The intersection of psychology and sport is a field of study called sports psychology. Many athletes and coaches use sports psychology to improve their performance during competitions and games. Sports psychology is a branch of psychology commonly used by both amateur and professional athletes.
What is the definition of Sport Psychology?
Sports psychology is the study and practice of using psychology to enhance athletic performance. Sports psychology also involves improving athletes’ overall well-being and health using psychological techniques.
There are several purposes of sports psychology, including enhancing athletic performance and assisting athletes to overcome challenges. Sports psychology can help individuals reach their goals by improving their confidence and focus.
Examples of sports psychology techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, progressive relaxation, and autogenic training. Sports psychologists may also help individuals manage anxiety, improve visualization techniques, control focus and attention, and set goals.
Coleman Griffith was a sports psychologist who started the original sports psychology laboratory. He first worked with football players at the University of Illinois before working with Chicago Cubs baseball players. In the 1920s, Griffith wrote two publications relating to the psychology of sport: “The Psychology of Athletics” and “The Psychology of Coaching.”
Sports psychology is used in both individual and team sports. Sports psychology techniques are commonly used by track and field athletes, swimmers, and gymnasts. Individuals who play team sports such as baseball or football also use sports psychology techniques.
When did Sport Psychology become a different discipline of Psychology?
Sports psychology originated in 1898 with the first sports psychology experiment. By 1925, the first sports psychology laboratory was started by Coleman Griffith at the University of Illinois. The International Society of Sport Psychology began in the 1960s.
What does Sport Psychology focus on?
The practice of sports psychology involves the various intersections between psychology and sports. Sports psychology focuses on techniques that athletes can use to improve their performance.
What are the Sport Psychology related skills?
Individuals interested in becoming sports psychologists should have the following skills and attributes.
- Ability to motivate athletes
- Interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail and analytical skills
- Communication and listening skills
- Ability to work under pressure in high-stress situations
How to Become a Sports Psychologist?
Becoming a sports psychologist requires many years of study and internships. Students will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, kinesiology, or other related fields.
Next, the individual will need to complete a graduate or doctoral program to become a licensed psychologist. In addition, students typically complete two years of training and internships under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
The American Board of Sports Psychology offers a certification in Sports Psychology that individuals can apply for after completing their doctoral degree. Completion of this certification requires an additional training program, practicum, and final projects.
What is the Sport Psychologist’s Salary?
The salary for a sports psychologist in the United States ranges from $44,000 to $120,000. Psychologists who work for professional athletes earn a higher salary than those working with amateur athletes. Salaries also vary based on the person’s experience and location.
What are the Sub-Disciplines in Sport Psychology?
There are two different types of disciplines within the field of sports psychology.
Clinical sports psychologists work with athletes to address depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. These psychologists often use psychotherapy to work with athletes to improve their well-being.
Educational sports psychologists focus on helping athletes improve their performance. The work can include using techniques like mental imagery and positive thinking.
What are the Important Terms in Sport Psychology?
Various techniques are used in the practice of sports psychology. Below are some of the most common ideas that athletes can use to enhance performance and health.
1. Arousal
In sports psychology, arousal refers to the state an athlete should be in to perform at their best. The zone of optimal functioning theory suggests that each individual will reach peak performance when they are at their ideal level of arousal. The practice-specificity-based model of arousal states that athletes perform best in a competition when their arousal state is the same as during training or practices.
Athletes who experience stress or anxiety during performance can use techniques to regulate their arousal. For example, deep breathing exercises or meditation can help reduce anxiety and decrease stress. For the athlete whose state of arousal is too low, they can practice energizing activities such as listening to music to increase their alertness before a competition.
2. Attention Focus
To perform at their best, athletes must focus their attention on the task at hand. This requires the ability to ignore distractions and think only of the performance. For example, a sprinter must tune out the cheering crowd and ignore the other racers in the line-up.
Meditation and mindfulness are particularly helpful for focusing one’s attention. The athlete who practices meditation regularly will have a greater ability to focus during the moment of competition. Mindfulness teaches the athlete to be present at the moment. The idea is to concentrate on what is happening now as opposed to the past or future.
