson Mandela’s quote holds true:

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”

To conclude, in the current article, the psychological challenges of the bio-bubble were identified and outlined by the authors based on the articles and comments of cricketers shared in the media. However, to counter the psychological difficulties of the bio-bubbles, gaining a comprehensive understanding around players’ experiences within the safety net, will allow sporting authorities to create a psychologically safe and secure environment for them. This standpoint was emphasized by Paddy Upton, former mental conditioning coach of India cricket team, who urged the world sporting bodies, including the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the BCCI, to understand the impact bio-bubbles have on athletes, in order to minimize its negative effects.

Image credit: Vecteezy

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Nainika Seth, Trainee Sport & Performance Psychologist with an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Loughborough University, UK.