Module Identifier SS33220  
Module Title THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MAXIMAL SPORTS PERFORMANCE  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr Joanne Thatcher  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Mr David A Tod  
Pre-Requisite SS23020  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   2 Hours 10 x 2 hour seminars/tutorials  
  Practical   2 Hours 10 x 2 hour practical  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Written Examination  50%
Semester Assessment Coursework 3,000 word case study  50%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours Written Examination  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Analyse an athlete's psychological skills training needs, identify suitable strategies for addressing these needs and methods of implementing and assessing the efficacy of suggested strategies

Critically discuss the empirical and theoretical underpinnings of key psychological skills training strategies and interventions

Demonstrate a critical understanding of consultancy issues, such as ethical considerations in applied work and different approaches to consultancy with athletes

Aims

The contribution of psychological factors to successful sports performance at all competitive levels is well established. A number of key psychological skills and interventions (underpinned by relevant theory and research) are available to help athletes to achieve optimal psychological states in both training and competition. The module builds on, and illustrates the practical application of, theoretical and empirical bases developed in the level 2 pre-requisite module (SS23020). The ability to practically apply theoretical and empirical knowledge is an essential requirement of those who wish to pursue a career and gain professional accreditation in providing psychological support services in sports contexts.

Brief description

In this module students will explore the application of a range of psychological strategies in the context of presented case studies. The module will develop the theoretical background covered in SS23020 by deeper consideration of the research literature and by presenting additional theoretical frameworks and models (for example models of imagery). The primary focus of the module is on the application of theoretical and research knowledge in the form of psychological skills training and intervention strategies aimed at optimising competitive sports performance.

Content

The module content will involve discussion of the principles, application, supporting research, and, theoretical underpinnings of key psychological strategies and interventions. Examples of such include: self-regulation, goal setting, emotional control, cognitive strategies, building confidence, and, developing team cohesion. The module will also cover consultancy issues such as ethical concerns in applied work and different models and theoretical frameworks employed in practice. Practical activities include role play of consultancy scenarios, observation of team dynamics, and the use of emotional control strategies.

Reading Lists

Books
Andersen, M.B. (2000) Doing Sport Psychology Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics
Bull, S.J., Albinson, J.G. and Shambrook, C.J. (1996) The Mental Game Plan Sports Dynamics
Hill, K.L. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics (2001) Frameworks For Sport Psychologists Champaign, Illinois:Human Kinetics
Cockerill, I. (2002) Solutions in Sport Psychology London: Thomson
Murphy, S.M. (1995) Sport Psychology Interventions. Champaign, Illinois:Human KineticsChampaign, Illinois:Human Kinetics
Tenenbaum, G. (2001) The Practice of Sport Psychology Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology
Weinberg, R.S. and Gould, D. (1995) Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology Champaign, Illinois:Human Kinetics
Williams, J.M. (1998) Applied Sport Psychology: Personal Growth to Peak Performance (Third Edition) London: Mayfield Publishing Company

Journals
International Journal of Sport Psychology
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology
Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology
Journal of Sports Sciences
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6