Sports Pyschology Flashcards
(129 cards)
1
Q
Define sport psychology
A
Sports psychology as a field that focuses on the mental and emotional aspect of athletic performance and participation
2
Q
Why is sports psychology important ?
A
For both the athletes and coach, this area is as important as physical training and peformance analysis, as it helps understand the impact of psychological factors, regulation of emotions regulation
3
Q
Define personality
A
Personality in sport refers to enduring patterns of thoughts, behaviours and emotions exhibited by athletes in a sporting contexts
4
Q
What are the 4 personality theories required for the exam ?
A
Trait theory-(eyesnck)
Social learning theory- (bandura)
Interactionist approach(lewin and Hollander)
Biological theory-(Sheldon)
5
Q
What is Eyesnck trait Theory ?
A
Believes that personality is inherited and is within a persons genetic makeup
This theory maintains that all behaviour is innate, and a person has a natural tendency to act in any given situation
6
Q
What is the limitation of the trait theory ?
A
The limitation within this theory is that is does not take into account adapting behaviour to the environment or that behaviour is not always predictable
7
Q
What are the two main dimensions(four types) to personality ?
A
- Introvert-extrovert dimension
- Stable-neurotic(unstable) dimension
8
Q
What are some characteristics of an introvert ?
A
Low optimal arosual
Energy conservation
Prefer individual sports
Internally focused
Cautious decision making
9
Q
What are some characteristics of extroverts ?
A
High optimal arousal
Outwardly focused and sociable
Quick, Denise actions
Seek external stimulation
Interact well with others
10
Q
What are some characteristics of stable personality ?
A
Predictable moods
Consistent training habits
High stress tolerance
Long term focus
11
Q
What are some character of neurotic(unstable) personality ?
A
Rapid mood swings and anxiety
Variable peformance
Hyper vigilant
Needs coping strategies
12
Q
What is social learning theory about ?(bandura)
A
This theory explains how athletes learn behaviour by watching others such as learning behaviours and copying them.
13
Q
A
14
Q
How does personality evolve
A
Personality evolves through modelling and reinforcement: modelling themselves on athletes they can relate to.
behaviour being positively reinforced and therefore repeated.
15
Q
What is an example of social learning theory within sport ?
A
For example, a novice sportsperson may be inspired by the positive attitude of the more experienced players in training. They then copy this behaviour and recover positive comments from the coach
16
Q
What are some negatives of social learning theory ?
A
Doesn’t take into account trait theory- genetically make up that helps form character.
You don’t always observe positive traits, bad habits can be made.
17
Q
What is Interactionist theory ?
A
How personality traits interact with the environment and influence peoples behaviour.
18
Q
What does Interactionist theory suggest ?
A
That personality is a combination of inhertied traits and a persons learned experiences of a situation or environment.
19
Q
Define Hollanders circle theory of personality.
A
A theory suggesting personality has three levels: the psychological core, typical responses, and role-related behaviour — with each layer varying in stability and how much it’s influenced by the environment.
20
Q
What are the three levels of Hollander’s Circle Theory?
A
- Psychological Core
- Typical Responses
- Role-Related Behaviour
21
Q
What is the Psychological Core?
A
The innermost, most stable part of personality, containing a person’s true beliefs, values, and attitudes. It rarely changes, even in different situations.
22
Q
What are Typical Responses?
A
The usual ways an individual responds to situations, shaped by their core but more changeable. They reflect learned behaviour patterns.
23
Q
What is Role-Related Behaviour?
A
The most changeable aspect of personality, influenced by the environment and the specific role the individual is performing at a given time.
24
Q
How do the three rings of Hollander’s theory work together?
A
The psychological core influences typical responses, which in turn shape role-related behaviour. Role-related behaviour is most affected by external situations, while the core remains stable.
25
Why is Hollander’s Circle Theory important in sport?
It helps coaches and psychologists understand how personality influences an athlete’s behaviour, how they might react in different roles, and how external factors can affect performance.
26
Which part of Hollander’s theory is the most stable and why?
The Psychological Core, because it reflects deep-seated beliefs and values that rarely change.
27
Which part of Hollander’s theory changes most often and why?
Role-Related Behaviour, as it depends on the situation and the role the individual is performing.
28
Which part of Hollander’s theory changes most often and why?
Role-Related Behaviour, as it depends on the situation and the role the individual is performing.
29
Give a sport example of Role-Related Behaviour.
A player acting calm during training but becoming vocal and assertive as captain during a match.
