Managing stress in sports: the Pro•Stress program

Stress in sports has been a major topic of interest, both in terms of research and practical applications. Undeniably, stress can be a decisive factor for athletes' performance and well-being. Thus, those who have the skills to effectively deal with it are much more likely to perform successfully and to positively adapt to stressful situations. However, gaps remain in the literature, namely how researchers and practitioners can help athletes to better manage and deal with the inevitable stressors they will face. This paper addresses these gaps by introducing and detailing the Pro•Stress program, based on the Interactive Model of Human Adaptation to Stress (IMHAS), which aims to promote stress management skills. With a strong theoretical background, this program is structured around the IMHAS and trains participants in dealing with stressor characteristics, improving cognitive appraisal, and promoting positive reactions, thereby leading to more positive adaptative results. This, in conjunction with applied training exercises and highly individualized tutoring, makes Pro•Stress a sound, well-founded option for those interested in stress management.