- Relatively new field – dates back to late 19th, early 20th century.
- Norman Triplett – social facilitation
- Coleman Griffith – first systematic sport psychology research (1920-1940)
- Emergence of sport psychology as a discipline (1965-1975)
- Exercise becomes a significant focus in 1980’s
Brief History of Sport Psychology
Dr. Sean Mullen
CENTRAL THEME:
B = f (P,E)
B = behavior in sport & exercise settings
P = personal or individual difference factors
E = environmental or situational factors
(= interactive approach or a social/cognitive research orientation)
TWO MAJOR QUESTIONS:
- How do social and psychological variables influence participation and performance in sport & exercise?
- How does participation in sport & exercise affect the psychological well-being of the individual?
Motivation
Challenges facing sport psych today:
- What is "evidence-based practice"?
- Licensure vs. certification
- Life-span & diversity issues
- Innovation, new applications & contexts
A little history
What is Sport & Exercise Psychology?
The scientific study of human behavior in sport and exercise, and the practical application of that knowledge in sport and exercise settings (Gill, 2000).
- Why participate, continue, drop out?
- When is performance facilitated?
- How do parents, coaches, peers, & others affect children’s physical activity behavior?
- What environmental conditions maximize positive outcomes to participants?
Performance