Sports Psychology: History, Theories and Applications

Sports Psychology: History, Theories and Applications Emergence from Traditional Psychology Practice Practice of applied psychology emerged with the sport psychology experiences becoming more prominent every other day. This prominence highlighted the necessity for the development of athlete hostility (Friesen Orlick 2011). According to the definition of American Psychological Association (APA), scientific study of the psychological factors that are linked with the performance and participation in sport, exercise and other types of physical activities is known as sport psychology. Coleman Griffith is considered to be the founder for applying psychological principles in a systematic way to improve sport performance. He did this when he was first employed in Chicago Cubs in 1938 (APA n.d). He focused on the psychomotor skills and motor learning that enabled a link between physical performance and personality variables. However, Griffith’s ideas were not fully supported and accepted by the experts in the field of psychology (APA n.d). From the beginning of 1950s and till 1980s, sport psychology acquired an individual identity, free from exercise psychology, motor control and motor learning. At this time, sport psychology was linked with the performance, especially physical performance. With the publishing of one of the first books on sport psychology by Ogilvie and Tutko, psychologists began taking interest in the world of sports, by focusing their psychological theories on different sports personalities (APA n.d). Traditional psychological practice emerged with the study of individual personalities of human beings. Moreover, when factors, such as, aggression, sentiments, anger, motivation, confidence, grief and joy were studied, psychologists realize their role in individual personality and performances. Likewise, sport psychology is one of the types of individual performances. Theories and Theoretical Models causing separate Specialism The theory for coaching provides a set of guiding principles for coaching practice that identifies major principles and beliefs, which can help coaches achieve their aims and objectives. One of the theoretical models for sports psychology is â€Å"non-linear pedagogy†. Non-linear pedagogy is the application of concepts and tools or non-linear dynamics. This theory is based on the claim that learner is like a human movement system, which is characteristically non-linear. This theory explains ideas, such as, self-organization, stabilities and instabilities, etc. this theory let the functional movement patterns, such as, and decision-making behaviors in sport activities emerge (Renshaw, Davids, Shuttleworth Chow 2009). One of the other sport psychology theories is the â€Å"Dynamical Systems Theory†, which says that after the process of self-organization shaped by the interaction of individual constraints, task and environment, sport behavior emerges. Stable movement patterns can only be developed if all these constraints are kept constant. Likewise, any kind of changes in all these constraints can cause instabilities in learners and re-organization of the system, along with new patterns of behavior. In the light of this theory, instabilities are generally perceived as an integral part of learning process. This theory can be understood through the example of children coaching, where size of a child’s hand and grip strength is the factor determining quality of ball pass rather than technique (Renshaw, Davids, Shuttleworth Chow 2009). Figure 1: Neurobiological Model. Source: Sturmey 2007. Neurobiological Model of psychology interprets that how neurological science can contribute towards better coaching and athlete performances. This model represents the fear circuit, which is present in every athlete’s body. Amygdale, medial and orbital regions play an important role in the management of anxiety. On the other hand, cortex controls emotional regulation that may cause hyperactivity and lack of motor response. All the factors, such as, anxiety, fear, stress, etc can be calculated, in terms of their effect on sports players through Neurobiological Model. All these factors cause unintended alterations in the motor behavior of an athlete, causing poor performance (Sturmey 2007). Current Practices Currently, psychologists focus more on personality psychology rather than performance psychology in connection to various sports personalities. However, efforts are still being made to fill this loop hole. Counseling psychology focuses on doing psychological counseling of a person who has been sportsman earlier. This kind of counseling is being done keeping in mind the organizational, environmental and system issues of sportspersons. All these categories include issues, such as, coaching, team dynamics, etc. psychologist go through additional trainings, which enable them to work effectively with teams, coaches and organizations. On the other hand, performance psychology is also one of the most important fields of current sport psychology (APA n.d). Performance psychology says that people should be able to find happiness and meaning in life, then only they will be able to perform well in their fields. However, according to other variables in psychology, finding meaning and happiness in life does not always guarantee that a person shall be able to perform excellent in all the fields. But it does approve of some kind of success in life. Psychologists are trying to work on this principle by assisting sportsmen in their physical and mental problems. Their issues and problems are catered in such