This book offers a student-friendly introduction to the discipline of sport psychology. All the key psychological issues in sport are explored, and difficult questions are raised: are athletes born or made? Does playing sport affect personality? What effect do cultural beliefs have on personal sporting development?
Matt Jarvis has substantially revised and expanded his original coverage of the subject from the highly successful first edition (Sport Psychology (1999) in the Routledge Modular Psychology series). Here he provides a succinct but comprehensive account of major theory and research in sport psychology, whilst maintaining the readable style and student-centred approach which made the previous book so successful.
Key issues covered include:
- Personality and sport
- Attitudes to sport
- Aggression
- Social factors affecting performance
- Arousal and anxiety
- Motivation and skill acquisition.
There is an emphasis not merely on learning about sport psychology, but also on developing critical and creative thinking. In addition, the book includes chapters on conducting research and writing essays in sport psychology, as well as reflective exercises throughout the text.
Personality Characteristics and Sporting Behaviour. Personality Development and Sport. Attitudes to Sport. Aggression and Sport. Social Factors in Sporting Performance. Arousal, Anxiety and Sporting Performance. Motivation and Sport. Skill Acquisition and Expertise. Research Methods in Sport Psychology. Writing Essays in Sport Psychology.
Biography
Matt Jarvis is teacher of psychology at Totton College and Visiting Lecturer at Southampton University.
"I have used Matt Jarvis' book as the basis for our in-service sessions with our elite coaches at our Academy. Most coaches tend to come through their training as a coach with a very good understanding of the technical, tactical and physical areas of development for young players. This book offers a comprehensive coverage of the main topics in sports psychology which gives the coaches an excellent introduction to the subject. The breadth of the key issues covered allows our coaches to attach their own ideas and experiences to the framework provided by this book." - John Owens, Academy Manager, Liverpool Football Club
"Here is an introduction to sport psychology that clarifies without oversimplifying, explains without overcomplicating and elucidates without overwhelming the reader with an excess of detail. Generously adorned with illustrations, case studies and practical assignments, this is the perfect primer for one of the most exciting areas of contemporary study." - Ellis Cashmore, Professor of Culture, Media and Sport, Staffordshire University, UK
