Sport and Exercise Psychology ‘Psychology is the study of the behaviour of individuals’

What is Sports Psychology? Definitions: ‘The effect of sport itself on human behaviour’ (Alderman, 1980) ‘The Mental Management of Physical Resources’ (Dr Judith Goss)

Individual Differences AREA 3 SPORT PSYCHOLOGY Individual Differences

Personality

Learning Objectives To be able to explain the three main Personality theories: Trait Theory Social learning theory Interactionists Learners should demonstrate an understanding of personality types: extrovert, introvert and neurotic, Type A and Type B and how they can potentially impact on sporting performance.

Personality Defined Hollander (1971) “the sum of the individuals characteristics which make him unique. Eysenck (1960) ‘more or less stable and enduring organisation of a persons character, temperament, intellect and physique which determines the unique adjustment to the environment.’ Characteristics of a personality (A Trait). It is Innate to us/ We are Born with it/ Inherit it genetically from our parents It is a Stable disposition (It doesn’t change) It is Enduring to us i.e. it stays with us throughout our lives.

Exploring Personality & Sport There are 3 questions that psychologists try and answer when researching personality and sport: Are certain personalities suited for certain sports? Can we change our personalities to suit our sport environment? Do we need certain personalities to be successful in sport? Can we identify a personality type common to all sports performers

The Trait Approach: What is a Trait? Characteristics of a personality (A Trait). It is Innate to us/ We are Born with it/ Inherit it genetically from our parents It is a Stable disposition (It doesn’t change) It is Enduring to us i.e. it stays with us throughout our lives. According to the trait approach Behaviour (B) is a function (F) of our personality traits (P) that we are born with and genetically inherit from our parents. i.e. B=F(P) Certain sports attract certain personalities.

Eysenck’s Personality Inventory Eysenck identified four primary personality traits or types. These personality types are arranged on a two dimensional model. Personality Type or primary trait Characteristics/ Description of personality Type Extrovert Affiliates well with other people/ good leadership qualities Outgoing, Sociable, talkative, Loud Becomes aroused more slowley than introverts Introvert Tends to be shy and reserved Prefers isolation from others Becomes aroused more quickly than extroverts Neurotic Displays extreme an unpredictable emotions (mood swings) Their moods are unreliable They experience high degrees of stress Stable Displays predictable emotions in appropriate situations Their moods are predictable They tend not to experience intense stress

Eysenck’s Personality Test Task 3: Complete the online test using the link below Eysenck Personality Test Plot yourself on Eysenck’s Inventory

Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors Cattell devised the 16PF questions to measure how much of each trait a person shows. Individuals give themselves a STEN score for each of the 16PF to give their profile

Narrow band approach Type A Type B Impatient Relaxed Competitive Lack competitive instinct Strong desire to succeed Unambitious Prone to suffer stress Less prone to stress

Problems With Trait Theories View Behaviour as more predictable than it really is Doesn’t take in to account people adopting behaviour in response to environment No difference between performance standards in players and different personality traits Too Generalised Particular sports don’t attract particular personalities

Social Learning Theory Behaviour = Function of Environment (B=F(E)) Imitate the behaviour of others through observation New behaviours are acquired when endorsed through social reinforcement

Social Learning Theory Learn by watching others Significant others: Similar to us (age, sex, attitude, play the same sport) Powerful, high status (parents, teachers, coaches, role models) Caring (parents, friends, coaches, team-mates) Rewarded for behaviour (success, trophies)

Sheldon’s Biological Theory William Sheldon classified personality according to body type. He called this a person’s somatotype. Sheldon proposed a theory about how there are certain body types ("somatotypes") that are associated with certain personality characteristics.

Sheldon identified three main Somatotypes: Sheldon's Somatotype Character Shape Picture Endomorph relaxed, sociable, tolerant, comfort-loving, peaceful plump, buxom, developed visceral structure Mesomorph active, assertive, vigorous, combative muscular Ectomorph quiet, fragile, restrained, non-assertive, sensitive lean, delicate, poor muscles

Personality Profiling or Measurement

Learning Objectives: - To understand the process of Personality profiling: a basic understanding through the use of: Questionnaires such as Cattell’s 16PF (Personality Factor), SCAT – Martens Sports Competition Anxiety, Eysencks EPI, Profile of Mood States (POMS) Coach Observation Interview The benefits and limitations of personality profiling,

Personality Testing There are three ways to assess an individuals personality: Interview Observation Self Report Questionnaire

Personality Testing Each method has its advantages and disadvantages These can be overcome by using as many different methods as possible E.g. following up an interview with a questionnaire

Interviews Does have advantages Using open ended interview doesn’t limit the responses the participants give. You may discover aspects of personality not included on restricted forms of assessment such as questionnaires

Disadvantages What do you think are the disadvantages of this form of testing? Quality of info depends on the interviewer The subject How the info is interpreted

Questionnaires Most popular method of personality testing. Examples include: Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI; Eysenck and Eysenck, 1968) Cattell 16 Personality Factor (16 PF; Cattell, 1946) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI; Hathaway and McKinley, 1943)

Advantages & Disadvantages They are relatively easy to administer and to mark Results are more likely to be reliable and valid as they are objective. Disadvantages – Subject reliability

Observation Sometimes it is not necessary to administer a questionnaire or interview It is possible to infer and individuals personality from the way they behave.

Observation Advantages – See performer in naturalistic environment. Disadvantages – Success depends on quality of checklist and skill of observer.

Personality Profiling Benefits Limitations It could be used to recommend participation in sport and could help to lead a person towards and active, healthy lifestyle. It is time efficient Monitor progress Gain deep understanding of an individual Identify personality strengths and weaknesses Identify most appropriate style of coaching leading etc. Enable appropriate strategies e.g. stress management/ anxiety control Not and accurate predictor of those who are likely to participate or excel in sport. Questionnaires / interviews are not always valid as people tend to give socially desirable answers. Profiling results are usually subjective. Evidence is too general – personality alone cannot predict behaviour. Profiling may stereotype a person.