Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Sports Health Behaviour
Course Code
VPUPK_410
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
Beate Evelīna Dišlere
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
Develop students’ ability to analyse and apply psychological theories and patterns in shaping health-promoting behaviors in the context of sports and physical activity to develop evidence-based strategies to promote healthy lifestyles among athletes and the general population.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge of general, social and health psychology, in particular of motivation, emotion, stress and behavioural development.
Ability to explain health behavior using psychological concepts and recognize psychological factors that influence a person’s choices and habits.
Ability to use psychological knowledge responsibly and reasonably in the context of health promotion and behavioural change.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Explains the impact of psychological, social and environmental factors on an individual’s health behaviour and lifestyle choices.
Individual work and tests
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society” • Analysis of health behaviour in the context of sport
2.Describes the concept of self-efficiency and its role in regulating the performance, motivation and behaviour of athletes.
Individual work and tests
Practical simulation “motivational interview to promote Health behavior”
3.Identify psychological, physiological and social factors that affect an athlete’s physical and psychological health by explaining their interactions with each other.
Individual work and tests
Analysis of health behaviour in the context of sport • Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
4.Compares key patterns of behaviour change in the context of sport and physical activity.
Individual work and tests
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
5.Describes motivational theories in sport and their impact on performance and wellbeing.
Individual work and tests
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
6.Identify factors that contribute to or hinder the onset and resilience of physical activity.
Individual work and tests
Analysis of health behaviour in the context of sport
Skills
1.Explains the psychological and social aspects of health and disease within the framework of the biopsychosocial approach.
Individual work and tests
Analysis of health behaviour in the context of sport
2.Applied psychological techniques to promote the self-efficacy and psychological resilience of athletes.
Individual work and tests
Practical simulation “motivational interview to promote Health behavior” • Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
3.Assess the suitability of behavioural change patterns for different sports and physical activity situations.
Individual work and tests
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society” • Analysis of health behaviour in the context of sport
4.Describes the principles of motivational interview and their role in promoting healthy behaviour.
Individual work and tests
Practical simulation “motivational interview to promote Health behavior”
5.Motivation theories are applied in the formation and maintenance of health behaviours.
Individual work and tests
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
6.Prepare and conduct a structured interview on physical activity motivation demonstrating the skills to use active listening and empathetic communication.
Individual work and tests
Practical simulation “motivational interview to promote Health behavior”
Competences
1.Independently analyses complex health behavioural problems in the context of sport.
Individual work and tests
Analysis of health behaviour in the context of sport • Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
2.Develop and justify health behavioural promotion programmes.
Individual work and tests
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
3.Take professional responsibility in accordance with ethical principles in interdisciplinary cooperation.
Individual work and tests
Practical simulation “motivational interview to promote Health behavior”
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Analysis of health behaviour in the context of sport |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students are given a case such as “an athlete repeatedly experiences injury due to overload and reduces training motivation.” Each student:
Rating criteria:
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2.
Practical simulation “motivational interview to promote Health behavior” |
20.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Simulation in pairs: One student acts as a coach, another as an athlete with low motivation. Task – perform 10 min structured interview using motivational conversation principles (open questions, active listening, empathetic reflection). A brief reflective discussion in a group about the effectiveness of an interview. Evaluation criteria: interview structure; communication skills, type; ethical and professional conduct; self-reflection. |
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3.
Feedback on the study course |
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-
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Examination
|
Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society” |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Group project: developing a behavioural change plan for a specific target group (e.g. young people, seniors, sports team). Each group is assigned one specific target group and a health behavior issue. Students analyze health behavior problem and develop sound behavior change program (objectives, methods, communication strategies, evaluation criteria). The results shall be presented as a presentation. Evaluation criteria: theoretical validity; practical applicability; reflection and ability to justify choice; presentation. |
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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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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Introductory lecture, course course course and requirements.
Psychological and social understanding of the concepts of health and disease in the context of sport.
Description
The introductory lecture discusses the course course course, the format of lectures and classes, the course requirements and the final exam. Students are introduced to the psychological and social understanding of the concepts of health and disease in the context of sport. Key models of health psychology (biomedical and biopsychosocial) are being looked at, as well as their application to athletes’ health perceptions, behaviours and recovery processes. The lecture analyses attitudes towards the experience of illness and trauma. Bae M. (2024). Biopsychosocial approach to sports injury: a systematic review and exploration of knowledge structure. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 16(1), 242. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-01025-x van Dijk, H., Köke, A. J. A., Elbers, S., Mollema, J., Smeets, R. J. E. M., & Wittink, H. (2023). Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators-A Scoping Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(2), 1634. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021634 |
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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
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Introductory lecture, course course course and requirements.
