PSY 112 Flashcards
What is sports psychology?
Sports psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on understanding and enhancing the psychological factors that influence athletic performance, physical activity, and overall well-being.
Scopes of sports psychology
- It uses mental skills training such as goal setting, visualization, and focus techniques to help athletes perform at their best.
- It boosts athletes’ drive and commitment to achieve their goals, both in the short and long term.
- It develops techniques to help athletes cope with competitive pressure and reduce performance anxiety.
- It trains athletes to maintain concentration and avoid distractions during practice and competition.
- It fosters better communication, cooperation, and cohesion among team members to improve overall team performance.
- It assists athletes in coping with the psychological aspects of injury and maintaining motivation during recovery.
Benefits of sports and games
- Builds stronger heart
- Reduces anxiety
- Improves sleep
- Improves mental health
- Builds connection
- Builds stamina and endurance
- Improves body flexibility and balance
- Reduces stress levels
- It allows weight loss
- It increases confidence
Roles of a sports psychologist
- They give psychological support during injury.
- They can help athletes cope with competitive fear.
- They improve practice efficiency.
- They help athletes cope when under pressure.
- They help athletes manage expectations and confidence.
- Clinical sports psychologists help athletes improve their mental health and sports performance.
What is recreation in psychology?
Recreational therapy, or therapeutic recreation, uses recreation and activity-based interventions to help individuals with disabling conditions improve their psychological and physical health.
What is the best definition of recreation?
Recreation means refreshment of the body or mind after work by some form of play or relaxation activities.
4 types of recreational activities
- Physical activities
- Social activities
- Camping and outdoor activities
- Arts and crafting activities
Characteristics of recreation
- Self satisfaction
- Voluntary participation
- Enjoyable
- Constructive
- Socially acceptable
Benefits of recreation
- It improves our physical health
- It promotes self esteem and self reliance
- It reduces stress
- It creates more fun
- It promotes creativity and a sense of accomplishment
Difference between recreation and sports
- Recreation focuses on relaxation and enjoyment, whereas sports focus on competition and performance.
- Recreational activities are informal and flexible, while sports are formal and structured.
- Recreational activities are inclusive and accessible to all, while sports may require specific skills and training.
- Recreation can occur in various settings without formal organization, whereas sports typically occur within organized frameworks and events.
- Recreation is generally not pursued professionally and is primarily for personal satisfaction and well-being while many sports can be pursued professionally, providing athletes with careers and income.
Define sports
Sports are competitive physical activities or games that aim to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and skills while providing entertainment to participants and, in some cases, spectators.
What are the main problems confronting the growth and development of sport activities in Nigeria + solutions
- INADEQUATE FUNDING:
- PROBLEM: Insufficient financial support from the government and private sector affects the development of sports infrastructure, training programs, and athlete support.
- SOLUTION: Increase budget allocation for sports development, incentivize private sector investment through tax breaks, and establish public-private partnerships to fund sports initiatives. - POOR INFRASTRUCTURE:
- PROBLEM: Many sports facilities in Nigeria are outdated, poorly maintained, or non-existent, limiting opportunities for training and competition.
- SOLUTION: Invest in building and renovating sports facilities nationwide, ensuring they meet international standards, and establish maintenance programs to keep them in good condition. - LACK OF GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS:
- PROBLEM: There is a lack of structured programs to identify and nurture young talent at the grassroots level.
- SOLUTION: Develop and implement grassroots sports programs in schools and communities, provide training for coaches, and create pathways for young athletes to progress to higher levels. - INADEQUATE TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR COACHES:
- PROBLEM: Many coaches lack access to modern training techniques and professional development opportunities.
- SOLUTION: Offer continuous professional development programs for coaches, including workshops, certifications, and access to online resources. - CULTURAL AND SOCIETAL ATTITUDES:
- PROBLEM: In some regions, cultural and societal attitudes may not prioritize sports, especially for women and girls.
- SOLUTION: Conduct awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of sports, promote inclusivity, and advocate for gender equality in sports participation. - INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AND EXPOSURE:
- PROBLEM: Nigerian athletes often lack opportunities to compete internationally and gain exposure.
- SOLUTION: Facilitate participation in international competitions, provide scholarships for training abroad, and establish exchange programs with other countries.
What are the psycho emotional benefits of recreation?
- Mental stress reduction
- Lowers stress levels
- Improved mood by boosting production of endorphins
- Enhanced mental health
- Increased social interaction
- Boosted self-esteem and confidence
- Cognitive benefits like improved memory and problem solving skills
- Improved sleep quality
Identify 5 purposes of recreation
- Recreation encourages physical health
- Promotes overall mental well-being
- Provides opportunities for socializing and building relationships
- Can be educational
- Offers opportunities for families to spend time together
Identify some purposes of sports
- Promotes physical fitness
- Brings people together and fosters a sense of community
- Promotes teamwork by teaching collaboration and communication
- Improves mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Teaches discipline, time management and the importance of hard work
- Creates jobs in various sectors like coaching and event planning