Sport Psychology

This book is an undergraduate textbook that provides a synthesis of the major topics in sport psychology, with an applied focus and an emphasis on achieving optimal performance.

Nicholas T. Gallucci is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Connecticut State University. He received MA and PhD degrees in psychology at the University of Louisville, and a BA in psychology at Vanderbilt University. His research concerns personality and sport performance, and exercise and weight loss. He enjoys running, played intercollegiate soccer at Vanderbilt, and is a member of the St. Xavier High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Part 1. Introduction. 1. Introduction to Sport Psychology. 2. Motivation for Sport and Achievement. 3. Exercise. Part 2. Performance Enhancement. 4. Optimal Levels of Anxiety, Intensity, or Arousal. 5. Pre-performance Routines. 6. Mental Skills Training: Self-Talk, Concentration, Mental Imagery. 7. Relaxation Training: Calming the Physiology. 8. Goals. 9. Goal Orientation. 10. Self-efficacy and Sport Self-confidence. Part 3. Performance Inhibition. 11. Choking Under Pressure and Anxiety and Performance. 12. Self-handicapping. 13. Procrastination and Perfectionism. 14. Learned Helplessness. 15. Performance Inhibition Due to Personality Factors. 16. Substance Abuse. 17. Burnout. 18. Sport Injuries. Part 4. Individuals and Teams. 19. Gender and Sport. 20. Ethnic and Cultural Differences and Sport Psychology. 21. Youth and Sport. 22. Leadership and Coaching. 23. Team Cohesiveness.