Chapter 1 - Sport and Exercise Psychology

Question 1

Define sport and exercise psychology

Answer 1

an interdisciplinary scientific and applied field that embraces the integration of sport science and psychologist knowledge

Question 2

Why is positive psychology important in sport psychology?

Answer 2

• we are too focused on mental illness and repair
• we can learn a lot by examining the subjective experiences of well-being, satisfaction, fulfilment, pleasure, and happiness

Question 3

Describe the emotional method of positive psychology in sport and exercise

Answer 3

focus on fostering positive emotional states such as joy, happiness, relaxation, and satisfaction (as these states are important for motivation and well-being)

Question 4

Describe the cognitive approach of positive psychology in sport and exercise

Answer 4

examining how factors (like optimism) influence emotional experience, motivation, health, and performance

Question 5

Describe the behavioural approach of positive psychology in sport and exercise

Answer 5

involve enhancing behavioural self-regulation strategies (ex. nurturing psychological strengths instead of reducing weaknesses)

Question 6

What is a common criticism of positive psychology in relation to sport?

Answer 6

that it has been dominated by psychological theory and is therefore difficult to apply in the area of sport enhancement

Question 7

Define strengths-based coaching

Answer 7

coaching in the idea that athletes will perform better if they use and develop their strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses

Question 8

What are the 3 career options available in sport and exercise psychology?

Answer 8

teaching, research, and consulting

Question 9

How is a teaching career valuable to sport and exercise psychology?

Answer 9

• provide educational services to community and sport organizations
• increases awareness of sport and exercise psychology
• share basic principles of sport and exercise psychology
• help athletes develop, modify, and apply psychological skills to enhance performance
• can encourage clients to enhance exercise behaviour and well-being

Question 10

What do consultants do in sport psychology?

Answer 10

• help individuals, teams, and organizations improve performance, change physical activity behaviour, manage sport and life demands, and enhance personal well-being

Question 11

Define the educational consultant role

Answer 11

• teach people psychological skills to facilitate performance, increase exercise, and enhance well-being

Question 12

Define the counselling consultant role

Answer 12

help people with developmental concerns, adjustment, and challenges

Question 13

Define the clinical psychology consultant role

Answer 13

assist clients in psychopathology

Question 14

In Canada, how is the public protected by the law when it comes to getting help from psychologists?

Answer 14

There are provincial and territorial laws that regulate the use of the term psychology to protect from exploitation

Question 15

Ethically, what does a sport consultant have to consider?

Answer 15

• nature, terms, and parameters of the relationship between consultant and client
• mindful that their service can be beneficial AND harmful to clients
• first, do no harm

Question 16

What are the 4 principles from the CPA Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists?

Answer 16

Principle 1: Respect for the Dignity of Persons
Principle 2: Responsible Caring
Principle 3: Integrity in Relationships
Principle 4: Responsibility to Society

Question 17

What are scientific constructs and why do they exist?

Answer 17

1. they are terms that have been created for a scientific purpose
2. so they can be distinguished from other related but distinct ideas

Question 18

Define variable

Answer 18

a construct that can be assigned a specific value to be counted

Question 19

What is the independent variable supposed to do to the dependent variable?

Answer 19

it is supposed to change the dependent variable

Question 20

Define theory

Answer 20

it specifies relationships across a number of scientific constructs AND attempts to explain phenomena across different times, contexts, and people

Question 21

How can we determine the best evidence-based practice?

Answer 21

1. consider research studies from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals that clearly specify the treatment process and outcomes
2. consider the ethical guidelines related to the dignity of the person (collaborate with the client)
3. the practitioner should consider their level of competence to deliver specific interventions