a way that a person does not lose hope in their continuing profession of sports or any other physical activity (APA n.d). Performance psychologists make use of the consultation model of intervention, along with the individual interventions, to develop certain issues in their patients (APA n.d). In addition, currently, kinesiology is also very popular in giving the consultation and psychology of performance knowledge. However, there is nothing very extraordinary about this practice. Instead of giving this psychological knowledge in kinesiology departments, it should rather be given in sport psychology departments (APA n.d). Aims and Objectives Field of sport psychology aims to bring competence in the psychological performances that include interventions and theories of optimal performance, coaching and leadership, motivation, team dynamics, emotions, human growth and development. Moreover, it also aims to provide mental health counseling by developing and maintaining a working alliance, clinical interviews, facilitating behavioral changes, motivating interviews, multilevel and systematic diagnosis interventions and group facilitations. Through all these aims and objectives, field of psychology shall be able to focus in building the competence in performance specialty domain. This domain includes performing arts, business, high-risk occupations and sports (Prodaniuk, Plotnikoff, Spence Wilson 2004). Moreover, there is also an evident need for the supervised practicum experiences (APA n.d). Experience makes a person a very good teacher, but the field of psychology cannot solely rely on experienced practitioners. Only experience cannot develop competence in individuals. Practitioners also vary in terms of their self-awareness. Confidence may not always guarantee accuracy of skills employed by all the practitioners. Sport psychology aims to produce practitioners, which are not just competent in confidence and experience but also in their skills and contemporary knowledge related to psychology. In addition, performance sport psychologists need to have grip over advanced knowledge of ethics (Gaag 2012). This makes them become aware of the nature of context in which they are working (APA n.d). Sport psychology professionals should be aimed to take multiple roles, challenges to confidentiality, boundary crossings and informed consent to allure to the environment of their field performance. Professionals of this field should also realize that the single therapy with individuals is not sport psychology. Sport psychology should aim at giving services to almost every other sport organization in the country, along with the excellent therapeutic services. Teaching should be one of the major steps in making sportsmen realize the importance of stable psychological condition. Sport psychology believes that there should be effective communication between coaches and team psychologists (APA n.d). Demonstration of Applications, Approaches and Techniques in Various Contexts Performance psychology applications are connected with the field of counseling and clinical psychology. Some of the major areas of focus for this study are using clinical interviewing skills, working alliance and understanding the behavioral change process. Performance psychology gives challenges and opportunities that provide the basis for the training of sports psychologists for future. These trainings include various contexts, interventions and issues that may become a part of professional practice in future. Performance psychologists approach sportsmen by focusing on their basic mental skills. These skills gives them the knowledge of probable mental and physical challenges a person is currently having or may go through in future (APA n.d). One of the other sport psychology applications is the experiential learning programs, which rely on the principle of, learn by doing. Direct involvement in the experience makes a person learn through it. Kolb developed a model, which explained that how learning occurs in individuals when they are directly involved in an experience. This model is based on the step of Do, Review, Learn and Apply. This model is very effective in the team development and providing a psychological rationale for learning. Four stages based on psychological concepts form the basis of this model. This model is depicted in the figure 2(Boyle 2002): Figure 2: Experiential Learning Model. Source: Boyle 2002. Sport injury management is another type of approach and techniques, which is a fruit of the field of sport psychology. sport injury management have planned designs and techniques, which makes sports management in educational institutions able to deal with any kind of sport circumstances with students. Sport injury management have planned their sport psychology approach in such a way that it makes teachers, peers and parents of students also get involved in the physical and psychological recovery of patient students. Figure 3 shows the breadth of sport injury management, where all the people become the part of care scenario (Comfort Abrahamson 2010): Figure 3: Sport Injury Management. Source: Comfort Abrahamson 2010. Barriers in Application and Delivery Referring trainings and knowledge with the labels of kinesiology, psychology or ESS is one of the biggest barriers in the discussion that is needed for the advancement of the field of psychology. The debate between kinesiology and psychology hinders the knowledge and trainings in psychology of performance, ethics, consulting, etc (APA n.d). Injuries, weather, change in family or working patterns that makes trainings less convenient are