1 Psychology of Coaching Mesa High School Mr. DiDomenico MA Ed, MS RSS

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology GETTINGSTARTED GETTINGSTARTED I P A R T

Typical Questions Studied Session Outline What Is Sport and Exercise Psychology? Two Objectives of Sport and Exercise Psychology Who Is Sport and Exercise Psychology For? (continued)

Session Outline What Do Sport and Exercise Psychology Specialists Do? (3 Roles) Clinical Versus Educational Sport Psychology Specialists History of Sport and Exercise Psychology Science of Sport and Exercise Psychology (continued)

Session Outline Understanding Professional Practice Knowledge Comparing Strengths and Limitations of Scientific and Professional Practice Knowledge Sport and Exercise Psychology Orientations Present and Future of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Sport and Exercise Psychology The scientific study of people and their behaviors in sport and exercise activities and the practical applications of that knowledge. The scientific study of people and their behaviors in sport and exercise activities and the practical applications of that knowledge.

Two Objectives of Sport and Exercise Psychology 2.Understand the effects of participating in physical activity on psychological development, health, and well-being. 1.Understand the effects of psychological factors on physical and motor performance.

How does anxiety affect a basketball player’s accuracy in free-throw shooting? Typical questions studied in sport and exercise psychology: Does lacking self-confidence influence a child’s ability to learn to swim? How does a coach’s reinforcement and punishment influence a team’s cohesion? Does imagery training facilitate the recovery process in injured athletes and exercisers? Objective 1

Does running reduce anxiety and depression? Typical questions studied in sport and exercise psychology: Do young athletes learn to be overly aggressive from participating in youth sports? Does participation in daily physical education classes improve a child’s self-esteem? Does participation in college athletics enhance personality development? Objective 2

Three roles What Sport and Exercise Psychology Specialists Do

Roles of the Sport and Exercise Psychologist Research Consulting Teaching

Research Advance knowledge and share it through professional meetings and journal articles.

Teaching Teach university courses either in psychology or exercise and sport science.

Consulting Work with athletes of all ages and abilities within the fitness industry and in sports medicine/physical therapy.

Clinical sport psychologists Educational sport psychology specialists Sport Psychology Specialties

Clinical Sport Psychologists Licensed psychologists Trained to work with individuals with severe emotional disorders Trained to help athletes with issues like eating disorders and substance abuse

Educational Sport Psychology Specialists Use mental coach approach — understand psychology of human movement. Have training in physical education, kinesiology, or exercise and sport science. Educate and increase athlete and coach awareness of issues such as anxiety management and confidence development.

Relationship of Sport Science and Psychology of Knowledge to Sport and Exercise Psychology

1.Is sport and exercise psychology a relatively new field or does it have a long history? The History of Sport and Exercise Psychology 2.What time periods existed in the history of sport and exercise psychology? 4.What are some of the characteristics of contemporary sport and exercise psychology?

Preparation for1939 to 1965 the Future Historical Periods in Sport and Exercise Psychology (continued) Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 The Griffith Era1921 to 1938 The Early Years1895 to 1920

Period 4 Period 5 Contemporary1978 to Present Sport and Exercise Psychology Establishment1966 to 1977 of Academic Sport Psychology Historical Periods in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Science of Sport and Exercise Psychology A process, or method, of learning about the world through the systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical filtering of knowledge acquired through experience. Science

DescribeExplainPredictControl Goals of Science THEORY

Empirical Controlled Systematic Scientific Guidelines Critical

Scientific Study A set of interrelated facts presenting a systematic view of some phenomenon in order to describe, explain, and predict its future occurrences. Theory Example: Social facilitation theory

Studies Versus Experiments The investigator observes or assesses without changing the environment in any way. Study

Example of a Study 100 runners complete a survey that assesses goal setting, imagery, and self-talk. (However, nothing is changed in the environment.) The 20 fastest runners’ survey responses are compared against the 20 slowest.

Studies Versus Experiments The investigator manipulates variables (the environment) while observing them, then examines how changes in one or more variables affect changes in others. Experiment

Example of an Experiment Runners are divided into two equal groups. Experiment group receives training on setting goals, using imagery, and using positive self-talk. The second (control) group receives no psychological skills training. (continued)

30 Example of an Experiment Running times of both groups are measured. If the experimental group outperforms the control group (with other factors that might affect the relation controlled), a cause-effect relationship is established.

Studies Versus Experiments The advantage of an experiment is that researchers are better able to determine causal or (cause-and-effect) relationships. Note:

Understanding Professional Practice Knowledge Professional practice knowledge is what we learn through experience, using many methods of knowing.

Single case study Systematic observation Scientific method Methods of Knowing (continued)

Intuition Introspection Shared (public) experience Methods of Knowing

Comparing Strengths and Limitations of Scientific and Professional Practice Knowledge StrengthsLimitations Reductionistic/ Conservative— often slow to evolve Scientifically Derived Knowledge Highly reliable Systematic & controlled Objective & unbiased Lack of focus on external validity (practicality)

36 Comparing Strengths and Limitations of Scientific and Professional Practice Knowledge StrengthsLimitations Holistic Less reliable Professional Practice Knowledge Immediate Innovative Greater susceptibility to bias Lack of explanations

Apply scientific principles in your professional work setting. Integrating Scientific and Professional Practice Knowledge Evaluate the utility of scientific principles in the particular context in which you are involved. Keep current by updating and modifying your scientific knowledge base. Hold realistic expectations relative to the strengths and limitations of scientific principles. An Active Approach

Sport and Exercise Psychology as an Art and Science The science of coaching, teaching, or leadership focuses on using general scientific principles. The art of coaching, teaching, or leadership is knowing when and how to individualize these general principles.

Psychophysiological orientation Social–psychological orientation Cognitive–behavioral orientation Three Approaches to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Psychophysiological Orientation Examines underlying psychophysiological processes of the brain in terms of primary causes of behavior. Example: Biofeedback to train marksmen

41 Social–Psychological Orientation Behavior is determined by a complex interaction of the social environment and the personal make-up of the athlete or exerciser. Example: How a leader’s style and strategies foster group cohesion

Cognitive–Behavioral Orientation Behavior is determined by both the environment and thoughts (cognitions). Example: Studying differences on confidence, anxiety, etc. among tennis players with or without burnout

5.Tension continues to exist between practitioners of academic and applied sport psychology. The Present and Future of Sport and Exercise Psychology 6.Qualitative research methods are receiving more attention. 7.Applied sport psychologists have more work opportunities than ever, but only limited chances for full-time positions. 8.Sport psychology is gaining increased acceptance and recognition of its usefulness.

1.Competence. Maintain highest standards in one’s work and recognize limits of expertise. Ethical Standards for Sport and Exercise Psychologists 2.Integrity. Clarify roles and do not falsely advertise. 3.Professional and scientific responsibility. Always place interests of clients first. (continued)

4.Respect for people’s rights and dignity. Respect such fundamental rights as privacy and confidentiality among athletes or exercisers. Ethical Standards for Sport and Exercise Psychologists 5.Concern for the welfare of others. Always contribute to the welfare of those with whom you work. 6.Social responsibility. Contribute to knowledge and human welfare while always protecting participants’ interests.