CHAPTERS 1,2,3

Define sport and exercise psychology. What are their various roles and responsibilities.

Sport and exercise psychology is the study of psychological factors that influence and are influenced by participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity. It applies psychological principles to improve athletic performance, enhance well-being, and promote physical activity.

Clinical sport psychologist

have extensive training in psychology, so they can detect and treat individuals with emotional disorders

Educational sport psychology specialists

have extensive training in sport and exercise science, physical education, and kinesiology, and they understand the psychology of human movement, particularly as it relates to sport and exercise contexts.

What are the three roles of the sport and exercise psychologist.

1. Conducting research

2. Teaching

3. Consulting

Define evidence based practice. Know the three components of it

the Best Research Evidence with Clinical Expertise and Patient Values & Preferences to

Define a theory

a set of interrelated facts that present a systematic view of some phenomenon in order to describe, explain, and predict its future occurrences.

Study

: may involve observation, surveys, case studies, or archival research. It does not necessarily involve manipulation of variables

Experiment

: A specific type of study that involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships. The researcher changes one or more variables (independent variables) and observes the effects on other variables (dependent variables).

The advantage of an experiment.

• Control variable

• Randomize assignment

• Predictive power

• Replication

Qualitative data

is non-numerical and describes qualities or characteristics. It is used to capture the subjective experiences, emotions, opinions, or behaviors of participants. This type of data is often gathered through interviews, focus groups, observations, and open-ended survey questions.

Quantitative data

is numerical and can be measured, counted, or statistically analyzed. It involves collecting data that can be represented in numbers and used to test hypotheses or examine relationships between variables.

Define personality and nature/nurture

• Personality is a complex trait that is influenced by both nature and nurture:

• Nature

  Refers to biological factors, such as genetics, that influence a person's physical, emotional, and intellectual traits.

• Nurture

  Refers to environmental factors, such as learning and experiences, that influence a person's traits. 

Know Martens personality structure. Psychological Core

This is the most stable and inner-most layer of personality. It represents an individual's basic beliefs, values, attitudes, and self-concept.

Know Martens personality structure. Typical Responses

These are an individual’s usual ways of responding to different situations. They reflect habitual behaviors, how a person generally interacts with others or reacts to certain environments.

Know Martens personality structure. Role-Related Behavior

This is the most changeable aspect of personality and involves how a person behaves in specific social roles or situations. It is influenced by the context, expectations, and social environment.

Interactional Approach-

This approach combines both personality traits and situational factors to predict behavior. It suggests that behavior is a result of the interaction between an individual’s traits and the environment they are in.

Why Sport Psychologists Use It: It accounts for the dynamic and changing nature of sports environments. Athletes' performances are influenced not only by their stable traits but also by the demands

Phenomenological Approach:

Similar to the interactional approach, but with a stronger emphasis on how the individual perceives and interprets the situation. The focus is on the athlete’s subjective experience and personal understanding of themselves and their environment.

Why Sport Psychologists Use It:This approach is useful because it addresses both the internal mindset (how an athlete interprets pressure, success, failure) and the external factors. It helps sport psychologists tailor interventions based on the athlete's self-perceptions

Biopsychosocial Approach (Emerging Approach):

• This approach integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to explain personality. It suggests that personality is influenced by the complex interplay between genetics, mental processes, and social environments.

  Why It's Emerging in Sport Psychology: Although still new, this approach offers a holistic view of athletes by integrating multiple dimensions of their experiences. However, its application in sport psychology is still developing as more research is needed to better understand its practical uses in sports contexts.

Openness to experience

A person's imagination, curiosity, and willingness to try new things

Conscientiousness:

refers to how disciplined, organized, and goal-directed a person is.

Extraversion

describes how outgoing, energetic, and sociable a person is.

Agreeableness

refers to how cooperative, kind, and empathetic a person is.

Neuroticism:

reflects emotional stability and how prone a person is to experiencing negative emotions like anxiety, anger, or depression.

Athletes vs. Non-Athletes:

• Athletes generally display greater resilience, extroversion, and motivation.

Male vs. Female Athletes

Males more competitive, females more emotionally expressive; females may experience higher pre-game anxiety.

Team vs. Non-Team Athletes

Team athletes are more extroverted and cooperative; non-team athletes are more self-reliant and autonomous.

Trait:

• is a stable, enduring characteristic or quality that a person consistently exhibits over time and across various situations.

• Nature: Traits are considered part of a person’s personality and do not change easily.

State:

• refers to a temporary condition or feeling that can fluctuate based on the situation or environment. It is more transient and context-dependent.

• Nature: States are short-term emotional or mental experiences that can change quickly depending on circumstances.

Know the considerations when measuring/assessing personality.

Do’s

Use validated, reliable tools

Explain the purpose of the assessment

Consider the context (sport and level of competition

Use multiple methods for a comprehensive assessment

Ensure confidentiality and ethical use of results

Provide constructive feedback to the athlete

Know the considerations when measuring/assessing personality.

Don’ts

Don’t use tests for selection or labeling

Don’t overinterpret results as definitive

Don’t rely solely on self-reports

Don’t assume one test fits all athletes

Don’t ignore cultural and individual differences

Don’t use personality tests as the only measure of performance or mental health

Personality assessments (Iceberg measure) alone have not proved to be accurate predictors of athletic success

While personality assessments like the Iceberg Profile can provide valuable insights into an athlete's psychological makeup, they should not be the sole determinant of athletic success. A holistic approach that includes both psychological and physical factors is essential for accurately predicting performance and fostering athlete development.