Sports psychologists explore how playing sports can improve health and well-being. They also help athletes use psychology to improve their performance and mental health.
Sports psychologists don't just work with elite and professional athletes. This type of professional also helps non-athletes and those who play sports on a daily basis learn how to enjoy sports and stick to an exercise program. They use exercise and athletics to improve people's lives and their mental well-being .
History of Sports Psychology
Sports psychology is a relatively young discipline in psychology ; the first research laboratory devoted to the subject opened in 1925. 3
The first laboratory in the United States closed shortly thereafter (in the early 1930s), and American research in the field did not resume until the late 1960s, when interest was revived.
In 1965, the International Society for Sport Psychology (ISSP) was founded. 4 By the 1970s, sport psychology had been introduced as a university course offered at institutions across North America.
By the 1980s, sport psychology was receiving more scientific attention. Researchers began to explore how psychology could be used to improve athletic performance. They also looked at how exercise could be used to improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Rehabilitation
Another important area of sports psychology is helping athletes recover and return to sports after an injury. A sports injury can lead to emotional reactions in addition to physical trauma, which can include feelings of anger , frustration , hopelessness and fear .
Sports psychologists work with these athletes to help them mentally cope with the recovery process and restore their confidence when they are ready to return to their sport.
The Impact of Sports Psychology
Research shows that using various methods of sports psychology http://ballsoffury.com/ , can help improve the performance of all types of athletes, from very young gymnasts (ages 8 to 13) to some of the best Olympians . Sports psychology also has an impact on other areas of wellness.
For example, one study noted that doctors often have negative reactions when treating acutely ill patients. However, when physicians used the same psychological procedures as athletes, they were able to better control these reactions. This also improved patient care.
Others suggest that sports psychologists can play an important role in combating obesity, especially in children. By helping children increase their physical activity and enjoyment, a sports psychologist can help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