30
What is the concept of biological theory(Sheldon)
The biological theory suggests that an individual’s personality is determined by their genetics and inherited characteristics.
It argues that personality traits are innate and passed down from parents, making them stable and difficult to change.
31
What are the 3 categories included within this ?
1. Endomorph
2. Ectomorph
3. Mesomorph
32
Define ENDOMORPH
The endmorph is physicall quite round, and is typified as the barrel of fun person.
33
What are some physical characteristics of an endomorph ?
* wide hips and narrow shoulders,(pear-shaped)
* Quite a lot of fat spread across the body
34
What are some psychological characteristics of an endomorph ?
Sociable
Fun loving
Tolerant
Even tempered
Relaxed
35
What is a Ectomorph ?
Ectomorph is a form of opposite to the endomorph.
36
What are some physical characteristics of a Ectomorph ?
* narrow shoulders and hips
* A thin and jarrow chest and abdomen
* Vert little body fat
37
Do Ectomorph eat as much as endomorphs
Even though they eat as much as the endomorph, they never seem to put on weight(much to the endomporths chagrin)
38
What are some psychological characteristics of a Ectomorph ?
Self conscious
Introverted
Inhibited
Socially anxious
Intense
Thoughtful
39
What is a MESOMORPH ?
The Mesomorph is somewhere between the round endomorph and the thin Ectomorph physically. They have the more “ desirable” Body
40
What are some physical characteristics of a Mesomorph ?
Broad shoulders and narrow waist(wedge shaped)
Muscular body
Very little body fat
41
What are Mesomorph like psychologically ?
Adventours
Courageous
Assertive
Competitive
Risk taker
Extroverted
42
How would a coach give feedback to an introvert ?
Give positive feedback in private(one on one)
Give negative feedback in private- work on weakness in private
43
How would coach give extroverts feedback ?
44
How would a coach give feedback to a stable personality ?
45
How would a coach give feedback to a neurotic personality ?
46
What are some advantages of using interviews as a profiling tool ?
In depth detailed responses
Allows for clarification and follow up questions
Useful for exploring complex emotional or motivational factors
47
What are some disadvantages of using interviews as a profiling tool ?
Time consuming and not always practical for large groups
Can be subjective- relies on the interviewer skill and interpretation.
48
What are some advantages of using questionnaires as a profiling tool ?
Quick, easy and efficient for large groups
Standardise- comparable across athletes
Can cover multiple personality traits and psychological aspects at once
49
What are some disadvantages of using questionnaires as a profiling tool ?
May lack depth
Athletes might not answer honestly
Fixed questions
Misinterpiration of questions can affect validity
50
What are some advantages of using coach observation for a profiling tool ?
Natural setting- observe real behaviour in training/ competition
Coaches can compare behaviour in different scenarios(pressure vs relaxed)
No reliance on athlete self reporting
51
What are some disadvantages of using coach observation as a profiling tool ?
Can be subjective
Time consuming to gather enough evidence
Might miss internal thoughts/ feelings
Coaching need training to accurately interest psychological behaviours
52
What are some of examples of common questionnaires and what do they measure.
Castells 16PF quesionnaire(trait theory)
This is a test that measures normal personality(trait)
Sports competition anxiety test(martens 1977)
This test attempts to predict behaviour in a competitive situation(trait)
53
What does POMS stand for ?
Profile of mood states
54
What are the six different mood states that POMS measures ?
Anger
Confusion
Depression
Fatigue
Tension
Vigour
55
What does POMS help identify
An individuals overall emotional profile at specific time
56
Define attitude
Ideas charged with emotion(positive or negative)
Which predposes a class of actions to a particular social situation
57
Is attitude nature or nurture ?
Nurture- attitude is a learned behavioural predisposition( tendency to act in a particular way)which is linked to personality
58
How is an attitude formed ?
1. Experiences- pleasant or unpleasant
2. Attitudes of those around us
59
How can positives experiences be formed amongst athletes ?
Success and achievement
Support and rapport
Growth and learning
60
How can negative experiences be formed amongst athletes ?
Failure and setbacks
Pressure and stress
Conflict and adversity
61
How many components of attitude are there ?
3
62
What are the 3 components of attitude ?
Cognitive
Affective
Behavioural
63
Define cognitive(attitude)
knowledge and beliefs are formed through past experiences and what we have learned from other
64
Define affective( attitude)
feelings and emotions. Depend on past experiences such as satisfaction, enjoyment, fear etc.
