Sport Psychology

(Image by Davi Sommerfeld via flickr)

What is Sport Psychology?

A recognized specialization within professional psychology, sport psychology draws upon applied theory and research to identify and understand the psychological factors underpinning sport performance and participation. According to The Association for Applied Sport Psychology, this understanding is employed to "educate coaches, athletes, parents, exercisers, fitness professionals, and athletic trainers about the psychological aspects of their sport or activity;" the primary aim of which is to "facilitate optimal involvement, performance, and enjoyment in sport and exercise."

In relation to the practice and profession of sport psychology, Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology) of the American Psychological Association notes that:

"Applied sport psychologists are uniquely trained and specialized to engage in a broad range of activities including the identification, development and execution of the mental and emotional knowledge, skills and abilities required for excellence in athletic domains; the understanding, diagnosing and preventing of the psychological, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and psychophysiological inhibitors of consistent, excellent performance; and the improvement of athletic contexts to facilitate more efficient development, consistent execution and positive experiences in athletes."

Sport Psychology: Inside the Mind of Champion Athletes

Sport Psychology Career Advice

This section contains information links for anybody interested in becoming a sport psychologist, or anybody wanting to find out more about what sport psychologists do. This information will relate predominately to the study and practice of sport psychology in the USA and UK; however, I hope to include related information from other countries in due course.