some of the major barriers in the field of sport psychology (Jarvis 2006). According to Karageorghis and Terry (2011), four barriers that stood between every sportsman’s performances is his view of strength, size, his negative view of snap and his recent interpretation to take the snap. Parents, peers and some other members of the society often becomes a barrier in psychological process when they are playing a negative role in the overall treatment (Melchert 2011). Furthermore, sport psychology is a field that has derived from the umbrella field of psychology. It can only work effectively if psychology is being discussed and practiced with regard to other fields as well. For example, ecological psychology also plays a significant role in the development of psychological answers (Renshaw, Davids, Shuttleworth Chow 2009). Lack of knowledge becomes a significant barrier in the development of sport psychology. One of the other barriers in sport psychology is the collection of data (Somekh Lewin 2011). Mostly, students do not participate in data collection activities. Best sport psychology data can only be collected if student athletes become a part of the sort psychology data collection (Somekh Lewin 2011). Similarly, one of the biggest barriers of sportsmen, especially young sportsmen is to adopt sport psychology methods and techniques individually (Sturmey 2007). Often young athletes are not completely able to understand any particular sport psychology approach or application. Most of the times, individuals have to try their technique on their own. Ultimately, this creates a problem for young athletes and they are unable to accomplish the desired results. Critical Evaluation of Theories and Models of Cognition and Condition Relevant to Sports Environment and Applications Hemmings and Holder conducted an experiment on Shane, an athlete. They told him recall different inspirational and meaningful quotes or statements. As a reaction, Shane found all these statements cognitively stimulating for both competition and practice situations. However, he did not agree with all the statements himself. All these inspirational statements have cognitive affirmations, self-instructions and personally symbolic reminders. All these statements facilitated behavioral intensity, emotional and attention control for self-assessment on courts and physical training sessions. This tool played a significant role in increasing the efficacy by doing verbal persuasion; however, it was a kind of self-persuasion in Shane’s case (Hemmings Holder 2009). These phrases were selected in such a way that Shane should be able to refer any one of them to any athletic situation he faces. This Alphabet Motivator acted as a verbal persuasion for Shane. It increased his self-regulation and confidence to increase success on different tasks. Figure 4 represents the words that were selected for Shane’s Alphabet Motivator: Figure 4: Selected Cognitive and Emotive Statements from Shane’s Alphabet Motivator. Source: Hemmings Holder 2009. In addition, there were mental rehearsal exercises, which were conducted on Shane regularly during his on-court practices and physical trainings. Motivational General Mastery Imagery is a sport psychology application, which is used to enhance confidence in athletes (Hemmings Holder 2009). This application focused on Shane’s strengths and all the tactical, technical, physical and psychological responses, which are required by Shane is any of his athletic sessions. Shane was asked to visualize scenarios, where he would feel a need to remember motivational statements that can make him successful in the session ahead. Control-related and confidence-related images are given to Shane to select them for physical, technical and psychological aspects of the game. In this application, Shane was also asked to select role model figures of sports and imagine himself in the body of these role models at the time he feels any difficulty during his sports sessions (Hemmings Holder 2009). Historical Development of Models and their Adaptation according to the Aims and Objectives of Applications Psychological consultants had taken the challenge of studying athlete’s ego-oriented, self-defeated beliefs to support them in the athletic sessions and work-outs. Throughout psychological assessment, high level of articulation and encouraged reflection of a good degree of personal capacity and awareness was demonstrated on athlete’s behalf. High level of commitment demonstration developed the psychological approach, which a sportsperson can appropriately take under his current performance-related belief structure. This also enabled the development of coaching and mentoring as a part of nurturing individuals abilities of behavior and performance (Deans Oakley 2006). This psychological application was based on the variety of psychological references (Ryba 2005). This variety of references does not suggest that the entire sport psychologist should be confused within the information they give but rather it can be used to broaden the vision of sport psychology (Ryba 2005). All the factors associated with sport psychology emerged immediately after the emergence of mental counseling. Psychologists realize that factors, such as, motivation, emotions, energy level, self-esteem, confidence, patriotism, etc play an integral role in the development of a certain personality. Although a person may be playing in a team, every team player has his individual personality. If all these factors play a significant role in personality making, then they also play a role in effecting sport performance of an individual.

