Best Advice – Ask The Doctor
Question: What does the FSIQ score mean??
Dr. Macri – Answer:
I received this question from a parent who recently had their child evaluated by the school psychologist. I wrote a full article on this topic that can be found at this link.
Question: Is it okay if I get upset (show overt frustration) on the playing field?
Dr. Macri – Answer:
Emotions are a natural part of sport and life. Consequently, we are going to have varying degrees of positive and negative emotion in response to events that take place on the field. Ideally, we try to promote the skill of emotional regulation. That is, the ability to maintain your composure in spite of bad calls or events.
Questions for further consideration
1) “What is the function of the outburst?” – We need to understand the context in which the behavior occurs. (a) What preceded the outburst? (b) What were the consequences of the outburst? If there were negative consequences, then the athlete needs to increase their emotional regulation skills.
2) Does it assist you in getting “pumped up” to play better? If so, it is not necessarily negative to show overt frustration.
3) What impact does the outburst have on your teammates or opponents? Does the outburst give the opponent a competitive edge against you? Do your teammates rely on you to be calm and resilient when the team is down?
If the answers to your questions lead to “negative consequences”, you may need learn alternative coping responses.
A developing high level athlete can always benefit from learning this skill. A coach can reinforce this mindset, by stating, “Whatever occurs on the field today, you have the ability to tolerate it and respond appropriately. Play your game to the best of your ability for yourself and your team”..
Question: We just moved to Bergen County, New Jersey from California two months ago. My daughter is having a difficult time adjusting to the school. We were in a private school that was competitive academically. Does my child need a psycho-diagnostic evaluation?
Dr. Macri – Answer:
In all sincerity, Bergen County is extremely competitive academically. Even though she may have gone to a competitive parochial school, the local standards may have differed drastically from those we have in New Jersey. You may want to start by comparing a nationally normed test that may have been administered to you daughter in her previous school. Give her some time to adjust, try tutoring in areas of weakness, and communicate your concerns to the school. If there is no improvement, you may want to consider a psycho-diagnostic evaluation.
Question: What mental skill most often needs improvement in sport psychology?
Dr. Macri Answer:
Relaxation training to reduce tension and anxiety. This is usually seen after a negative event occurs in a sport such as missing an important field goal in football, or missed putt in an important golf tournament. It also happens when there is more time to think in a sport where you initiate the action versus reaction
Question: I am getting reports that my child is having difficulty focusing in class. Does he have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Dr. Macri Answer:
In order for your child to have an accurate diagnosis, it needs to be demonstrated in more than one setting. Are you seeing this in the home too? Are other person’s concerned too like a coach in a sport? Keep in mind there is a jump to over-diagnose this condition. Emotional factors can also impact attention, concentration and impulsivity.