Sport And Exercise Psychology - Websites.rcc.edu

chapterChapter99 Sport and ExercisePsychologySport and ExercisePsychologyRobin S. Vealey

What Is Sport and ExercisePsychology? Sport and exercise psychology involves thestudy of human thought, emotion, andbehavior in physical activity The ABCs of physical activity– Affect: emotions– Behavior: actions– Cognitions: thoughts

Distinction Between Exercise andSport Psychology Exercise PsychologyFocuses on the psychological aspects of fitness,exercise, health, and wellness Sport PsychologyFocuses on the psychological aspects of competitivesport participation

What Does a Sport or ExercisePsychologist Do? University professors(researcher, teacher & service provider) Sport psychology service providers workingin athletic programs (work with athletes andcoaches)– University– Olympic– Professional Exercise psychology service providersworking in worksite health promotion orfitness businesses

Physical Activity Specialist vs.Clinical or Counseling Psychologist Physical Activity SpecialistKinesiology-trained practitioners of sport and exercisepsychology focus on education or the teaching ofskills to enhance the performance or personalfulfillment of individuals involved in sport or exercise. Clinical or Counseling PsychologistsLicensed practitioners who provide psychotherapy andconsultation for individuals with clinical conditionssuch as depression, phobias, or anorexia nervosa.These may include athletes and exercisers.

Goals ofSport and Exercise Psychology1. To understand social-psychological factorsthat influence people’s behavior andperformance in physical activity2. To understand the psychological effectsderived from participation in physicalactivity3. To enhance the sport and exerciseexperience for those who participate inphysical activity

Figure 9.1

Common Uses of Knowledge of Sportand Exercise PsychologyAll professionals in kinesiology use psychologicalknowledge and experience in their jobs every day. Physical education teachers use different forms ofmotivation to “hook” students. Coaches motivate players and nurture strong teamchemistry. Athletic trainers use psychology to help athletesrecover from injuries. Corporate and personal fitness coordinators usepsychology to get people to start and continue physicalactivity programs. Recreational and elite sport managers use strategiesfor effective leadership.

Figure 9.2

History of Sport and ExercisePsychology Late 1800s: Norman Triplett studied the effect ofthe presence of others on bicycling performance. Coleman Griffith era 1960s: Trait personality studies were conductedrelated to sport participation and social facilitationor audience effects on motor performance; nationaland international organizations formed. 1970s: Sport psychology became a legitimatesubdiscipline; graduate programs originated;Rainer Martens pioneered the systematic study ofcompetitive anxiety in sport.(continued)

History of Sport and ExercisePsychology (continued)Modern Sport and Exercise Psychology 1980s: Emergence of exercise psychology, thegrowth of field research, and an explosion of appliedmental training with athletes 1990s: Growth of sport psychology and exercisepsychology subdisciplines continued, professionaltraining standards were implemented, consultingguidelines and ethical standards for exercise wereapproved, and the U.S. Olympic Committee registryof certified professionals was created.

Research Methods in Sport andExercise Psychology Questionnaires: psychological inventories Interviews: in-depth, more complexresponses Observations: behavior checklist or coding Physiological measures: heart rate or brainwaves Biochemical measures: analyze blood orurine Content analysis: analyze written work suchas activity journals

Overview of Knowledge in Sport andExercise PsychologySix main areas: Personality Motivation Energy management Interpersonal and group processes Developmental concerns Intervention techniques for physical activityenhancement

Personality Personality types in sportNo set of traits exists for an “athletic personality,” butsuccessful athletes possess more positive selfperceptions, have stronger levels of motivation, anduse more productive cognitive coping strategies thanless successful athletes do. Personality types in exerciseNo set of traits exists for an “exercise personality,” butpersistent and consistent exercisers are more selfmotivated and confident in their physical abilities thansedentary people.(continued)

Personality (continued) Effects of sport on personalitySport in itself does not build character; moraldevelopment and prosocial behaviors must bemodeled and created in the structure of the program. Effects of exercise on personalityExercise has been shown to produce several benefitsincluding enhanced self-concept and psychologicalwell-being and decreased anxiety and depression.

Motivation Motivation is a complex set of internal andexternal forces that directs and energizesour behavior (choice, effort, andpersistence) in sport and exercise. All humans, regardless of their individualgoals, are motivated to feel competent andself-determining.(continued)

Motivation (continued) Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation Developing intrinsic motivation Using extrinsic reinforcers (rewards) toenhance motivation

Energy Management in Sport andExercise Arousal: A state of physical andpsychological activation or readiness Anxiety: A negative response to a stressfulsituation characterized by apprehensionand feelings of threat Stress: A process in which individualsperceive an imbalance between theirresponse capabilities and the demands ofthe situation

Interpersonal and Group Processesin Sport and Exercise Presence of othersGroup membershipAggressionGender socialization

Developmental Concerns inPsychology of Sport and Exercise Physical activity in children Physical activity in older adults

Intervention Techniquesfor Physical ActivityIntervention techniques in sport andexercise psychology are used to increaseexercise adherence, enhance sportperformance, develop life skills, aid in injuryrehabilitation, and ease career transitionsand retirement from sport.(continued)

Intervention Techniquesfor Physical Activity (continued) Goal settingSelf-talkAttentional control and focusingImageryPhysical relaxation techniques

Burnout Is REAL! Stages– Feelings of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion– Negative moods and feelings (depression, despair) and anegative change in responses to other people– Lack of accomplishment– Disillusioned with involvement; occurs when personalitycharacteristics interact with life stressors Adaptation and staleness Entrapment: lack of enjoyment Preventing burnout– Challenge– Variety of activity

Wrap-Up A young science, developed in the last threedecades Related to sport performance, excellence,and enhancement Related to the adoption and maintenance ofphysical activity behaviors for healthbenefits

Modern Sport and Exercise Psychology 1980s: Emergence of exercise psychology, the growth of field research, and an explosion of applied mental training with athletes 1990s: Growth of sport psychology and exercise psychology subdisciplines continued, profess