Psychological and social understanding of the concepts of health and disease in the context of sport.
Description
The introductory lecture discusses the course course course, the format of lectures and classes, the course requirements and the final exam. Students are introduced to the psychological and social understanding of the concepts of health and disease in the context of sport. Key models of health psychology (biomedical and biopsychosocial) are being looked at, as well as their application to athletes’ health perceptions, behaviours and recovery processes. The lecture analyses attitudes towards the experience of illness and trauma. Bae M. (2024). Biopsychosocial approach to sports injury: a systematic review and exploration of knowledge structure. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 16(1), 242. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-01025-x van Dijk, H., Köke, A. J. A., Elbers, S., Mollema, J., Smeets, R. J. E. M., & Wittink, H. (2023). Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators-A Scoping Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(2), 1634. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021634 |
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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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The concept of self-efficiency in sport and physical activity
Description
Students are introduced to the concept of self-efficacy (self-efficacy) and its role in promoting health behaviours. The theoretical basis of Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy within the framework of socially cognitive theory is considered. Looks at the factors that shape and influence self-efficacy (experience, modelling, social support and emotional state). Strategies to strengthen self-efficacy in sport and physical activity are described. Bandura A. Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol Rev. 1977 Mar;84(2):191-215. doi: 10.1037//0033-295x.84.2.191. PMID: 847061. Lochbaum, M., Sisneros, C., Cooper, S., & Terry, P. C. (2023). Pre-Event Self-Efficacy and Sports Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 11(11), 222. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11110222 Lochbaum, M., & Sisneros, C. (2024). Situational and Dispositional Achievement Goals and Measures of Sport Performance: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis. Sports, 12(11), 299. |
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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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Study room
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2
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Topics
|
The concept of self-efficiency in sport and physical activity
Description
Students are introduced to the concept of self-efficacy (self-efficacy) and its role in promoting health behaviours. The theoretical basis of Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy within the framework of socially cognitive theory is considered. Looks at the factors that shape and influence self-efficacy (experience, modelling, social support and emotional state). Strategies to strengthen self-efficacy in sport and physical activity are described. Bandura A. Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol Rev. 1977 Mar;84(2):191-215. doi: 10.1037//0033-295x.84.2.191. PMID: 847061. Lochbaum, M., Sisneros, C., Cooper, S., & Terry, P. C. (2023). Pre-Event Self-Efficacy and Sports Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 11(11), 222. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11110222 Lochbaum, M., & Sisneros, C. (2024). Situational and Dispositional Achievement Goals and Measures of Sport Performance: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis. Sports, 12(11), 299. |
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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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Factors affecting an athlete’s health
Description
Lectures analyse key factors affecting the health of a person, especially an athlete, from a psychological, social and biological perspective. Preventative health behaviour and lifestyle and behavioural factors (physical activity, sleep, nutrition, harmful habits) are considered, as well as social factors (the role of family, team, coaches and society). Health risk factors and protective factors for athletes are being looked at. Zsakai, A., Ratz-Sulyok, F. Z., Koronczai, B., Varro, P., Toth, E., Szarvas, S., Tauber, T., Karkus, Z., & Molnar, K. (2023). Risk and protective factors for health behaviour in adolescence in Europe. Scientific reports, 13(1), 18638. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45800-1 Kaminsky, L. A., German, C., Imboden, M., Ozemek, C., Peterman, J. E., & Brubaker, P. H. (2022). The importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 70, 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2021.12.001 |
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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
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
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Factors affecting an athlete’s health
Description
Lectures analyse key factors affecting the health of a person, especially an athlete, from a psychological, social and biological perspective. Preventative health behaviour and lifestyle and behavioural factors (physical activity, sleep, nutrition, harmful habits) are considered, as well as social factors (the role of family, team, coaches and society). Health risk factors and protective factors for athletes are being looked at. Zsakai, A., Ratz-Sulyok, F. Z., Koronczai, B., Varro, P., Toth, E., Szarvas, S., Tauber, T., Karkus, Z., & Molnar, K. (2023). Risk and protective factors for health behaviour in adolescence in Europe. Scientific reports, 13(1), 18638. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45800-1 Kaminsky, L. A., German, C., Imboden, M., Ozemek, C., Peterman, J. E., & Brubaker, P. H. (2022). The importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 70, 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2021.12.001 |
