One size should not fit all: An individualised approach to enhancing talent development environments

The talent development literature emphasises the development of performer characteristics to facilitate achievement and progression. Whilst this may lead to short-term success, investing in the environment fosters sustained development. However, interventions to improve the environment have typically been group-based, neglecting individual differences. We adopted a novel individualised approach to enhancing the talent development environment of a regional rugby union team. Employing a pre- and post-test design, we used the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire-5 (TDEQ-5) to assess player perceptions (n = 7, Mage = 21.9, SD = 2.7) of their environment. Psychosocial player profiles were developed through psychological formulations to inform bespoke interventions. TDEQ-5 change scores assessed intervention effectiveness, and a 2 (Item; targeted, non-targeted) × 2 (Test; pre, post) fully repeated-measures ANOVA compared the impact on targeted versus non-targeted TDEQ-5 aspects. Results showed significant improvement in all environment aspects post-intervention, with a significant interaction between test and item type (F(1, 6) = 49.75, p < .001, η² = .89). These findings suggest that individualised interventions tailored to individual needs enhanced key elements of the environment. The study highlights the value of an individualised approach to enhancing talent development environments and demonstrates how addressing inter-individual variability can underpin intervention effectiveness.