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Sport and Exercise Psychology
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Sport and Exercise Psychology



May 2011 | 240 pages | Learning Matters
This is a comprehensive and accessible text on exercise and sport psychology for students on sport science/sport and exercise science degrees. It adopts an integrated, thematic approach and covers all the required theory, concepts and research, accompanied by case studies to illustrate the applied nature of the material being covered. The book is split into two major sections, covering exercise psychology and sport psychology, and each chapter supports students as they progress from clear introductory material to more advanced discussions.
 
Introduction to sport and exercise psychology
 
Part 1: Exercise psychology
 
Physical inactivity: effects and determinants
 
Physical inactivity: the role of the self
 
Becoming active: models and motives
 
Changing and maintaining physical activity
 
Being active: negative effects
 
Being active: harmful effects
 
Part 2: Sport psychology
 
Training for competition: individual factors
 
Training for competition: social factors
 
Coping with competition pressure
 
Coping with adversity: injury and burnout
 
Achieving peak performance and excellence in competition
 
Putting it all together: applying sport psychology
 
Answers to Learning Actvities

'Clear definitions of scientific concepts are presented throughout and highlighted together with discussions relating to strengths and limitations. In addition, conflicting research is presented and reflected upon. The learning activities challenge the reader's way of thinking and problematizing around both method and content. Other valuable educational approaches are case studies, which make the text more interesting and facilitate a deeper learning approach, as well as suggested further reading for students who want more information and depth....To conclude Sport and Exercise Psychology is well worth reading. As a reader you will find the content slightly different from the mainstream sport and exercise psychology literature and with a strong focus on critical reflection....Is especially well suited for the reader that has a genuine interest in understanding the science behind sport and exercise psychology'
Sofia Bunke
Department of Psychology, Lund University


Though I believe this is a valuable Sport Psychology book, as an introductory text for students, I believe it is not a good choice. It focuses too heavily on motivation without explaining overall concepts of basic sport psychology in a usable manner. I will recommend it as a recommended reading, but do not plan to use it as the main text.

Ms Sheenia Stuart
Science Math Division, Western Wyoming Cmty College
October 27, 2021

This another great book from the series. It explains the theories well, while allowing a chance for higher level learners to go more indepth and stretch themselves.

Mr Alex Leach
Department of Sport & Exercise Science, Bridgwater College
August 5, 2015

Some great topics that I have been able to use within a class that is predominantly struggling with seeing itself as a sport. This has helped them to understand the concepts of the 'why' and question their own performance.

Mrs Susan Schofield
Equine, Myerscough College
June 25, 2015

The book uses very good learning activities which the students will find useful. I will be recommending this book as reading material for students on our course.

Thank you
John

Mr John Byrne
School of Business & Humanities, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
June 22, 2015

This book provides a good overview of the key concepts of both sport and exercise psychology. I will be recommending it as an introductory book for MSc students as it is integrates theory and practice well through the use of case study examples that are based in the UK.

Mrs lindsay woodford
School of Psychology, University of The West of England
November 23, 2015

Will be recommended to all my 2nd and 3rd year sport and exercise psychology students.

Mr Paul Russell
Dept of Business Studies, Bolton University
December 10, 2014

This text is highly recommended for any student studying key aspects of sports psychology from A-level upwards. There are frequent references to case studies throughout the book to show the application of key theories as well as recommended further reading at the end of each chapter and learner activities with an answers section at the back. The book looks at many relevent issues in modern day society, which is why it is of keen interest to students currently studying this topic. Theories surrounding inactivity and the factors affecting low participation rates are dealt with in detail as well as strategies for "modelling" and changing attitudes and behaviour towards sport and exercise, which is a key area of study for modern day sports psychology students. The book also balances the debate out by looking at the negative effects of exercise ranging from the impact of the media and the "unattainable dream" to muscle dysmorphia, OCD's and eating disorders. The second half of the book deals primarily with slef-confidence and competitive training and again covers all key theories and regularly applies it to case studies and sports specific examples such as incidences of choking and over-arousal. The book finishes with a very good section on the practical applications of the theories mentioned as well as psychological techniques that can be employed to benefit athletes.

Mr James Morris
PE and Sport, New College Pontefract
July 4, 2014

This book provides an extension to the information provided in current textbooks thus offering learners the opportunity to add more depth to assignments and achieve higher grades. It also allows for differentiation in sources of information thus allowing learners to adopt a differing view and gain a broader knowledge of the subject area.

Mr John Harrison
Care, Sport and Leisure, Tyne Metropolitan College
April 23, 2014

Some key theories and issues discussed, again in a good format suited to level three.

Miss Francesca Bousfield
Care, Sport & Leisure, Tyne Metropolitan College
August 14, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 10: Coping with competition pressure


Joanne Thatcher

Joanne Thatcher is a lecturer at Aberystwyth University. More About Author

Mel Day

Melissa Day is Senior Lecturer at the University of Chichester More About Author

Rachel Rahman

Dr. Rachel Rahman is a Lecturer in the School of Psychology at Aberystwyth University. Her area of specialism is exercise motivation and behaviour and she has presented her research at national conferences. She has produced commissioned reports for the NHS trust and County Council and has worked on research projects funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Ramblers’ Association and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. More About Author

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ISBN: 9781844458394
£35.99