Page 109 - Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Winter 2014

An Ongoing Series

Performance Psychology as a Key Component

of Human Performance Optimization

Timothy P. Herzog, MS, EdD; Patricia A. Deuster, PhD, MPH

ABSTRACT
The degree of psychological fitness will ultimately im- to “STRAC” (Strategic, Tough, and Ready Around the
pact mission outcomes, so approaches to enhancing it Clock), will ultimately impact mission outcomes. It is
are critical. Performance psychology is one important important to highlight the optimal psychological state
aspect of psychological fitness that fits into the holistic and focus on concrete steps for achieving STRAC (e.g.,
model of human performance optimization. This article mental training), but readily acknowledge the wide
delves into one component of performance psychology: array of barriers and obstacles (e.g., limited sleep, to-
how mental skill training can be applied to improve per- bacco, alcohol, or other substance use, peer and fam-
formance on mission-related tasks. Mental skills train- ily dynamics/interactions, and mental health concerns,
ing provides added internal resources to help meet the such as posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety,
extraordinary external demands that Special Opera- and depression) that can hinder performance. This ar-
tions Forces personnel can face. Relevance in terms of ticle will center on a conceptual framework for mental
the demand-resource model and the positive psychology training as part of a pro-active approach to psychologi-
concept of flow are explained. The application of two cal fitness and HPO for SOF.
specific mental skills—executing a goal-setting process
and using mental imagery to rehearse technical, tacti-
cal, and strategic tasks—will be discussed by using the Significance
example of how to enhance performance when entering Fostering awareness and training of both body and
and clearing rooms. mind are basic to HPO. Importantly, SOF have known
this and, to that end, have implemented various types
Keywords: human performance optimization, psychological of HPO into units; the programs are based on models
fitness, performance psychology from collegiate and professional sports teams, which
typically consist of athletic trainers, performance nutri-
tionists, strength and conditioning specialists, physical
therapists, and also mental performance consultants.
Introduction
Sport psychology, also often retitled as “performance
Human performance optimization (HPO) is the process psychology,” applies various psychological principles to
of applying knowledge, skills, and emerging technolo- multiple contexts where optimal performance also mat-
gies to improve and preserve the capabilities of Special ters. Sport or performance psychology is a natural fit
Operations Forces (SOF) personnel to execute essential with any comprehensive focus on HPO. Applied per-
tasks. Many HPO concepts center on the person and formance psychology can be eclectic, by pulling from
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what is trainable (e.g., awareness and skills). By focus- different psychological theories, but most often uses a
ing on the long-term development of people, rather than cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) model that seeks
“quick fixes,” HPO fosters resilience and is sustainable. to restore or enhance performance, and usually empha-
SOF culture (with emphasis on humans over hardware) sizes (1) training skills to mitigate potential problems,
and principles of HPO are congruent. Optimizing psy- (2) improving resilience, (3) enhancing performance,
chological fitness is one critical component to optimiz- and (4) reducing any stigma associated with getting help
ing human performance. The degree of psychological after problems have developed. In applying a CBT-based
fitness, which could range from “no-go” (deep despair) HPO program to SOF training, the goal is systematic

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