Sport Psychology: The Basics provides an accessible introduction to the fundamental ideas at the core of the subject. Structured around the notion that sport participants’ behaviour results from the interaction between their own characteristics and the environment, answers key questions such as: What is sport psychology and what do sport psychologists do? What factors affect sporting performance? Which psychological characteristics are associated with achievement in sport? How can performance be improved by using theory? Exploring both theory to practice, case studies are used in each chapter to illustrate how key topics are defined and studied. With a comprehensive glossary of essential terminology and suggestions for further study, Sport Psychology: The Basics will a clear and concise guide to the ways that contemporary sport psychologists address questions about human behaviour in sport. Contents: Part 1: Individual Differences 1. Personality 2. Motivation 3. Arousal, Stress and Anxiety 4. Self-Confidence Part 2: The Environment 5. Competition and Audience Effects 6. Group Dynamics and Cohesion Part 3: Helping Sports Participants and Coaches 7. Psychological Skills Training 8. Behaviour Modification Bibliography Glossary Index About the Author: David Tod has 20 years experience teaching sport psychology and related topics at both graduate and undergraduate level. He has taught in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand and has been involved in module design, delivery, and evaluation at the intra-institution, inter-institution, and national education quality assurance levels. He has also been a practitioner in both the UK and New Zealand, working with various sporting and non-sporting organisations. As well as writing approximately 50 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters, he has written two books aimed at students. |