SP6052 - Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module explores contemporary theory in sport psychology and its relevance to the competitive sporting environment. Approaching from an applied perspective which relates to employability, you will consider important concepts in terms of their potential impact on an athlete’s psychological state and therefore their engagement and performance.
The module aims to introduce you to the key real-life psychological demands associated with sports performance, in conjunction with coping mechanisms and solutions used to deal with those demands. In terms of employability, you will gain a critical insight into the applied practice of sport psychology and gain experiences of some of the key interpersonal skills that make an effective sport psychologist.
Prior learning requirements
Prerequisite SP5052
Available for Study Abroad? NO
Syllabus
Goal setting for optimal performance (LO1)
Setting the motivational climate (LO1)
Coping and emotions in sport (LO1)
Mental toughness and personality shaping (LO1)
Optimal performance and flow (LO1)
Sport psychology and injury (LO1)
Disordered eating in sport (prevalence, impact and outcome) (LO1)
Psychological intervention (needs analysis and intervention) (LO2, LO3)
Applied sport psychology (LO2, LO3)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The basic structure to teaching and learning will involve a theory driven lecture supported by an interactive practical seminar. Lectures will provide the essential theoretical base, whereas seminars offer students the opportunity to discuss this knowledge and its relevance to practice. Reflective practice is a continuous element as an important employability strand and driving force in personal development.
Learning outcomes
LO 1: Critically discuss key psychological characteristics associated with elite athletes.
LO 2: Appraise methods of psychological needs assessment and intervention strategies.
LO 3: Propose theoretically informed intervention strategies appropriate for specific athlete needs.
Assessment strategy
Assessments have been designed to provide students with a diverse range of tasks that maintain interest and encourage engagement. This breadth also ensures the development of a greater number of key skills pertinent to employability. The even dispersion of assessments across the year ensures a manageable workload.
Assessment (001) will be an essay-style written submission which invites the student to consider the practical efficacy of a sport psychologist and the use of mental skills. This will then be linked to a mental skill of choice, supported by current research and showing how that mental skill can be applied to athletes in training.
Assessment (002) will take the form of a SEEN EXAM where students will select a case study scenario, prepare an analysis of the issues involved and suggest working interventions to address the issues. The prepared response will be reproduced under exam conditions.