Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Joanne Thatcher - Aberystwyth University, UK
- Melissa Day - University of Chichester, UK
- Rachel Rahman - Aberystwyth University, UK
Sports Psychology
'Clear definitions of scientific concepts are presented throughout and highlighted together with discussions relating to strengths and limitations. In addition, conflicting research is presented and reflected upon. The learning activities challenge the reader's way of thinking and problematizing around both method and content. Other valuable educational approaches are case studies, which make the text more interesting and facilitate a deeper learning approach, as well as suggested further reading for students who want more information and depth....To conclude Sport and Exercise Psychology is well worth reading. As a reader you will find the content slightly different from the mainstream sport and exercise psychology literature and with a strong focus on critical reflection....Is especially well suited for the reader that has a genuine interest in understanding the science behind sport and exercise psychology'
Sofia Bunke
Department of Psychology, Lund University
The problem for my students is the language, but it is a very good book on sport-psychology
Though I believe this is a valuable Sport Psychology book, as an introductory text for students, I believe it is not a good choice. It focuses too heavily on motivation without explaining overall concepts of basic sport psychology in a usable manner. I will recommend it as a recommended reading, but do not plan to use it as the main text.
This another great book from the series. It explains the theories well, while allowing a chance for higher level learners to go more indepth and stretch themselves.
Some great topics that I have been able to use within a class that is predominantly struggling with seeing itself as a sport. This has helped them to understand the concepts of the 'why' and question their own performance.
The book uses very good learning activities which the students will find useful. I will be recommending this book as reading material for students on our course.
Thank you
John
This book provides a good overview of the key concepts of both sport and exercise psychology. I will be recommending it as an introductory book for MSc students as it is integrates theory and practice well through the use of case study examples that are based in the UK.
Will be recommended to all my 2nd and 3rd year sport and exercise psychology students.
This text is highly recommended for any student studying key aspects of sports psychology from A-level upwards. There are frequent references to case studies throughout the book to show the application of key theories as well as recommended further reading at the end of each chapter and learner activities with an answers section at the back. The book looks at many relevent issues in modern day society, which is why it is of keen interest to students currently studying this topic. Theories surrounding inactivity and the factors affecting low participation rates are dealt with in detail as well as strategies for "modelling" and changing attitudes and behaviour towards sport and exercise, which is a key area of study for modern day sports psychology students. The book also balances the debate out by looking at the negative effects of exercise ranging from the impact of the media and the "unattainable dream" to muscle dysmorphia, OCD's and eating disorders. The second half of the book deals primarily with slef-confidence and competitive training and again covers all key theories and regularly applies it to case studies and sports specific examples such as incidences of choking and over-arousal. The book finishes with a very good section on the practical applications of the theories mentioned as well as psychological techniques that can be employed to benefit athletes.
This book provides an extension to the information provided in current textbooks thus offering learners the opportunity to add more depth to assignments and achieve higher grades. It also allows for differentiation in sources of information thus allowing learners to adopt a differing view and gain a broader knowledge of the subject area.