The Great Gatsby Essay -- English Literature Essays

Texts can be valued and appreciated for numerous reasons, and this is particularly apparent in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. The novel is a great part of 20th century literature and is valued for the themes and ideas which Fitzgerald presents, such as the importance of dreams in peoples’ lives, the myth that is the ‘American Dream’, Fitzgerald’s perspective of 1920’s life, and the style in which he portrays his ideas. It is also valued simply as a love story – as an entertaining narrative. In The Great Gatsby, dreams and their importance play a major part in the plot and underlying themes. It is seen that Gatsby himself presents this idea the most; this is because Gatsby is different to all the other characters in the novel as he actually has a dream – to â€Å"improve himself† which he hopes will eventually win back Daisy’s love. â€Å"†¦ An extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The reader learns that Gatsby has had dreams and ambitions his entire life, while his parents had none; Gatsby was not fond of this characteristic found in his parents. His goals and aspirations made him who he was and he realised that he was different to his parents in this way. He left his home, his mother and father at a young age and was described as a â€Å"son of God.† Gatsby disconnected himself from his parents and created his own identity as God created people. Gatsby’s dream is symbolised by the green light on the end of Daisy’s dock, across the river from his house, and represents his desire for Daisy. Nick (narrator the story) admires this quality in Gatsby and excuses all his faults because of his hopes and dreams. In the end, Gatsby dies in pursuit of his dreams and Nick says, â€Å"No – Gatsby turned out alright at the end; it was what prayed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams.† Nick, unlike the other characters, doesn’t have any goals or aspirations. He doesn’t have high expectations, and is comfortable with the way he lives his life. However, the other characters, Jordan, Daisy, Tom and Myrtle, are not happy with what they already have, and only have goals that are short-term, and are often self-centered and concerned with money. The people attending Gatsby’s parties also appear to be materialistic and without ambitions. They go through life without directions or dre... ...urning to him. The light at the end of her dock reassures him that she is till close to him, and his house lights represent his attempt to attract her. His lights are only turned off after their first kiss, when he is comfortable that he has her back, and when he is dead. Wolfsheim’s human molar cufflinks represent an increasingly materialistic and unfeeling society. Yet this text should be simply enjoyed as a love story – as an entertaining narrative. The story of Gatsby’s attempts to win the love of Daisy is representative of the writing styles during the 1920’s, and is valued for this insight. The tale of a man loving a woman and dieing in the quest for her love appeals to readers on an emotional level. The numerous themes and ideas that F. Scott Fitzgerald presents in The Great Gatsby are valued in many ways. He shows that dreams should be important in peoples’ lives, and that everyone should have a goal in life. He also displays the corrupt nature of the American Dream in the 1920’s, and how society’s social classes and racist views will never result to equality in America. This perspective of 20th century life and Fitzgerald’s style are also appreciated and valued.

Good Will Hunting: Movie Response

Good Will Hunting Movie Response Name: answer each questions with 1 paragraph (6 sentences) Please 1 . What is Sean Maguire's (Robin Williams) Psychological Specialization? How do you know this? What parts of the movie lead you to this conclusion? Sean Maguire specializes in talking with people who are incredibly defensive and unwilling to open up about many aspects of life. Sean could be considered a Counseling Psychologist. This becomes quite evident as their time together goes on throughout the film.Will is completely unwilling to open up in the first few sessions they have together, and shows a great deal of defensiveness. He dodges and redirects questions, and Sean goes along with it for a while. Finally, Sean actually challenges Will's weak defense mechanisms, and after a few unproductive sessions, Will begins to open up. 2. What contemporary school of psychological thought does Sean Maguire belong to? How do you know this? What parts of the movie lead you to this conclusion? 3 .What have you gained from watching the movie that you can translate into your own life? I have learned that we are all eventually trying to find our purpose in life. Some take longer than others. However, a little help and a push in the right direction helps speed up the process, unfortunately millions of people do not get that opportunity. Sadly, many spend their lives doing something that is nowhere close to what they are really meant to be doing. Unfortunately, in today's world, circumstances determine what and how you eve to live your life.We spend so much time thinking what others perceive us as that we eventually lose track of who we really are. A classroom can teach you many things life cannot. So long as you are willing to learn from everything and everyone around you. We all need genuine friends and catalysts to help us find our journey. How we respond to their advice helps speed up the process. We all need to find someone that makes us tick. In addition, never let go of t hem. It helps if they are of the opposite sex – only if that is your preference.

