Students will complete a case study analysis (2000 words) exploring a key issue related to mental health in sport or exercise. The case should demonstrate how psychological, social, and cultural factors interact to influence wellbeing, functioning, or performance. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising, task-related feedback on a week-by-week basis, together with discussions to encourage peer-learning, in addition to comments from the relevant tutor.

This module explores the complex relationship between sport, exercise, and mental health, focusing on both the protective and risk factors that influence wellbeing in athletes and exercisers. Students will critically examine the prevalence, causes, and consequences of mental health difficulties within sport and exercise settings, drawing on psychological theory, current research, and applied perspectives.

Through analysis of real-world and hypothetical case studies, learners will be able to identify, understand, and respond ethically to mental health issues, preparing them for future practice or research in sport, exercise, and performance psychology.

1. Critically evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and psychological mechanisms underpinning mental health and mental ill health within sport and exercise populations, drawing on theory and current research.

Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding, Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

2. Apply psychological theory and evidence to analyse and interpret a case study of mental health in sport or exercise,żdemonstratingżawareness of ethical, cultural, and contextual factors in the understanding and support of individuals.

Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving, Reflection

Students follow a single-semester study programme. Students will learn through a combination of asynchronous lectures and synchronous lectures, and webinars. Video lectures will be posted on the virtual learning environment (VLE), and students will be required to view these each week prior to completing the webinar activities, which will then be used to build upon the material presented in the video lectures. In addition, students can access support material via the virtual learning environment (e.g.,Blackboard) and Microsoft Teams.

Students are required to access additional support material independently.

Students will learn through a combination of video lectures, independent activities, formative feedback tasks, peer to peer discussions, and 1-2-1 tutor support.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Microsoft Teams
Internet access
Library facilities

Reardon, C. L., & Hainline, B. (Eds.). (2021). Mental Health in Athletes: Concepts and Challenges. Cham: Springer.

BPS. (2021). Code of Ethics and Conduct and Code of Human Research Ethics. Leicester: British Psychological Society.

Understanding Mental Health in Sport and Exercise explores the complex relationship between sport, physical activity, performance, and mental health. You will critically examine psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence wellbeing and mental ill health in sport and exercise contexts. Through applied case study analysis, you will apply theory and research to ethically interpret mental health experiences and support needs. This module develops advanced critical and applied skills relevant to careers and further study in sport, exercise, and mental health.