65
Define behavioural( attitude)
Intended behaviour
66
Apply attitude towards sport
An athlete can show a positive attitude to sport believing in the benefits of exercise(cognitive)
By showing enthusiasm and enjoyment in games(affective)
By turning up to practice and taking part in sport( behavioural)
67
What is the triadic model and what does it show ?
A triangle that links the 3 components of attitude:
Cognitive
Affective
Behavioural
The relationship between the three comments is known as the triadic model of attitude
These can form negative or positive attitude
68
How can a coach change a negative attitude into a positive one ?
This can be done by modifying any one of the components can alter attitude.
69
Who proposed the psychological theory ‘cognitive dissonance’ ?
Leon festinger(1957)
70
When does cognitive dissonance occur ?
It occurs when a person experiences discomfort or tension because they hold two conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours at the same time.
71
What is emotional conflict called ?
“Dissonance”
72
What is cognitive dissonance ?
When a person holds two ideas that oppose and conflict each other an element of discomfort arises.
73
How does cognitive dissonance contribute towards changing attitudes ?
When someone experiences dissonance, they feel uncomfortable. To remove this discomfort, they might:
* Change their attitude or belief
* Change their behaviour
* Justify their behaviour by changing the conflicting cognition
74
How is cognitive dissonance used in sport ?
In sport, this can be used to encourage attitude change by creating a situation where an athlete’s behaviour conflicts with their current attitude
Which then forcing them to reassess and potentially adopt a new, more positive attitude.
75
Sporting example of dissonance
1. You might reject the need for aggression in your sport e.g. football (Belief 1)
2. But in order to win against a particular team, you must physically intimidate your opponent via aggression/assertion (Belief 2).
3. These two beliefs conflict with each other - creating a "dissonance"
4. This dissonance is resolved by telling yourself that it's alright to 'play hard' against this particular opponent because they play 'rough' also, which previously has provided them a superior tactical advantage
5. Therefore, there has been a modification to 'Belief 1' - which has been reduced
76
How does the triadic model apply to changing attitudes ?
To create dissonance, you need to manipulate each component of the triadic model
Even manipulating one component effectively, can create cognitive dissonance
However for this process to be effective, you need to use persuasive communication
77
What does PC stand for ?
Persuasive communication
78
What is PC USED For ?
To foster positive attitudes
79
What are the factors that need to be considered before someone will change their attitude
1. Persuaders need to be an expert, trustworthy and understand the recipient
2. Message clear, unambiguous and balanced
3. Recipient open to change, accepting and understands
4. Situation Sade and non threatening
80
Define stress ?
This is a stimulus resulting in a positive or negative response to specific situation.
81
Does stress produce only a psychological symptom ?
No also produces a physiological symptom
82
Define Eustress
Definition:
A positive form of stress that can enhance performance, motivation, and focus.
83
Define distress
A negative form of stress that can reduce performance, cause anxiety, and lead to mistakes.
84
Define cognitive stress
The mental or psychological effects of stress on an athlete, affecting thoughts, concentration, and decision-making.
85
What are some examples of cognitive effects of stress in sport ?
Negative thoughts
Loss of focus
Increased anxiety
Poor decision making
86
Define somatic stress
The physical effects of stress on the body
87
What are some examples of somatic stress in sport ?
Increased heart rate
Muscle tension
Shaking
Sweating
Nausea
88
Define a ‘ stressor’
A demand or situation that causes stress. They can be physical, emotional environmental or social.
89
Give an example of a stressor ?
Taking a last minute penalty to win the game.
90
Stress can be explained as two forms. What are they
Eustress- positive
Distress- negative
91
What are some examples of stressors ?
Important event or match
Hostile crowd
Performing under timed pressure
Media attention
Fear of failure
92
What are the 4 stages MCGRATH(1970) suggests to respond to when in a stressful situation ?
Enviroment demands
Perception of the environmental demands
Stress response( physical and psychological)
actual behaviour
93
What is a cognitive response to anxiety and can you give an example ?
It is the mental effects of anxiety, such as negative thoughts, worry or loss on concentration
Example- worrying about performance before a match
94
What is somatic response to anxiety and can you give an example ?
The physical effects of anxiety, like increased heart rate, sweating and muscle tension.
E.g shaking before a race
95
What is trait anxiety and can you give an example ?
It is a personality trait where an individual is generally anxious in most situations,stable over time.
E.g always feeling nervous before any competition
96
What is cognitive state anxiety and can you give an example ?
It is the mental symptoms of anxiety in a specific situation such as worry and fear of faluire
Example: doubting you ability during a key moment in a game.
97
What is STATE anxiety and can you give an example ?
