ESHE 350: Sport and Exercise Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC 121; minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Credit Hours: (3)
Provides students with an overview of concepts and principles essential to understanding the behavioral aspects of sport and exercise Emphasis is given to the conceptual frameworks and the applied aspects of performance enhancement, mental skills, exercise behavior and motivation, social factors, and psychology of injury. Applications are made to the athlete/participant, exercise leader and sport coach.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Designed to develop an understanding of the psychological factors underlying successful participation in sport and exercise. Students are exposed to three major content areas: 1) performance enhancement for coaches and athletes; 2) psychology of exercise behavior; 3) psychology of athletic injuries; and 4) social factors. Content areas are explored relative to understanding the characteristics of the individual participants from diverse populations, the impact of group processes, and the importance of psychological growth and development. Students will be exposed to key principles as well as underlying theoretical frameworks of psychological factors. Applications are made to real-life environments as well as to the study of sport psychology.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Course emphasizes the development of a knowledge base as well as applied skills i sport and exercise psychology. Lecture and technological applications are used for principles and theories but class discussion is encouraged for the application of principles. Hands-on lab experiences are used to highlight key concepts. Field-based individuals may lead class discussions important to the subject, including college and your coaches, fitness center directors, athletes, athletic trainers, and doctoral students in sport psychology. During the course, the student is expected to be both an avid reader and an active and reflective participant in sport psychology principles and applications.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the field of sport and exercise psychology.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the participants from diverse backgrounds in sport and exercise.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of sport and exercise environments including: competition versus cooperation, feedback, reinforcement, and motivation.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of group processes including: group dynamics, team cohesion, leadership, and communication.
5. Understand and apply performance enhancement strategies in sport and exercise psychology, including: psychological skills training, arousal regulation, visual imagery, self-confidence, goal setting, and concentration.
6.Demonstrate an understanding of the behavioral aspects of exercise.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological nature of athletic injuries.
8. Understand the key issues in facilitating psychological growth and development, including: youth sport participation, aggression, character/moral development, and gender issues.
Assessment Measures
1. Bi-weekly quizzes.
2. Popular media analysis.
3. Independent study/project.
4. Midterm and final exams.
5. Class assignments.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 2002 New Course Jon Poole
May, 2011
