On The Couch: The Psychology of Losing - Indianapolis Colts

Psychology of Sports-Dr Richard Lustberg

What do the Atlanta Braves and Indianapolis Colts have in common? A lot more than you might think. After so many tries and disappointments their lack of attaining the ultimate goal in their respective sports, can no longer be viewed as bad luck, random chance happening or whatever other excuse is offered.

These teams are just not good enough to get over the top. There is some endemic flaw in each team. It has become abundantly clear that both teams have not been configured correctly to be successful in the playoffs.

The expectations for the Colts were so high. It was just weeks ago that they were being compared to the greatest teams of all time.

It is always interesting to see how players, coaches and the media deal with devastating loses.

Psychologically and emotionally the players are devastated. Inside many are angry and frustrated, and it is almost a natural instinct to blame others, especially when others are analyzing the most minute details of your performance.

More than likely you will hear the majority of players say all the right things to the media about their respective teammates, coaches and how they performed.

Perhaps a player will "slip" and make some unfortunate remark. His story will be front page news for weeks, as we have already seen Payton Mannings’ face plastered on every Internet site on the planet, as the media dissects and hovers around his fallen team.

We have already seen a plethora of complaints about the officiating. But a better question to ask is how did they manage to get so far behind in the first place? Or out coached?

Professional athletes are human and self introspection is so difficult. Clinically, people are very self protective and sensitive. Many see and view certain character traits and feelings that we all have to varying degrees (like making a mistake, or being afraid, feeling not good enough, or being defective) as fatal character flaws that need to be expunged, so they deny them and blame others. But they are really just protecting themselves.

Perhaps a better way to psychological recuperation and a more enhancing approach would be for each player-person to look at their own individual performances, and allow for some self-introspection, forgiveness and compassion. If given a chance this direction might allow for true personal and professional growth.

As the playoffs continue to unfold it will be interesting to see how the various teams handle the personal adversity of losing.