Sport & Physical Activity Psychology

Question 1

Physical Activity Psychology Definition

Answer 1

“the systematic scholarly study of the behaviour, feelings, and thoughts of people engaged in sport, exercise, and physical activity.” (Vealey)

Question 2

Physical Activity Psychology Scope

Answer 2

The psychological and mental aspects of participation in sport and exercise, seeking to understand how psychological processes influence and are influenced by participation.
(The Association for Applied Sport Psychology)

Question 3

Some of the Psychological Benefits of Physical Activity

Answer 3

• Enhances mood.
• Alleviates symptoms of mild depression.
• Reduces state and trait anxiety.
• Serves as a buffer against stress and means of stress reduction.
• Enhances self-efficacy, self-confidence, self-esteem.
• Presents challenges that can lead to sense of achievement.

Question 4

Exercise Adherence

Answer 4

• Adherence to supervised exercise programs is low
• 50% of adults who start an exercise program drop out
  within the first few months.
• Only 30 percent of individuals who begin an exercise
  program will be exercising at the end of three years.

Question 5

Understanding Behaviour Change through theories and models

Answer 5

• Classic learning theories
• Health belief model
• Social cognitive theory
• Theory of reasoned action
• Theory of planned behaviour
• Transtheoretical model
• Ecological approach

Question 6

Transtheoretical Model

Answer 6

• Precontemplation
• Contemplation
• Preparation
• Action
• Maintenance
• Termination

Question 7

Anxiety

Answer 7

• Negative emotional state in which feelings of nervousness, worry, and apprehension are associated with activation or arousal of
  the body.
• Trait anxiety: Integral part of an individual’s
  personality.
• State anxiety: Emotional response to a
  specific situation

Question 8

Arousal

Answer 8

• Blend of physiological and psychological
  activity in a person.
• Refers to the level of motivation, alertness,
  and excitement at a particular moment.
• Optimal level of arousal allows for peak
  performance.

Question 9

Reducing Anxiety and in promoting optimal Arousal

Answer 9

• Use physical activity to release stress and anxiety.
• Develop pre-competition routines.
• Simulate games in practice.
• Tailor preparation for the competition to the individual athlete.
• Build self-confidence and high, realistic expectations.
• Help athletes’ keep errors in perspective.
• Keep athletes’ focus on present, not past events.
• Promote use of positive self-talk.
• Incorporate relaxation training as necessary.

Question 10

Self-Talk

Answer 10

• Cognitive strategy: Relationship between
  individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviour or
  performance.
  
  • Positive or negative influence.

Question 11

Types of self-talk

Answer 11

• Task-relevant statements: Remind self of technique or strategy.
• Positive statements: Effort, persistence, and confidence.
• Mood words: Elicit an increase in intensity or arousal.

Question 12

Application

Answer 12

• Enhancing of skill acquisition.
• Focusing of attention.
• Modifying activation.
• Promoting self-confidence.

Question 13

Modification

Answer 13

• Thought stopping.
• Replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
• Countering.
• Reframing.

Question 14

Mental Health and Physical activity

Answer 14

• Culturally relevant strategies can play an important role in facilitating engagement in physical activity for people of all ages.
• Psychological skills training should be individualized, and professionals should strive to use culturally congruent approaches that are respectful of individual differences.