3. Cohesion
The idea of cohesion is critical in team sports. Cohesion refers to how team members feel as though they are part of the group and are working together to achieve the same goal. If all members of the team feel this way, this cohesion will improve their performance.
Sports psychologists work with teams to build communication skills among members. They also evaluate the culture of the team and focus on building a foundation of respect for the team members.
4. Confidence
An athlete’s confidence has a major influence on how well they perform. If an athlete believes in their ability to achieve a goal or succeed in their competition, they are much more likely to accomplish what they set out to do. A lack of confidence can decrease a person’s level of performance.
One of the main ways to instill confidence in an athlete during a performance is to have them focus on previous successes. The mental state of an athlete who visualizes all of the times they have won will be much better than one who is thinking of all the times they missed the mark.
5. Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation refers to any motivating factors that exist outside of the person. This can include money or awards, praise from a coach or team members, or social approval. Ideally, the athlete will have a good balance of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
6. Imagery
Imagery is the practice of creating an experience in the mind that uses all of the senses. An athlete may use imagery by imagining a time when they achieved peak performance. They will recall how their body felt, what sounds they heard, and what emotions they felt.
Repetitive visualization or imagery can reinforce the neural pathways in the brain that are activated when the athlete is doing the activity. When the time comes for the person to compete, the brain and muscles recognize the actions immediately.
7. Internal Monologue
An athlete can use an internal monologue to help improve performance. This self-talk consists of repeating words and phrases, either in their head or out loud. These cues motivate the athlete which builds confidence in their abilities.
8. Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the type that comes from within. An athlete’s reasons for competing will influence their performance. The athlete who is competing because they enjoy the sport and want to do their best will have high performance.
How to use Mental Imagery in Sport Psychology?
Mental imagery can be used in various ways to improve the performance and well-being of athletes. First, athletes can visualize a specific goal that they would like to achieve and all of the steps they will need to complete to succeed at that goal. Then, the athlete uses multiple senses to create an immersive experience of this success.
For example, a sprinter will imagine the sound of the crowd cheering and the starting gun going off. They will visualize the track and the finish line and imagine how their body feels when they burst out of the starting blocks. These mental imagery visualizations will help improve their performance in the competition.
Which athletes Need More Sport Psychology Consultation?
Sports psychology consultations can be helpful for all athletes, but certain categories will benefit the most. Athletes who are experiencing a slump or setback in their athletic career can see increased performance after working with a sports psychologist.
Sports psychologists can also help teams who are struggling with cohesion, trust, and respect. By working with the team members as a group, the sports psychologist can use techniques to build communication skills and increase overall performance.
Lastly, athletes who are struggling with any aspect of their mental health can benefit from working with a sports psychologist. Many athletes experience stress, anxiety, and other conditions that can negatively impact their performance. Sports psychologists can use psychotherapy and other methods to help athlete improve their overall wellbeing.
Does Sport Psychology work in Body-Building?
Athletes who compete in body-building competitions can use various sports psychology techniques to improve performance. Mental imagery can be useful for bodybuilders in terms of helping them recall past successes. Sports psychology is also helpful for bodybuilders as it can help athletes achieve an optimal zone of arousal during competitions.
Does Sport Psychology work in Fitness?
Sports psychology is beneficial for athletes who engage in different types of fitness activities. Techniques that focus on improving confidence can be useful for athletes during fitness performances. Learning to focus one’s attention can also help athletes with their competitions.
What is the average cost for a Sport Psychology Consultation?
The cost for a sports psychology initial consultation can vary from $100 to well over $1000. The price will depend on the psychologist’s experience, their location, and the range of services they provide during a consultation.
What is the main difference between sports psychology and clinical psychology?
While sports psychology often focuses on improving the performance of an athlete, clinical psychology specializes in addressing the overall mental wellbeing of the person. Clinical psychology can be one aspect of sports psychology if athletes are seeking help with mental health concerns.
