The module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the role of applied practice within sport and exercise psychology. A key module aim is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the applied sport and exercise psychology service delivery process. Students will explore how sport psychology practitioners initially approach intervention work; consider ethical and professional practice dilemmas; appraise and evaluate approaches to evidence-based evidence; design an intervention; and reflect on their practice. Students will be required to conduct a case study with a sport or exercise participant.
A synopsis of the indicative topics included in this module are:
Introduction to the module
Frameworks and approaches in sport psychology (including philosophy and models of practice)
Professional practice (ethical standards, considerations, and evidence-based practice)
Initial needs assessment (Intake, interview, and performance profiling)
Choosing and planning an intervention
Psychological skills and strategies
Reflective practice - Athletic injuries and psychology - Clinical psychology (eating disorders, burnout, and exercise addiction)
Working with special populations (youth athletes, older adults, and living with disability/chronic illness)
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Case report (up to 2,500 words) (100%)
Andersen, M.B. (2000). Doing sport psychology. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Biddle, S. & Mutrie, N. (2008). Psychology of Physical Activity. London: Routledge
Hemmings, B. & Holder, T. (2009) Applied Sport Psychology: A Case Study Approach. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell
Williams, J.M. (2010). Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance. New York: McGraw-Hill
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
Philosophy and psychological approaches to understanding human behaviour in sport and exercise psychology contexts
Ethical and professional practice: standards, considerations, and evidence-based practice
Use of psychological skills and strategies to improve sport performance and physical health and wellbeing
Clinical issues relating to participation in sport and/or exercise
Analysis and evaluation of psychological data – evidenced by collecting and interpreting interview, questionnaire and/ or observational data
Reflective practice – critical self-reflection on their applied work, including needs analysis and design of an evidence-based intervention strategy
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate an ability to integrate key skills through information technology to construct a written case report: e.g., word-processing and the use of electronic resources to search for, identify and organise information in library books, journal articles and the internet.
Communicate effectively with other individuals or groups of individuals throughout the course of this module and communicate learning in the form of a written case report.
Demonstrate evidence-based scientific reasoning – achieved by teaching and assessment of ethical thinking and applied practice decision-making
Demonstrate an ability to make critical judgements and evaluations – evidenced by the successful interpretation of theoretical concepts in applied examples.
Plan and manage their own learning by completing the extra self-directed study necessary to successfully meet the requirements for this module.
Critically self-reflect on their development of knowledge and application of theory to practice
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