Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Basics of Sport Psychology
Course Code
VPUPK_351
Branch of Science
General Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Biology; Business Management; Civil and Military Defense; Clinical Pharmacy; Communication Science; Dentistry; Health Management; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Law; Life Science; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Medical Services; Medical Technologies; Medicine; Midwifery; Nursing Science; Pedagogy; Person and Property Defence; Pharmacy; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health; Rehabilitation; Social Anthropology; Social Welfare and Social Work; Sociology; Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Beate Evelīna Dišlere
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
To develop a general picture of the science of sports psychology, the main directions of sports psychology, the psychological fitness of athletes and the impact of physical activity on psychological health.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge in psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Understands the basic concepts of sports psychology, the main theoretical directions and the foundations of the professional activities of a psychologist in the context of sports.
2.Understand the psychological factors that affect athletes’ performance, motivation, stress, mental health and intercommunication in a sports environment.
Skills
1.Able to analyse simple sports or physical activity situations, identify psychological factors and link them to concepts learned in the course.
2.Able to reasonably present their conclusions and participate in the discussion using professional terminology.
Competences
1.Able to apply the basic knowledge of sports psychology independently in the understanding and evaluation of practical situations.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Physical activity and mental health — case analysis |
20.00% from total grade
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10 points
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Students individually or in groups determined by the lecturer receive or choose a case related to physical activity in the context of sport, study, work or leisure. The case is analysed in the group based on what has been discussed in the lecture, as well as by incorporating 2-3 scientific research findings into the work. What factors contribute to starting and maintaining physical activity? How does this behaviour affect mental health and psychological wellbeing? What is the key finding or conclusion from this analysis? Working in small groups; culminating in a brief presentation and joint discussion. |
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2.
Forms of communication and conflict resolution in the sporting environment |
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Test
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Students work in pairs. Each couple receives or chooses a description of a conflict or difficult communication situation in the context of sports, studies or teamwork. Students play out the situation in the form of a role play, using different communication styles and conflict resolution strategies. In conclusion, couples present their findings and participate in a joint discussion. |
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3.
Use and reflection of the self-regulation method |
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Test
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Student chooses one method of self-regulation or emotion regulation (e.g. conscious breathing, relaxation, attention focusing, short visualisation) and practises it on a daily basis for at least 7 days. Upon completion of the assignment, the student shall submit a written reflection on the experience. In reflection, questions must be answered:
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4.
Attend the Scientific practical Conference in Sports Psychology “Modern Sports Psychology: Research, Innovation and Professional practice” |
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-
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Conference attendance, discussion of lessons learned. |
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Tests on lecture topics. |
20.00% from total grade
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10 points
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2.
Analysis of the situation |
60.00% from total grade
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10 points
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Student receives one structured description of the situation in the context of sport, physical activity or team activity (e.g. drop in motivation, conflict in team, competition stress, communication problems, congestion, collaboration difficulties). Based on the concepts acquired in the course, the student performs an analysis of the situation and responds in writing to the following task points:
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introductory lecture, course course course and requirements.
Introduction to sports psychology, brief insight into history, legal framework of professional activities of a sports psychologist, directions of modern sports psychology.
Description
Abstract: The introductory lecture discusses course course course, format of lectures and classes, course requirements and final exam. Key terms and definitions of sports psychology are covered. A history of sports psychology. Laws relating to psychologists involved in work in a sporting environment. Highlights of sports psychology. Literature: Tod, D. (2022). Sport Psychology: The Basics. Routledge Singh, R. (2022). Sports Psychology. QC publications. Wazne, Jr., Eiken, D., Simononnekova, I., Ulme, G. (2022). Methodological advice for the work of a sports psychologist. Latvian Sports Psychology Association. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introductory lecture, course course course and requirements.
Introduction to sports psychology, brief insight into history, legal framework of professional activities of a sports psychologist, directions of modern sports psychology.
Description
Abstract: The introductory lecture discusses course course course, format of lectures and classes, course requirements and final exam. Key terms and definitions of sports psychology are covered. A history of sports psychology. Laws relating to psychologists involved in work in a sporting environment. Highlights of sports psychology. Literature: Tod, D. (2022). Sport Psychology: The Basics. Routledge Singh, R. (2022). Sports Psychology. QC publications. Wazne, Jr., Eiken, D., Simononnekova, I., Ulme, G. (2022). Methodological advice for the work of a sports psychologist. Latvian Sports Psychology Association. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Work of a sports psychologist – competence and skills of a psychologist, psychological evaluation and counselling of an athlete, work environment. Professional ethics and ethical dilemmas in the sporting environment.
Description
Abstract: competences and skills required to perform the work duties of a sports psychologist. Psychological research of an athlete in sport. The work of a sports psychologist in high achievement sport. Work of a sports psychologist in the sport of children and young people. Professional ethics and ethical dilemmas in the sporting environment. Literature: Tod, D. (2022). Sport Psychology: The Basics. Routledge Wazne, Jr., Eiken, D., Simononnekova, I., Ulme, G. (2022). Methodological advice for the work of a sports psychologist. Latvian Sports Psychology Association. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Work of a sports psychologist – competence and skills of a psychologist, psychological evaluation and counselling of an athlete, work environment. Professional ethics and ethical dilemmas in the sporting environment.
Description
Abstract: competences and skills required to perform the work duties of a sports psychologist. Psychological research of an athlete in sport. The work of a sports psychologist in high achievement sport. Work of a sports psychologist in the sport of children and young people. Professional ethics and ethical dilemmas in the sporting environment. Literature: Tod, D. (2022). Sport Psychology: The Basics. Routledge Wazne, Jr., Eiken, D., Simononnekova, I., Ulme, G. (2022). Methodological advice for the work of a sports psychologist. Latvian Sports Psychology Association. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Factors influencing the commencement and maintenance of physical activity.
