Personality in Sport

A set of vocabulary flashcards related to personality and its various aspects within the context of sports psychology.

Personality

The unique combination of characteristics and traits that make each individual distinct.

Psychological States

Temporary, situation-dependent feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that can change rapidly depending on the context.

Neuroticism

A personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety and tension.

Extraversion

A personality trait characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and an energetic approach to life.

Conscientiousness

A personality trait characterized by discipline, organization, and goal-oriented behavior.

Trait Theory

A theory that suggests behavior in sport can be predicted based on an athlete's personality traits.

The Big Five Personality Traits

A widely recognized model of personality traits comprising Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Psychodynamic Psychology

A psychological approach focusing on unconscious motives shaping behavior, including the tripartite structure of personality: Id, Ego, Superego.

Humanistic Psychology

A psychological approach that focuses on personal responsibility and growth, emphasizing self-actualization.

Interactional Approach

A concept exploring the interaction between personality, the environment, and performance.

Cognitive Behavioral Approach

A psychological approach focusing on learning through observation and social reinforcement, including the distinction between trait anxiety and state anxiety.

Risk Taking

Engaging in riskier behaviors in sports to push boundaries and achieve success.

Perfectionism

The striving for flawlessness characterized by adaptive (realistic and disciplined) and maladaptive (unrealistic and self-critical) standards.

Mental Toughness

The ability to remain focused, resilient, and confident under pressure.

Attentional Style

The way athletes focus on internal vs. external cues and broad vs. narrow fields of attention.

Stress Regulation

The ability to remain calm under pressure, influenced by conscientiousness and neuroticism.

Personality Testing

Assessments used by coaches and psychologists to understand an athlete’s traits and inform training and support.