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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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Models of Health behaviour change
Description
The lecture looks at key behavioural change patterns (Transportetic Model, Health confidence Model, theory of planned behaviors and behavioral intentions) that are used in health psychology and the context of sport to understand and influence athlete health-enhancing behaviors. Behavioural change phases, motivational dynamics and factors that hinder or contribute to long-term behavioural changes are analysed. Xie, C., Zhang, Z., Zhang, X., Li, Y., Shi, P., & Wang, S. (2025). Effects of interventions on physical activity behavior change in children and adolescents based on a trans-theoretical model: a systematic review. BMC public health, 25(1), 657. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21336-z Mizuno, A., Kaneko, H., Suzuki, Y., Okada, A., Takeda, N., Morita, H., Fujiu, K., Node, K., Yasunaga, H., & Komuro, I. (2023). Enduring Relevance of the Stages of Change Model for Transforming Lifestyle Behaviors. Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society, 87(8), 1138–1142. https://doi.org/10.1253/circj.CJ-23-0292 Raihan, N., & Cogburn, M. (2023). Stages of Change Theory. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Models of Health behaviour change
Description
The lecture looks at key behavioural change patterns (Transportetic Model, Health confidence Model, theory of planned behaviors and behavioral intentions) that are used in health psychology and the context of sport to understand and influence athlete health-enhancing behaviors. Behavioural change phases, motivational dynamics and factors that hinder or contribute to long-term behavioural changes are analysed. Xie, C., Zhang, Z., Zhang, X., Li, Y., Shi, P., & Wang, S. (2025). Effects of interventions on physical activity behavior change in children and adolescents based on a trans-theoretical model: a systematic review. BMC public health, 25(1), 657. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21336-z Mizuno, A., Kaneko, H., Suzuki, Y., Okada, A., Takeda, N., Morita, H., Fujiu, K., Node, K., Yasunaga, H., & Komuro, I. (2023). Enduring Relevance of the Stages of Change Model for Transforming Lifestyle Behaviors. Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society, 87(8), 1138–1142. https://doi.org/10.1253/circj.CJ-23-0292 Raihan, N., & Cogburn, M. (2023). Stages of Change Theory. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. |
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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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Motivation theories in sport
Description
In the lecture, students familiarize themselves with key motivational theories applied in sports and health psychology to understand the health drivers of athletes and physically active people. Internal and external motivation dynamics, self-determination theory (self-definition theory) and achievement motivation theory (Achievement motivation theory) and target orientation teroia (goal orientation theory) are discussed. Bandhu, D., Mohan, M. M., Nittala, N. A. P., Jadhav, P., Bhadauria, A., & Saxena, K. K. (2024). Theories of motivation: A comprehensive analysis of human behavior drivers. Acta psychologica, 244, 104177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104177 Mercader-Rubio, I., Ángel, N. G., Silva, S., Furtado, G., & Brito-Costa, S. (2023). Intrinsic Motivation: Knowledge, Achievement, and Experimentation in Sports Science Students-Relations with Emotional Intelligence. Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 13(7), 589. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13070589 |
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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
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Motivation theories in sport
Description
In the lecture, students familiarize themselves with key motivational theories applied in sports and health psychology to understand the health drivers of athletes and physically active people. Internal and external motivation dynamics, self-determination theory (self-definition theory) and achievement motivation theory (Achievement motivation theory) and target orientation teroia (goal orientation theory) are discussed. Bandhu, D., Mohan, M. M., Nittala, N. A. P., Jadhav, P., Bhadauria, A., & Saxena, K. K. (2024). Theories of motivation: A comprehensive analysis of human behavior drivers. Acta psychologica, 244, 104177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104177 Mercader-Rubio, I., Ángel, N. G., Silva, S., Furtado, G., & Brito-Costa, S. (2023). Intrinsic Motivation: Knowledge, Achievement, and Experimentation in Sports Science Students-Relations with Emotional Intelligence. Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 13(7), 589. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13070589 |
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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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Structured interview on physical activity motivation
Description
In the lecture, students learn the principles of a semi-structured interview in order to practically assess and analyse the motivation of individuals for physical activity, evaluate the significant dimensions, personality and environmental factors of an individual in physical activity, identify aspects of self-monitoring that will contribute to strengthening the physical activity habit. Hays, K. F. (1999). Working it out: Using exercise in psychotherapy. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10333-000 |
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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
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
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Structured interview on physical activity motivation
