Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Critical Introduction

by Aidan Moran (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2012

  $4.25

  Although sport is played with the body, it is won in the mind. Inspired by this idea, the second edition of this popular textbook provides a comprehensive critical introduction to sport and exercise psychology - a discipline that is concerned with the theory and practice of helping athletes to do their best when it matters the most.

  The book is organized into four sections. Part one investigates the nature, foundations and current status of the discipline. Part two reviews the latest research findings on motivation, anxiety, concentration, mental imagery and expertise in athletes. Part three examines group processes and team dynamics. Finally, part four explores exercise behaviour and the psychology of injury rehabilitation. Each chapter contains specially designed critical thinking exercises to encourage the student to explore the deeper issues, and also features an invaluable list of suggestions for independent research projects by students. The text has been extensively re-written and updated with new material to take account of hot topics such as neuroscience and motor imagery, as well as issues such as `grunting' in tennis, the psychology of penalty shootouts, mindfulness training as a concentration technique, the effects of music on physical activity, and `exer-gaming' - the use of computer games to increase physical activity and exercise.

  Written in a lively, accessible style, the book is brimful of vivid contemporary examples and insights from the world's leading athletes, to provide a compelling bridge between theory and practice for undergraduate and postgraduate students of sport psychology, health psychology, sport science, physical education, kinesiology and leisure management.

  Instructors who adopt the book will be able to access a wealth of online teaching resources.

• Used

  Paperback
  2003

  $5.24

  Sport and exercise psychology is a rapidly expanding field both academically and professionally. Aidan Moran, former psychologist to the Irish Olympic squad, provides the first textbook to combine an explanation of the theoretical foundations of sport and exercise psychology with critical reviews of contemporary research, and practical suggestions for relevant independent research projects.

  Arranged in four complementary parts, the book moves from a general discussion of the nature and role of sport psychology to explorations of individual, group and health factors affecting performance. Key themes explored in this text include:

  • motivation and goal-setting in sport
  • using imagination in sport
  • coping with injury.

  Designed to encourage students to apply their psychological knowledge and critical thinking abilities, each chapter features a summary and boxed highlights containing questions to help students gain maximum understanding of the material.