Sports Psychology

Recommended Prerequisites

Master degree in Medicine or Dental Medicine. Basic computer skills. Portuguese and English.  

Teaching Methods

Method based on face-to-face exposition, and on another component based on articles search and analysis in lab context. During the practical classes students will be encouraged to participate in research tasks in pairs or in groups, oral presentation of ideas as well as to interact with the different actors in the teaching-learning process. Students are encouraged to read articles and book chapters summarized a total of 14 articles in English (14x4 hours) and 4 articles in Portuguese (4x2 hours).

Learning Outcomes

[1] To know the problem of physical inactivity in modern society, the main risk factors in terms of health and well-being and major combat inactivity policies;
[2] To know the psychological mechanisms that underlie behavior modification directed to an active and healthy lifestyle;
[3] To recognize the importance of psychological training as an added value in preparing the athlete for competition;
[4] To know the main tools of psychological intervention in the context of top-level sport to help reduce the impact of sporting environments and help establish coping strategies providing a more effective control of anxiety and stress.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

[1] History and basic concepts in Psychology of Sport and Exercise
[2] Behavior as a result: Implications in terms of health and well-being
[2.1] The problem of inactivity and changeability of behavior: The self-regulated behavior directed to the practice of physical exercise
[2.2] Physical Exercise and Mental Health: Psychological determinants and main benefits associated with sport and exercise
[3] How can Sport Psychology help athletes in training and competition?
[3.1] Psychological characteristics of the participants: Personality development
[3.2] Motivation and main features of motivated behavior
[3.3] Arousal, stress and anxiety: Main implications of competitive anxiety in terms of performance
[3.4] To understand sport environments: competition and cooperation
[3.5] To understand the functioning of groups: Leadership and communication in sport.

Head Lecturer(s)

José Pedro Leitão Ferreira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

1] Biddle, S.J.H., & Mutrie, N. (2001). Psychology of physical activity: Determinants, well-being and interventions. London: Routledge.

[2] Biddle, S.J.H., Fox, K.R., & Boutcher, S.H. (2000). Physical activity and psychological well-being. London: Routledge.

[3] Buckworth, J, & Dishman, R.K. (2002). Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics.

[4] Fox, K.R. (1997). The Physical self: From motivation to well-being. Human Kinetics.

[5] Weinberg, R.S., & Gould, D. (2010) Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics.

[5] Tenenbaum, R., & Eklund, G. (2007) Handbook of Sport Psychology. Wiley & Sons, Inc.