Poe Essay - 1855 Words

Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809 to Actors David and Elizabeth Arnold Poe. David and Eliza had three children together, William Henry, Edgar and a sister named Rosalie Poe (Hutchisson, 5). Edgar Allan’s parents died when he was young and he was taken in by John and Frances Allan, of Richmond, Virginia, even though they never formally adopted him. His other two brothers went on to live with other family members. John Allan was a very successful merchant, which aloud Edgar to be able to grow up in good surroundings and be able to attend good schools. (Hutchisson, 7) When Edgar Allan was 5 years old, he attended class with his first teacher who was Clotilda Fisher and then he was taught by William Ewing.†¦show more content†¦He told the Army he was twenty-two years old and that his name was Edgar Perry, he was really eighteen at the time. In that same year, Poes first collection of poems, Tamerlane, and other Poems were published (Streissguth, 26). In 1829, Poe published his second collection of poems called, Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane and minor poems. Both of these collections were not highly printed and received some positive and some negative reviews. After being in the Army for only 2 years, Poe decided to enlist himself in the United States Military Academy (Streissguth, 29). After a year at the Military Academy Poe decided that he wanted to quit but he was once again needed the permission of Allan. After being unable to reach Allan, he decided the only way out of the Military was to get himself thrown out, which is exactly what he d id (Streissguth, 31). He then left for New York for a little while, and then at twenty-two years old he moved to Baltimore, Maryland to join his aunt Mrs. Maria Clemm, her daughter Virginia and Poes brother Henry (Streissguth, 35). Around this time, Poe began to sell more of his short stories to magazines. In 1835, Poe was introduced to Thomas W. White, who was a printer who owned the magazine Southern Literary Messenger, in Richmond. Thomas W. White hired Poe to become the editor of the Southern Literary Messenger and even agreed to publish his stories â€Å"Berenice† and â€Å"Morella† (Streissguth,Show MoreRelatedThe Rise Of Poe By Edgar Allan Poe1635 Words   |  7 PagesThe Rise of Poe The words people use and how they use them holds so much power within themselves. It seems that, people are always searching for the right words to express their true emotions towards a certain subject. Artists and authors manage to make a living off of knowing how to use the right words to reach through to their platform. Though within his time, Edgar Allan Poe did not have an established platform and was seen as estranged; he still dabbled as an author and has made many famous shortRead MorePoe and Perversely1719 Words   |  7 Pagesand explain how someone is perverse would have to be Edger Allan Poe. Two of his works that show perversely the best would be â€Å"The Black Cat† and â€Å"The Imp of the Perverse.† Poe was really able to explain perversely very well. Poe’s view of perversely is clearly expressed in â€Å"The Imp of the Perverse† Poe explains perversely as â€Å"We persist in acts because we feel we should not persist in them†(The I mp of the Perverse; Edgar Allan Poe) In The Imp of the Perverse Poe’s views of perversely are like mineRead MorePrescence of Poe1736 Words   |  7 PagesPresence of Poe Edgar Allan Poe is regarded as one of the great American writers in history. He had a unique way to present his stories, his imagination stretched into the darkest corners of his mind. One can say his characters were developed from personal experiences in his life. His use of writing techniques was ingenious and unsurpassed. These are just a few reasons why he is a permanent reminder whenever horror stories come to mind. 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On a personal level, Poe often disagreedRead More Edgar Allen Poe1501 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe was a great writer and made many contributions to the works of literature. He is known as the father of the American short story and also the father of the detective story. To understand Poe’s literary contributions, his early life, literacy life, and works must be examined. Each aspect of his life revolves around the other. Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809. He was born to a Southern family who belonged in a traveling companyRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe1245 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscussing about my poet Edgar Allan Poe. Poe had written numerous of poems and stories but the one I chose was â€Å"Annabel Lee†. This poem was written in 1849 which was a long time ago. Even though this poem is centuries old, it is still a well known poem. This whole project includes a biography, literary movement, and a explication about the poem. The biography includes where Poe grew up and how his lifestyle were. Through research and sources, I found out that Poe lived a hard life. He was in a lot