Several studies have revealed the importance and acceptance of sport
psychology. However, the crucial question about the real nature of sport
psychology is difficult to answer precisely. Although many definitions
have been suggested, there is no comprehensive and internationally
accepted definition of sport psychology until now. There is, therefore,
a need for a clear description and definition for this area of growing
importance.
In this Position Statement FEPSAC makes a proposal which takes into
account (a) the historical roots of European sport psychology, (b) the
complexity of the subject and (c) the potential user of sport
psychology.
Although some cultures and languages use distinct terms for different
types of physical activity, in this statement the term sport is used as
an umbrella term including all kinds of exercise, sport and physically
active pursuits.
What is sport psychology?
Sport psychology is concerned with the psychological foundations,
processes and consequences of the psychological regulation of
sport-related activities of one or several persons acting as the
subject(s) of the activity. The focus may be on behaviour or on
different psychological dimensions of human behaviour, i.e. affective,
cognitive, motivational or sensori-motor dimensions.
The physical activity can take place in competitive, educational,
recreational, preventative and rehabilitation settings and includes
health-related exercise. Subjects are all persons involved in the
different sport and exercise settings, e.g. athletes, coaches,
officials, teachers, physiotherapists, parents, spectators etc.
How is sport psychology constituted?
Sport psychology as a scientific discipline, as well as a
professional field, is loosely associated with, and draws upon, the
three areas of (1) sport practice, (2) psychology and (3) other sport
sciences. These areas are considered equally valid. All of them have a
bearing on the topics, the theoretical foundations, the methodological
approaches, and the scientific and ethical standards of sport
psychology.
The interrelations between these areas are briefly described as
follows:
What may sport psychology contribute to sport?
Sport psychology as a scientific discipline and professional area
furthers the understanding of sport. It analyzes, assesses and directs
activity in all aspects of sport by means of psychological processes.
Thus sport psychology has a responsibility for well-being, the
attainment and maintenance of health, and the improvement of
performance. Sport psychology may support the individual or the group
with the aim that the actions of the subject master the requirements of
the task, fit with situational demands and constraints, and are
appropriate to the subject’s abilities and needs.
Sport psychology gives the body of knowledge that contributes both to
the personal growth and development of the subject and to the formation
of the conditions under which exercise and sport are performed.
What do people in sport psychology do?
We use the term ‘sport psychologist’ in a broad sense including all
qualified persons working in the field, independent of their academic
education. Different countries may have restrictions on the use of the
term ‘psychologist’.
Sport psychologists have three interrelated tasks:
 | Research: Research is needed to understand the
psychological regulation of activity in the setting of sport. The
following types of research are conducted: Theoretical or empirical,
basic and applied, laboratory and field studies. All contribute to the
construction of a specific body of knowledge. |
| Education: Sport psychology is an important subject in the
education of almost every person involved in sport. Three different
groups of people may be given knowledge and competence in sport
psychology: a). on an academic level, students in psychology, the
sport sciences and physical education; b). on a professional level,
psychologists moving into the field of sports, coaches, training
supervisors, officials and administrators; and finally c). sport
participants, e.g. top level athletes, health-related exercise
participants, participants in adventure sports, or rehabilitation
patients. |
| Application: Knowledge and competence in sport psychology
may be applied to two main functions, namely (1) diagnosis and
assessment (e.g. talent detection, testing of cognitive or sensori-motor
skills, or evaluation of the needs of participants), and (2)
intervention (e.g. guidance in cooperation with – other responsible
persons in the field, counselling, or consulting in special problem
situations). |
