Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Contemporary Issues in Sport Psychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_409
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Science; Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

Case study

2.Able to use and integrate different theoretical frameworks to analyse complex situations, offer innovative solutions and improve existing systems.

Individual work and tests

Case study

3.Able to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired in different study modules to address complex issues in the context of sports psychology.

Individual work and tests

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

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  1. 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
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Dualistic model of passion and motivation. Interaction individual/environment
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Dualistic model of passion and motivation. Interaction individual/environment
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Goal theory, self-efficacy and flow theory in the field. Interaction individual/environment
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Goal theory, self-efficacy and flow theory in the field. Interaction individual/environment
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Optimism as positive projection into the future and way to give feedback
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Optimism as positive projection into the future and way to give feedback
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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)
  1. 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)
  1. 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)
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Case study and self-reflexion
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Case study and self-reflexion
  1. 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.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
34 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

6.

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

1.

Martin-Krumm, C., & Tarquinio, C. (2024). Psychologie Positive des activités physiques : Corps, santé mentale et bien-être. Dunod.

2.

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

3.

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

4.

K. Mārtinsone, V. Sudraba (zin.red.). (2019). Veselības psiholoģija. Teorijas un prakses starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. RSU

Other Information Sources

1.

Journal of Applied Sport PsychologySuitable for English stream

2.

International Journal of Sport and Exercise PsychologySuitable for English stream