What is sport psychology?
Sport
psychology is the scientific study of people and their behavior
in sport and exercise activities and the practical application of
that knowledge.
What
do sport psychologists do?
Sport psychologists seek to understand and help elite
athletes, children and average participants achieve peak performance,
personal satisfaction and personal development through participation.
A good way to think of a sport psychologist is as a "mental
coach" who educates athletes about psychological skills and
helps with character development.
Arousal (anxiety) management, confidence development, improved communication,
the use of imagery and relaxation are some of the areas sport psychologists
address.
Why
do people contact a sport psychology professional?
-
To
improve performance.
This is the most common reason for consulting a sport psychology
professional. In general, performance may be enhanced through
the teaching of mental strategies that either refine the practices
of effective performances or help other performers overcome obstacles
that prevent them from reaching their potential.
-
To
deal with the pressures of competition. Athletes at all levels
seek help with the pressures of competition. Such pressures may
stem from parental and/or expectations as well as the athlete's
own expectations regarding performance.
-
To
enhance the experience of youth sport participation. Youth
sport organizations may employ a sport psychology professional
to educate coaches about how to increase the satisfaction and
enjoyment of participants and about the coaches' role in promoting
the development of healthy self-esteem.
-
To
receive guidance in dealing with life challenges. Concerns
with personal problems can adversely effect exercise and athletic
performance. People often find that meeting with a psychologist
helps to put things in perspective and allows for greater satisfaction
in life, career and time management.
What
services can a sport psychologist provide?
-
Providing
information about the role of psychological factors in sport, exercise,
and physical activity to individuals, groups and organizations.
They may, for example, assist with teamwork, communication, or program
development and evaluation.
-
Teaching
participants specific mental behavioral, social and emotional control
skills for sport. They might, for example, focus on relaxation,
concentration, self-talk or the use of image.
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