It is a temporal emotional response to specific situation involving feelings of tensions and nervousness.
Example: feeling anxious before taking a penalty
98
What is somatic state anxiety and can you give a example
It is the physical symptoms of anxiety in a specific situation, like a racing heart or tense muscles.
Example: Sweating before a final.
99
Give some examples of a cognitive response to anxiety
Loss of concentration
Fear of faluire
Attentional narrowing
Inability to cope
100
Give some examples of somatic responses to anxiety
Sweating
Increased muscle tension
Feelings of nausea
Increased heart rate
Increase breathing rate
101
What’s the difference between cognitive respones and somatic responses ?
Cognitive- psychological responses
Somatic- physiological responses
102
Define trait anxiety
Trait anxiety is a enduring personality trait, this means that they rend to view ALL situations as threatening
103
Define state anxiety
State anxiety is a temporary emotional state. It’s is response to a particular situation which many be seen as threatening
104
Define anxiety as a personality trait( different to normal anxiety)
The tendency to read to all situations within an anxious way
105
Difference between state and trait anxiety
Trait= ever present anxiety
State= situation based anxiety
106
Why does(during competiton) cognitve state anxiety fluctuate ?
This is due to peformance and the success or failure of performance
E.g how many successful passes are made
107
Define expectancy of success.
An athletes self or team expectation of success
108
Give some ways to measure anxiety( tests)
1. Martens sport competitive anxiety test(SCAT-1977)
2. Speilsberger state trait anxiety inventory(STAI-1970)
3. Competitive state anxiety inventory-2(CSAI-2-1990)
109
Why does expectancy of success influence cognitive state anxiety ?
This is because it directly relates to their perceived ablity to achieve their goals during competition
110
Define perceived ablity
Perceived ability refers to an individual’s own belief or perception about how good they are at a particular skill, activity, or sport
111
Explain the relationship between somatic and cognitive.
Cognitive anxiety is high 48 hours prior to performance, then as competion approaches, somatic anxiety gets higher at around 6 hours before exercise, this then spikes 1 hour before exercises and then both cognitive and somatic anxiety drop off in the 24 hours after performance has finished
112
What is behavioural anxiety ?
This is about observable actions or responses to anxiety
113
Give some examples of behavioural anxiety
Avoidance behaviours
Fidgeting or pacing
Withdrawal from social of performance situation
Reduced performance due to nerves
114
What are some examples of avoidance behaviours
Fake injuries
Back out of competion
Decreased performance under pressure
Nervous behaviour
Arriving late
Avoiding eye contact
Missing training sessions
115
How can can inappropriate goal setting affect anxiety or stress ?
Goal is unachivable
Overempathsis on outcome goals
If goals are team based
Lack of control
Setting to many goals
Time bound
116
What are the two ways a coach and peformer can control stress.
1) Controlling and redirecting the peformers thoughts and attention
2) reducing and controlling the physiological components of anxiety
117
List some cognitve techniques for controlling stress and anxiety
Imagery
Visualtion
Attention control
Positive self talk
Though stopping
118
What is visualisation (cognitive)
The process of creating postive mental images of what you want to happen during performance.
119
What is attention control( stress
120
What is imagery(cognitive techinque)
Where an athlete relaxes themselves by creating mental images to escape the immediate effects of stress.
121
What is attention control (cognitve)
Maintaining control on appropriate cues. This aims to improve the performer ablity to focus on important cues.
This is done by altering selective attention
122
What is positive self talk (cognitive)
developing postive thoughts about one actions,
Must remain positive and focus on motivation
123
What is thought stopping ? (Cognitive)
Stopping a negative thought and replacing it with a positive one
124
List some somatic techniques for controlling anxiety and stress.
Biofeedback
Progressive muscular relaxation
Deep breathing control
Centring
125
What is biofeedback (somatic)
The use of physiological measuring equipment help teach an athlete how to control physiological responses.
126
Give some examples of technology used in biofeedback
Heart rate monitor
Finger thermometer
Electromyograms
Galvanic skin response dectectors
127
What is progressive muscular relaxation(somatic)
A technique used to remove tension within the muscles. Allows athletes to contract and relax tension within the muscle and control breathing rate.
128
What is deep breathing control(somatic)
This is when an athlete takes slow deep breaths to help them stay calm and relaxed by bringing in more oxygen.
This helps reduce heart rate
129
What is centering (somatic)
This is where an athlete focus on their breathing and keeps it slow and steady to help them stay focused and block out distraction
E.g Cristiano Ronaldo does this prior to taking a penalty
