Module Code - Title:
SS6063
-
PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The emphasis in this module 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 and learn to apply psychological principles and methods to mental skills training. This module encourages students to link theory to practice and provides the opportunity to develop practical skills by using selected assessment methods and sport psychology techniques with athletes and teams.
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.
Discuss and critically evaluate a broad range of cognitive-behavioural intervention strategies used in applied sport psychology
Recognise and discuss ethical and professional issues relevant to working in the field of sport psychology
Identify guidelines for the application of psychological concepts, skills and strategies to utilise in sporting environments
Critically discuss recent findings in the sport psychology literature
Design and implement a theoretically based psychological intervention aimed at improving sports performance
Apply a range of psychological skills and demonstrate their application to performance 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:
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of athlete psychological assessment methods
Value the role of sport psychology in peak performance.
Justify the role of sport psychology in peak performance.
Explain the psychological variables underlying performance.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Conduct a case study of a needs assessment and psychological intervention of a performer using a variety of
methods
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Anderson, M. (2001)
Doing Sport Psychology
, Torrens Park, SA: Human Kinetics
Gardner, F. & Moore, Z. (2006)
Clinical Sport Psychology.
, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Hemings, B. & Holder, T. (2009)
Applied sport psychology: A case-based approach
, New York: Wiley.
Jowett, S. & Lavallee, D. (2006)
Social psychology of sport.
, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Horn, T.S. (2008)
Advances in sport psychology (2nd ed.).
, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Lavallee, D., Kremer, J., Moran, A. & Williams, M. (2004)
Sport psychology: Contemporary themes
, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Lavallee, D., Williams, J. & Jones, M. (2002)
Key studies in sport and exercise psychology.
, Hove, East Sussex, Routledge.
Moran, A.P. (2012)
Sport and exercise psychology: A critical introduction. 2nd edition.
, London :
Psychology press/Routledge
Orlick, T. (2008)
In pursuit of excellence
, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Other Relevant Texts:
Ericsson, K. A. (2006)
The Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance.
, Oxford: OUP.
Tenenbaum, G. & Eklund, R. (2007)
Handbook of Sport Psychology.
, Wiley.
Williams, J. (2006)
Applied Sport Psychology; Personal Growth to Peak Performance.
, Mayfield.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
mark.campbell@ul.ie