Chapter 2: Personality in Sport and Exercise

Personality vs disposition?

Personality: Overall organization of psychological characteristics (thinking, feeling and behaving) that differentiates us from others and leads us to act consistently across time and situation.

Disposition: A broad, pervasive, encompassing way of relating to particular types of people or situations.

Think about personality being more character while disposition is used to describe their attitude.

Personality trait def.

a relatively stable characteristic or quality that is a portion of one’s personality.

Psychological trait def.

momentary feelings and thoughts that change depending on the situation and time.

The big five *personality questionnaire*

1. Openness to experience: opposite of closed-mindedness, curious
2. Conscientiousness: achievement striving, self-discipline
3. Extraversion: assertiveness, energetic approach to world
4. Agreeableness: compliance, positive approach toward others
5. Neuroticism: feelings of tension and nervousness

Is there a distinct athlete personality profile?

No

Who uses personality tests? How many are there?

Teams in the NFL, MLB, NFL and other leagues all use personality tests with their athletes.

There are many personality tests being used in sports.

2 types of measurement of personality?

projective and objective tests

Projective tests def. and example

- Subjective open-ended questions

Ex. Rorschach Inkblot Test

Objective test def. and example

- Standardized, individual has choice

Ex. I can usually adapt my behaviour according to who I am with. (True/False)

Profile of Mood States (POMS) def.

An unstable personality test predominantly used in sport personality research

Assess six discrete (or unique) affective states

Tension - Anxiety

Depression - Dejection

Anger - Hostility

Fatigue - Vigour

Confusion - Bewilderment

Most athletes charts look like...

Ethical Considerations in Personality Testing?

- Used to shape professional judgment and behaviour (i.e., confidentiality, integrity, and protection).
- Inform athletes of test nature, use of results and who has access.
- Ensure confidentiality.
- Administered by qualified persons.

4 C's of Mental Toughness and their def.

Challenge: you grow when your challenged, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable

Control: control of emotion, how you talk to teammates

Confidence: confidence in an athlete

Commitment: athletes are committed to reaching goals

2 kinds of passion and def.

Harmonious Passion: engaging in an activity as part of one’s identity and for the pleasure of the activity

Obsessive Passion: a more rigid and uncontrolled urge to engage in activities because of external control of feelings of guilt