Course Description
Effects of participating in exercise and sport on psychological traits and states. Cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms and psychological limitations to athletic performance.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Weekly seminar and research paper.
Athena Title
EXER SPORT PSYCH
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EXRS 4400/6600
Undergraduate Prerequisite
PSYC 1101 and CBIO 2200-2200L and CBIO 2210-2210L and permission of major
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of school
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. To understand the role of research methods in exercise and sport psychology, and use research findings and/or psychological theories to reach logical conclusions. 2. To demonstrate basic knowledge about key content areas of exercise and sport psychology and be able to apply this knowledge appropriately in practical settings. 3. To understand and apply ethical principles, especially those adopted by the American Psychological Association. 4. To be aware of individual differences among people with regard to the psychological aspects of exercise and sport. 5. To write effectively using appropriate writing styles.
Topical Outline
1. History of the field of exercise and sport psychology. 2. Professional and ethical issues relevant to the practice of sport pscyhology. 3. Scientific methods used to understand and evaluate psychological aspects of sport performance. 4. Psychological interventions for performance enhancement (e.g., hypnosis). 5. Personality and sport success. 6. Pre-competitive states and athletic performance. 7. Cognitive, perceptual and pain processing during athletic performance. 8. Psychological monitoring of athletes to optimize training and performance. 9. Effects of exercise on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, sleep and anger. 10. Cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychological consequences of exercise and physical activity. 11. Eating disorders and athletes.
Syllabus