This module provides an understanding of contemporary topics in sport and exercise psychology focusing broadly on issues arising from the study of individual differences, affective states (e.g., anxiety and mood) and social factors (e.g., leadership and group cohesion). The module looks to combine theoretical consents with practical examples to provide a unique learning environment for students to understand and develop their knowledge of sports psychology.

Students must use contemporary theories from sport and exercise psychology to explain the psychological construct and its relationship with performance/exercise as exampled within a selection of case studies. Students must therefore identify and discuss individual differences in relation to performance and exercise (MLO1), discuss the influence of affective states and social and group influences upon performance and exercise (MLO1 and MLO2). Students must also describe an appropriate applied intervention for the case study with the aim of addressing the psychological issue and explain any expected outcomes of the intervention. Thus students must demonstrate an understanding of the determinants of facilitative sports performance and exercise and physical exercise participation (MLO3).

Students will attend lectures and seminars across a single semester with lectures providing in depth theory and information regarding key psychological theories and concepts that students will then discuss in detail during the seminars. Five key topics will be covered during the module; anxiety and stress, motivation, self-confidence and self-efficacy, group dynamics, and leadership. Content will be delivered across 2/3 lectures per topic, and the subsequent seminars will also cover this material. During seminars, students will perform relevant ‘research studies’ that mimic real world research per topic. For example, students will perform an anxiety study between themselves during the first seminar that will see them report feelings of anxiety and perform a competitive task (i.e., BATAK). Students will then discuss the procedures, measures, and results. The following seminar will see students recapping the lecture content and using the information to attach meaning, explain, and evaluate relevant case studies. The same process will be repeated per topic with a large emphasis placed upon students ‘doing’ sport and exercise psychology research and using the information from lectures and seminars to evaluate relevant case studies – something that they will be required to do within the assessment.

1. Discuss the nature and significance of individual differences and affective states (e.g., anxiety and mood) in relation to sport performance and exercise participation. Knowledge, Learning, Communication, Reflection

2. Demonstrate an ability to explain how social and group influences shape sport performance and exercise participation. Knowledge, Learning, Analysis, Problem Solving, Application

3. Evidence an understanding of the underlying determinants of exercise and physical activity participation, and facilitative sports performance. Knowledge, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem solving, Communication, Application, Reflection

Psychological tasks (i.e., Batak, dart boards, putting matt).
Students will require access to the following:
Blackboard for:
• Lecture slides and lab handouts
• Important module announcements
• Tutor contact details
Core reading:
• Cox, R. H. (2012). Sport psychology: Concepts & applications. (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. (Book is available from the library).

Cox, R. H. (2012). Sport psychology: Concepts & applications. (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Key journals:
An important aspect of this module involves critical engagement with journal articles. Specific articles are highlighted throughout the module and key papers are provided to support your studies. Independent study time will include conducting your own literature searches on key themes. Journals to include:
• Psychology of Sport & Exercise
• Journal of Applied Sport Psychology
• Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

This module provides an understanding of contemporary topics in sport and exercise psychology focusing broadly on issues arising from the study of individual differences, affective states (e.g., anxiety and mood) and social factors (e.g., leadership and group cohesion). Students will be provided with theoretical and research knowledge on a range of contemporary sport and exercise psychology related issues. Practical examples will be provided throughout the module to incorporate theoretical learning within practice. Sport and exercise research methodologies will be explored and critically analysed. The importance of engaging in exercise or physical activity from a broader society perspective will also be outlined.