Sport Psychology (PSYC90108)

All students will complete a foundation module Sport Psychology Unpacked. This subject is introduced and underpinned by considering the complementary roles, responsibilities and expertise of professionals within the interdisciplinary team to address sport psychology issues in sports medicine. Students evaluate their own skills and behaviours, and recognise the influence of their approach on athletes/clients, supporting personnel and outcomes. Areas of knowledge addressed include theory of communication and learning; biopsychosocial aspects of sports & exercise medicine; sport psychology for performance; sociology of sport, FairPlay and health behaviour change.

Students then select 2 from 3 Practice in Context Modules within which to integrate and apply this knowledge in clinical case scenarios focussing on Sport Psychology elements. There is emphasis on using appropriate methods of ethical reasoning to arrive at balanced judgements and actions where complex and/or conflicting issues are involved.

1. Sport Psychology in Performance Sport: This module explores psychological aspects of motivation, arousal, performance and lifestyle management of high performance athletes; juxtaposed with psychological aspects of injury, failure and retirement in sport.
2. Exercise, Health & Behaviour Change – This module explores the psychological and social factors than may influence an individual’s ability to exercise or impact on athletic performance. Approaches and interventions to facilitate behaviour change are developed in case-context scenarios.
3. Mental Health Conditions in Sports Medicine: This module explores prevalent population mental health issues and conditions in the context of sports medicine. Examples include: eating disorders; depression and anxiety; fear avoidance.The final Integration, Contribution & Reflection Module provides opportunity to collaborate and critically discuss balanced judgements in management of psychological elements in different case contexts. Experts and students will engage in self-reflection on their role, behaviour and communication skills within their professional context, and also the biopsychosocial elements of Sports Medicine practice. This module also provides the forum for the assessment task “Evidence & Innovation Presentation – Sociology of Sport & Behaviour Change” in the form of an online presentation.