Sport Psychology is a senior undergraduate textbook that provides a synthesis of the major topics in sport psychology, with an applied focus and an emphasis on achieving optimal performance. After the introductory chapters, there are two main sections to the text: Performance Enhancement covers topics such as self-talk, concentration, mental imagery, relaxation, goals, and self-confidence. The section on Performance Inhibition includes chapters on choking under pressure, self-handicapping, procrastination, perfectionism, substance abuse, burnout, and injury.
While much of the information presented is universally applicable, individual differences based on gender, ethnicity, age, and motivation are emphasized in a concluding section.
Throughout, there are cases studies of well-known athletes from a variety of sports to illustrate topics that are being explored.
Pedagogical features, such as key terms and suggested reading, and supplementary materials – including multiple-choice questions and a PowerPoint lecture course – make this an ideal text for upper-level courses in the burgeoning field of sport psychology.
