Sport Psychology
Sport Psychology
Sport Psychology
Sports psychology is the study of how psychological factors influence sports, athletic
performance, exercise, and physical activity. Sports psycholigysts investigate how
participating in sports can improve health and well-being. They also help athletes utilize
psychology to improve their athletic performance and mental wellness.
A sports psychologist doesn't just work with elite and professional athletes either. This type
of professional also helps non-athletes and everyday exercisers learn how to enjoy sports and
ick o an e erci e program The ili e e erci e and a hle ic o enhance people li e and
mental well-being.
History of Sports Psychology
Sports psychology is a relatively young discipline in psychology, the first research lab devoted
to the topic opened in 1925.
The first U.S. lab closed a short while later (in the early 1930s) and American research did not
resume in this area until the late 1960s when there was a revival of interest.
In 1965, the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) was established. By the 1970s,
sports psychology had been introduced as a university course offered at educational
institutions throughout North America.
By the 1980s, sports psychology became the subject of a more rigorous scientific focus.
Researchers began to explore how psychology could be used to improve athletic
performance. They also looked at how exercise could be utilized to improve mood and lower
stress levels.
Types of Sports Psychologists
Just as there are different types of psychologists, such as clinical psychologists,
developmental psychologists, and forensic psychologists there are also different types of
sports psychologists.
Educational Sports Psychologists
An educational sports psychologist uses psychological methods to help athletes improve
sports performance. This includes teaching them how to use certain techniques such as
imagery, goal setting, or self talk to perform better on the court or field.
Clinical Sports Psychologists
Clinical sports psychologists work with athletes who have mental health conditions such as
depression or anxiety. This work involves using strategies from both sports psychology and
psychotherapy.5 A clinical sports psychologist helps athletes improve their mental health and
sports performance at the same time.
Exercise Psychologists
An exercise psychologist works with non-athlete clients or everyday exercisers to help them
learn how to make working out a habit. This work can include some of the same techniques
used by other sports psychologists, such as goal setting, practicing mindfulness, and the use
of motivational techniques.