Sports Pyschology Flashcards
Define sport psychology
Sports psychology as a field that focuses on the mental and emotional aspect of athletic performance and participation
Why is sports psychology important ?
For both the athletes and coach, this area is as important as physical training and peformance analysis, as it helps understand the impact of psychological factors, regulation of emotions regulation
Define personality
Personality in sport refers to enduring patterns of thoughts, behaviours and emotions exhibited by athletes in a sporting contexts
What are the 4 personality theories required for the exam ?
Trait theory-(eyesnck)
Social learning theory- (bandura)
Interactionist approach(lewin and Hollander)
Biological theory-(Sheldon)
What is Eyesnck trait Theory ?
Believes that personality is inherited and is within a persons genetic makeup
This theory maintains that all behaviour is innate, and a person has a natural tendency to act in any given situation
What is the limitation of the trait theory ?
The limitation within this theory is that is does not take into account adapting behaviour to the environment or that behaviour is not always predictable
What are the two main dimensions(four types) to personality ?
- Introvert-extrovert dimension
- Stable-neurotic(unstable) dimension
What are some characteristics of an introvert ?
Low optimal arosual
Energy conservation
Prefer individual sports
Internally focused
Cautious decision making
What are some characteristics of extroverts ?
High optimal arousal
Outwardly focused and sociable
Quick, Denise actions
Seek external stimulation
Interact well with others
What are some characteristics of stable personality ?
Predictable moods
Consistent training habits
High stress tolerance
Long term focus
What are some character of neurotic(unstable) personality ?
Rapid mood swings and anxiety
Variable peformance
Hyper vigilant
Needs coping strategies
What is social learning theory about ?(bandura)
This theory explains how athletes learn behaviour by watching others such as learning behaviours and copying them.
How does personality evolve
Personality evolves through modelling and reinforcement: modelling themselves on athletes they can relate to.
behaviour being positively reinforced and therefore repeated.
What is an example of social learning theory within sport ?
For example, a novice sportsperson may be inspired by the positive attitude of the more experienced players in training. They then copy this behaviour and recover positive comments from the coach
What are some negatives of social learning theory ?
Doesn’t take into account trait theory- genetically make up that helps form character.
You don’t always observe positive traits, bad habits can be made.
What is Interactionist theory ?
How personality traits interact with the environment and influence peoples behaviour.
What does Interactionist theory suggest ?
That personality is a combination of inhertied traits and a persons learned experiences of a situation or environment.
Define Hollanders circle theory of personality.
A theory suggesting personality has three levels: the psychological core, typical responses, and role-related behaviour — with each layer varying in stability and how much it’s influenced by the environment.
What are the three levels of Hollander’s Circle Theory?
- Psychological Core
- Typical Responses
- Role-Related Behaviour
What is the Psychological Core?
The innermost, most stable part of personality, containing a person’s true beliefs, values, and attitudes. It rarely changes, even in different situations.
What are Typical Responses?
The usual ways an individual responds to situations, shaped by their core but more changeable. They reflect learned behaviour patterns.
What is Role-Related Behaviour?
The most changeable aspect of personality, influenced by the environment and the specific role the individual is performing at a given time.
How do the three rings of Hollander’s theory work together?
The psychological core influences typical responses, which in turn shape role-related behaviour. Role-related behaviour is most affected by external situations, while the core remains stable.
