What is applied sport psychology?
Applied sport psychology is (a) the study of the psychological and mental factors that influence and are influenced by participation and performance in sport, exercise, and physical activity, and (b) the application of the knowledge gained through this study to everyday settings. Applied sport psychology professionals are interested in how participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity may enhance personal development and wellbeing throughout the life span. Why do people contact an applied sport psychology professional? People contact applied sport psychology professionals for the following reasons: • To improve performance. This is the most common reason for consulting an applied sport pyschology professional. In general, performance may be enhanced through the teaching of mental strategies that either refine the practices of effective performers or help ineffective performers overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their potential. • To overcome the pressures of c
