Foundations of sport and exercise psychology (1995)

This book focuses on how people behave in sport and exercise settings – what motivates them, what angers them, what scares them, how their emotions affect their performances, how their emotions can be moderated, and how their behaviors can be made more effective. It is designed to give an overview of sport and exercise psychology, to bridge the gap between research and practice, convey fundamental principles of professional practice, and capture some of the excitement of the world of sport and excercise. Many books focus on research literature, addressing the needs of graduate students and professionals. Others relate on practical experience but ignore the wealth of research from the past 25 years.

The authors’ main goal has been to create a book for undergraduates that bridges up-to-date research and practice, capturing the best of what we have learned from coaches and scholars, exercisers and athletes.

The book contains seven major parts:

1. Getting Started – Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology;
2. Understanding Participants;
3. Understanding Sport and Exercise Environments; 
4. Understanding Group Processes;
5. Enhancing Performance; 
6. Enhancing Health and Well-Being; 
7. Facilitating Psychological Growth and Development.

Case studies appear throughout the book to demonstrate how material presented applies practical settings. Each chapter finishes with a summary and additional questions.