Contemporary Issues in Sport Psychology
Study Course Implementer
Riga, Dzirciema Street 16, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
Strengthen trainers’ ability to influence athletes’ motivation and understanding of the four-stage career cycle – talent selection, coaching, competition and career conclusion. Given the changes in sports psychology and qualifications of professionals, where the role of coaches in mental preparation has gradually been supplemented by a holistic view of psychologists, the course offers basic principles of understanding and intervention based on the interaction between an athlete and their environment.
Preliminary Knowledge
In-depth knowledge in general, developmental and social psychology, in particular in motivation, emotion regulation, personality, communication and group process theories, as well as understanding the personality characteristics of the coach, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, leadership styles and interdisciplinary cooperation in the sporting environment.
Ability to analyse psychological, emotional and social factors in professional sports situations, interpret their interrelationships, apply methods of emotional intelligence and self-regulation, communicate effectively with different target groups and adapt leadership approaches to the needs of athletes and the team.
Ability to integrate knowledge of different sub-sectors of psychology, independently evaluate complex problems related to the psychological competence of the coach and team management, adapt psychological approaches to specific situations and act professionally and ethically in interdisciplinary cooperation.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Defines sports psychology as a scientific discipline and describes psychological factors that affect athletic performance and an athlete’s mental health during the training and competition process.
Research and analyses scientific literature on sports psychology topics • Self-assessment tests
2.Describes the stages of an athlete’s career development based on a four-part career development model.
Self-assessment tests
3.Describes the main theoretical frameworks in sports psychology that help to understand sports situations and support decision-making and problem solving in the sports environment.
Self-assessment tests • Research and analyses scientific literature on sports psychology topics
Skills
1.Analyse and plan the long-term development and career development of an athlete at different stages of athletic activity.
Case study
2.Discusses the importance of psychology in the context of sport in a reasoned way, explaining the boundaries of professional roles and competences of a coach and sports psychologist.
Case study
3.A scientific approach is applied to problem solving by integrating different theoretical approaches into the analysis of sports situations and the development of solutions.
Research and analyses scientific literature on sports psychology topics • Case study
Competences
1.Ability to critically assess the potential impact of decisions or actions by identifying direct and indirect impacts on stakeholders and the environment.
Case study
2.Able to use and integrate different theoretical frameworks to analyse complex situations, offer innovative solutions and improve existing systems.
Case study
3.Able to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired in different study modules to address complex issues in the context of sports psychology.
Case study
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Research and analyses scientific literature on sports psychology topics |
20.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Analysis of scientific studies on the impact of physical activity on mental health. Work is counted when the aggregated results and conclusions are presented in a lesson. |
||
|
2.
Self-assessment tests |
20.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
A test on each topic of lectures - a test of theoretical knowledge about definitions of concepts taught, key authors, problems they have studied in relation to physical activity and health. A report is received if all self-test tests are passed. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Case study |
60.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Familiarize yourself with the proposed case description. Identify and articulate the main problem from the perspective of sports psychology. Analyse the situation taking into account the individual and environmental factors of the athlete. Put forward a number of possible hypotheses about the causes of the problem. Assess possible solutions and propose appropriate strategies for psychological intervention or action. Justify the approach chosen on the basis of an individually tailored (“tailor-made”) solution. Assessment criteria for the task are available in e-studies. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introductory lecture, study course plan and requirements. New issues explored and boundaries between coaches and sports psychologists
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: Positive and negative effects of physical activity and sports on health and wellbeing. Differences between sports and physical activity.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Self-determination theory, engagement and behavioural persistence. Relationships with health in the field of physical activity. Interaction individual/environment
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Dualistic model of passion and motivation. Interaction individual/environment
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Dualistic model of passion and motivation. Interaction individual/environment
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Goal theory, self-efficacy and flow theory in the field. Interaction individual/environment
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Goal theory, self-efficacy and flow theory in the field. Interaction individual/environment
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Optimism as positive projection into the future and way to give feedback
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Optimism as positive projection into the future and way to give feedback
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Job Demand-Resources model applied to physical activity and sports: social support and self-efficacy. Interaction individual/environment. Perspectives
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Job Demand-Resources model applied to physical activity and sports: social support and self-efficacy. Interaction individual/environment. Perspectives
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Strength based approach of coaching and an introduction to the fourfold temporality model (long term before, just before, during and after)
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Strength based approach of coaching and an introduction to the fourfold temporality model (long term before, just before, during and after)
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Strength based approach of coaching and an introduction to the fourfold temporality model (long term before, just before, during and after)
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Case study and self-reflexion
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Case study and self-reflexion
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: Summary of knowledge acquired and linking it to different content with a view to an integrative approach. Performance in sport as a symptom: prevention in the field.
|
Bibliography
Required Reading
Miglianico, M., Dubreuil, P., Miquelon, P., Bakker, A., & Martin-Krumm, C. (2024). Appreciative Inquiry in the workplace: A review and comparative analysis of (quasi) experimental studies. Journal of Positive Psychology.Suitable for English stream
Martin-Krumm, C., Claverie, D., Jimenez, A. Duffaud, A., Belrose, C., Baudé, M., Postic, R., Lauga-Cami, H., Trousselard, M., & Plantade-Gipch, A. (2024). Positive Psychology and Resources Protection/Development in Armed Forces. Journal of Military Social Work and Behavioral Health Services.Suitable for English stream
Martin-Krumm, C., Lefranc, B., Meolo, A., Poupon, C., Pontis, C., Vanier, A., & Trousselard, M. (2021). Is regular sport practice over a submarine patrol an efficient coping strategy? Frontiers in Psychiatry.Suitable for English stream
Kern, L., Mattar, L., Kotbagi, Romo, L., & Morvan, Y. (2024). Is Problematic Physical Activity (PPA) a Uni- or Multi-Dimensional Concept? A Bifactor Analysis of the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R). Perceptual and Motor Skills, 131(1), 106-134.Suitable for English stream
Oger, M., Martin-Krumm, C., Fenouillet, F., Müller, A., Le Roux, F., Tarquinio, C., & Broc, G. (2022). Quality of life at school: between vulnerability and robustness of students. Psychology in The Schools.Suitable for English stream
Vazne, Ž., Eikena, D., Simoneņkova, I., Ulme, G. (2022). Metodiskie ieteikumi sporta psihologa darbam. Methodological recommendations for practicing sport psychologists. Izd. Latvijas Sporta psiholoģijas asociācija, 100 lpp
Additional Reading
Martin-Krumm, C., & Tarquinio, C. (2024). Psychologie Positive des activités physiques : Corps, santé mentale et bien-être. Dunod.
Gauld, C., Francou, C., Millet, G., Kern, L., & Gergelé, L. (2023). A symptom network analysis of exercise addiction and personality on ultra-marathon runners with serious complications. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 22(7), 1625–1639.Suitable for English stream
Maudais – Coulomb, E., Martin-Krumm, C., Tarquinio, C., & Mino, J.-C. (2024). Adapted physical activity interventions and motivational levers: what benefits for type 2 diabetics? A systematic review. Health Science Reports.Suitable for English stream
K. Mārtinsone, V. Sudraba (zin.red.). (2019). Veselības psiholoģija. Teorijas un prakses starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. RSU
Other Information Sources
Journal of Applied Sport PsychologySuitable for English stream
International Journal of Sport and Exercise PsychologySuitable for English stream