Module Code - Title:
SS6002
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APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The emphasis in this course is on the application of psychological concepts, skills and strategies to applied settings in sport for performance enhancement. Specifically, students will explore the social and psychological factors related to sport participation and peak sport performance.
Syllabus:
Content relating to performance enhancement includes psychological characteristics of peak performance, characteristics of elite athletes and their development, increasing of awareness; selected mental skills and strategies (e.g. muscle relaxation, autogenic training, meditation, self talk, plans & routines, simulation training); guidelines and procedures for implementing intervention strategies; conducting mental skills training programmes. Attention will also be given to the environment in which sport occurs focusing on aspects of group dynamics.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Evaluate research with respect to current issues in sport psychology and the application of psychological concepts, skills and strategies in practical contexts.
Identify guidelines for the application of psychological concepts, skills and strategies to applied sport situations
Critically discuss recent findings in the sport psychology literature
Discuss the nature and impact of group dynamics in applied sport situations
Design a theoretically based psychological intervention aimed at improving performance of athletes
Apply a range of sport psychology skills and demonstrate their application to sport through active learning processes, practical experiences and interaction with fellow students
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Value the role of sport psychology in peak performance.
Justify the role of sport psychology in peak performance.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Conduct a needs assessment of a performer using a variety of methods
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught in lectures and lab sessions. The teaching style will be interactive (especially in lab sessions) and problem-focussed. In labs, students will have practical experiences of a range of psychological skills and strategies. Students will be given a written assignment in which they will critically reflect on their experiences conducting a needs analysis of an athlete and the intervention they designed to improve athletic performance. Students will also complete a written exam where they can demonstrate their understanding of key topics in applied sport psychology.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
N/A
Prime Texts:
Moran, A. P. (2004)
Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Critical Introduction
, London: Psychology Press/Routledge
Tenenbaum, G & Eklund, R (2007)
Handbook of Sport Psychology
, Wiley
Other Relevant Texts:
Williams, J. (2006)
Applied Sport Psychology; Personal Growth to Peak Performance
, Mayfield.
Cox, R (2006)
Sport Psychology Concepts and Applications
, New York: McGraw-Hill.
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A selection of up-to-date and classical journal articles will be read and discussed. We will primarily focus on publications in Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, The Sport Psychologist, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Journal of Sport Sciences, and Journal of Applied Sport Psychology.
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Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
mark.campbell@ul.ie