Handbook of Sports Psychology

Sport psychology is the scientific study of people and their behaviours in sport contexts and the practical application of that knowledge. Sport psychologists identify principles and guidelines that professionals can use to help adults and children participate in and benefit from sport and exercise activities in both team and individual environments. Sport psychologists have two objectives in mind: (a) to understand how psychological factors affect an individual''s physical performance and (b) to understand how participation in sport and exercise affects a person''s psychological development, health and well-being. This important book gathers the latest research from around the globe in the study of this dynamic field and highlights such topics as: gender role conflict among female rugby players, stress in young athletes, sport and spirituality, supplementation in bodybuilding, performing under pressure, measuring sport spectators'' coping strategies, and others.