Sport Psychology

Sport psychology is an innovative field of scientific study and clinical practice related to the psychology of participation and performance in sports. Sport psychologists are generally interested in the advantages of sports participation and exercise on physical and mental health and psychological well-being. Sports can promote better health through regular exercise and team affiliation. Athletes of all ages can improve their performance through various psychological interventions, such as stress reduction and positive-imagery techniques. There is a division of the American Psychological Association, Division 47, Exercise and Sport Psychology, devoted to this area of psychology.

There are many studies of the relationship between anxiety and performance from a cognitive-behavioral perspective (Butler, 1996; Hardy, 1990). The ability to manage pressure and anxiety is an important part of sports involvement. However, sport psychologists are also concerned with the problems associated with sports participation, such as participant, parent, and spectator violence and the negative effects of winning [Page 1048]at any cost. With regard to children, most parents believe that children join a team to learn how to play sports better, get good exercise, and learn about teamwork and the formation of lasting friendships. Unfortunately, too often, children are losing self-esteem, feeling isolated, and experiencing damaging levels of stress.

To address the many problems associated with sports, sport psychologists provide educational programs, individual training and counseling, and a variety of self-help techniques and curricula to enhance sports enjoyment and performance. Sports dominate our culture in many ways. They are integrated into the fabric of society. There is a continued need for the advanced study and practice of sport psychology. Professional journals such as the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, Journal of Sports and Exercise Psychology, and The Sport Psychologist are devoted to this topic. Even sports participation for children and adolescents with chronic disease has been promoted for improved psychological development and well-being (Vitulano, 2003).