Effects of physical activity on a person’s mental health.
Description
Abstract: The effects of sport on mental health, wellbeing, quality of life, personality and cognitive function. Literature: Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics https://www.spkc.gov.lv/lv/fiziskas-aktivitates?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F https://www.vm.gov.lv/lv/media/6408/download |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
|
Factors influencing the commencement and maintenance of physical activity.
Effects of physical activity on a person’s mental health.
Description
Abstract: The effects of sport on mental health, wellbeing, quality of life, personality and cognitive function. Literature: Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics https://www.spkc.gov.lv/lv/fiziskas-aktivitates?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F https://www.vm.gov.lv/lv/media/6408/download |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Interdisciplinary (coaching with a psychologist).
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Athlete-to-athlete relationships (teammates, coaches, parents, system). The dynamic of the team and the role of the coach.
Training of coaches and administrators in the early identification and prevention of psychological difficulties.
Description
Abstract: The subject of the team, its development and the creation of a positive climate within it will be discussed. An understanding of the communication process, effective forms of communication, conflict resolution strategies, methods of conveying constructive criticism. Lesson questions: who is the team and who is the group? How can the relationship between an athlete and those around them affect their performance? How do I effectively deliver criticism and absorb it? Literature: Tod, D. (2022). Sport Psychology: The Basics. Routledge Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics Singh, R. (2022). Sports Psychology. QC publications. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Forms of communication, conflict resolution in sports environments.
Description
Abstract: Communication, its role in sport. Forms of communication in (verbal, non-verbal) sport. Basic principles for building successful communication in a sporting environment. Conflicts, strategies for resolving them. Various conflict resolution strategies have been practically tried. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Forms of communication, conflict resolution in sports environments.
Description
Abstract: Communication, its role in sport. Forms of communication in (verbal, non-verbal) sport. Basic principles for building successful communication in a sporting environment. Conflicts, strategies for resolving them. Various conflict resolution strategies have been practically tried. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Stress management strategies in training and competitions – self-regulation techniques, emotion regulation.
Description
Abstract: defining stress and anxiety. Key stressors in the competition environment will be looked at and possible methods to mitigate them discussed. Practical work with a variety of self-regulation skills, such as controlling visualization and using internal speech in training and competitions. Different methods of emotion regulation have been practically tried. Lesson questions: What are the main stressors in the competitive environment? How do I mitigate them? What is emotion regulation? How do I apply it? Literature: Arnold, R., & Fletcher, D. (Ed.). (2021). Stress, well-being, and performance in Sport. Routledge. Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Stress management strategies in training and competitions – self-regulation techniques, emotion regulation.
Description
Abstract: defining stress and anxiety. Key stressors in the competition environment will be looked at and possible methods to mitigate them discussed. Practical work with a variety of self-regulation skills, such as controlling visualization and using internal speech in training and competitions. Different methods of emotion regulation have been practically tried. Lesson questions: What are the main stressors in the competitive environment? How do I mitigate them? What is emotion regulation? How do I apply it? Literature: Arnold, R., & Fletcher, D. (Ed.). (2021). Stress, well-being, and performance in Sport. Routledge. Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
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2
|
Topics
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Psychological preparation of athletes, motivation for achieving goals and health of athletes (especially after careers).
Description
Abstract: psychological resilience. Motivation, building and developing it. Principles for setting objectives. Group goals. Lesson questions: What is motivation? What factors influence motivation? How do I set an effective and achievable goal? How do I apply the SMART method? Literature: Keegan, R. (2020). Being a Sport psychologist. Bloomsbury Publishing. Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics Singh, R. (2022). Sports Psychology. QC publications. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological preparation of athletes, motivation for achieving goals and health of athletes (especially after careers).
Description
Abstract: psychological resilience. Motivation, building and developing it. Principles for setting objectives. Group goals. Lesson questions: What is motivation? What factors influence motivation? How do I set an effective and achievable goal? How do I apply the SMART method? Literature: Keegan, R. (2020). Being a Sport psychologist. Bloomsbury Publishing. Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics Singh, R. (2022). Sports Psychology. QC publications. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
|
Topics
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Seminar – case analysis.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar – case analysis.
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Vazne, Ž., Eikena, D., Simoneņkova, I., Ulme, G. (2022). Metodiskie ieteikumi sporta psihologa darbam. Latvijas Sporta psiholoģijas asociācija.
2.
Mangal, S. K., & Mangal, S. (2023). Sports psychology: concepts and applications. Routledge India.
3.
Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Human kinetics.
4.
Arnold, R., & Fletcher, D. (Eds.). (2021). Stress, well-being, and performance in sport. Routledge.
5.
Keegan, R. (2020). Being a sport psychologist. Bloomsbury Publishing.
6.
Mārtinsone, K., Šmits, D., Mihailovs, I. J., Mārtinsone, A., Ruža, A., Vanadziņš, I., ... & Paičs, I. (2021). Pašpalīdzības un pašvadības iespēju arsenāls krīzes un transformāciju laikā: Metodes ikvienam.
Additional Reading
1.
Mārtinsone, K., Miltuze, A. (red.). (2015). Psiholoģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne, ABC.
2.
Ābele, A. (2009). Sporta psiholoģijas pamati. Rīga: RaKa.
3.
Butler, R. (2020). Sports psychology in action. CRC Press.
4.
Nicholls, A. R. (2021). Psychology in sports coaching: Theory and practice. Routledge.
Other Information Sources
1.
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology
2.
International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
3.
American Journal of Psychology
4.
American Psychologist