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Sport and Exercise Psychology

A Critical Introduction

• By Aidan P. Moran

• Price: $35.00
• Binding: Paperback (also available in Hardback)
• Pages: 368
• Published by: Routledge
• Publication Date: 12th December 2003
• Illustrations: 14 figures + 13 bw photos
• ISBN: 978-0-415-16809-0

About the Book

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.

Reviews

'Sport and Exercise Psychology is a reference book that explains the theory and practice of helping athletes do their best when it matters most.' - Golfing, Union of Ireland Official Magazine, April/May 2004

'Aidan Moran succeeds admirably in the integration of scientific substance with real-sport examples and reference to many famous athletes and coaches. This is not merely another textbook in sport and exercise psychology. Aidan Moran has produced a book with attention to substance, communication style, organization and structure, and reader interest. Who says that academic reading cannot be enlightening as well as enjoyable?' - Robert N. Singer, University of Florida, USA

Table of Contents

Part 1. Introducing Sport and Exercise Psychology: Discipline and profession Part 2. Exploring Athletic Performance: Key constructs 1. Motivation and Goal-setting in Sport 2. "Psyching Up" and "Calming Down": Anxiety in sport 3. Staying Focussed in Sport: Concentration in sport performers 4. Using Imagination in Sport: Mental imagery and mental practice in athletes 5. What Lies Beneath the Surface? Investigating expertise in sport Part 3. Team Cohesion 6. Exploring Team Cohesion in Sport: A critical perspective Part 4. Exploring Health, Exercise and Injury 7. Does a Healthy Body Always Lead to a Healthy Mind? Exploring exercise psychology 8. Helping Athletes to Cope with Injury: From theory to practice

About the Author(s)

Aidan Moran is Professor of Psychology at University College, Dublin, Ireland. Published extensively in books and journals, he has gained an international reputation for his research on concentration, mental imaging and expertise in athletics.