Description
In the lecture, students learn the principles of a semi-structured interview in order to practically assess and analyse the motivation of individuals for physical activity, evaluate the significant dimensions, personality and environmental factors of an individual in physical activity, identify aspects of self-monitoring that will contribute to strengthening the physical activity habit. Hays, K. F. (1999). Working it out: Using exercise in psychotherapy. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10333-000 |
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Lecture
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Modality
|
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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Factors influencing the commencement and maintenance of physical activity
Description
The lecture will look at biological, physiological, psychological and social factors that influence an individual’s motivation to initiate and maintain physical activity regularly. The problem-solving therapy model is outlined in the context of starting and maintaining physical activity. Emm-Collison, L., Cross, R., Garcia Gonzalez, M., Watson, D., Foster, C., & Jago, R. (2022). Children's Voices in Physical Activity Research: A Qualitative Review and Synthesis of UK Children's Perspectives. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(7), 3993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073993 Chen, C., Finne, E. Kopp, A., & Jekauc, D. (2021), What Intervention Techniques are Effective in Changing Positive Affective Varables and Physical Activity? A Sistematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 628993. Htpp://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.628993 |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Factors influencing the commencement and maintenance of physical activity
Description
The lecture will look at biological, physiological, psychological and social factors that influence an individual’s motivation to initiate and maintain physical activity regularly. The problem-solving therapy model is outlined in the context of starting and maintaining physical activity. Emm-Collison, L., Cross, R., Garcia Gonzalez, M., Watson, D., Foster, C., & Jago, R. (2022). Children's Voices in Physical Activity Research: A Qualitative Review and Synthesis of UK Children's Perspectives. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(7), 3993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073993 Chen, C., Finne, E. Kopp, A., & Jekauc, D. (2021), What Intervention Techniques are Effective in Changing Positive Affective Varables and Physical Activity? A Sistematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 628993. Htpp://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.628993 |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Practical project “behavioural change strategy for a group of athletes or society”
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Mārtinsone K., Sudraba V. (zin.red.) (2019). Veselības psiholoģija. Teorijas un prakses starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. 1.4., 6. nodaļa
2.
Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Human kinetics. 4.,7., 18., 19., 25. nodaļa
3.
Bae M. (2024). Biopsychosocial approach to sports injury: a systematic review and exploration of knowledge structure. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 16(1), 242.Suitable for English stream
4.
van Dijk, H., Köke, A. J. A., Elbers, S., Mollema, J., Smeets, R. J. E. M., & Wittink, H. (2023). Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators-A Scoping Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(2), 1634.Suitable for English stream
5.
Lochbaum, M., Sisneros, C., Cooper, S., & Terry, P. C. (2023). Pre-Event Self-Efficacy and Sports Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 11(11), 222.
6.
Raihan, N., & Cogburn, M. (2023). Stages of Change Theory. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.Suitable for English stream
7.
Choi, J., Park, J., Kim, J. E., Lee, J. K., Kang, D., Lee, M., Chung, I. J., & Choi, J. Y. (2021). Relative Effects of Demographic, Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Factors on the Initiation and Maintenance of Leisure-time Physical Activity: Results from a Confirmatory Path Analysis in a Longitudinal Study. Journal of epidemiology, 31(11), 557–565.
Additional Reading
1.
Hua J, Howell JL. Coping self-efficacy influences health information avoidance. J Health Psychol. 2022 Mar;27(3):713-725.Suitable for English stream
2.
Szczuka, Z., Banik, A., Abraham, C., Kulis, E., & Luszczynska, A. (2020). Associations between self-efficacy and sedentary behaviour: a meta-analysis. Psychology & Health, 36(3), 271–289.Suitable for English stream
3.
Mizuno, A., Kaneko, H., Suzuki, Y., Okada, A., Takeda, N., Morita, H., Fujiu, K., Node, K., Yasunaga, H., & Komuro, I. (2023). Enduring Relevance of the Stages of Change Model for Transforming Lifestyle Behaviors. Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society, 87(8), 1138–1142.Suitable for English stream
4.
Chen, C., Finne, E. Kopp, A., & Jekauc, D. (2021), What Intervention Techniques are Effective in Changing Positive Affective Varables and Physical Activity? A Sistematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 628993.Suitable for English stream
5.
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.
6.
Bandura A. Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol Rev. 1977 Mar;84(2):191-215.
7.
Xie, C., Zhang, Z., Zhang, X., Li, Y., Shi, P., & Wang, S. (2025). Effects of interventions on physical activity behavior change in children and adolescents based on a trans-theoretical model: a systematic review. BMC public health, 25(1), 657.
8.
Bandhu, D., Mohan, M. M., Nittala, N. A. P., Jadhav, P., Bhadauria, A., & Saxena, K. K. (2024). Theories of motivation: A comprehensive analysis of human behavior drivers. Acta psychologica, 244, 104177.Suitable for English stream
Other Information Sources
1.
SPKC (2021). Latvijas iedzīvotāju veselību ietekmējošo paradumu pētījums 2020.