Course Code: PSYC 207
Academic Year: 2024-2025
This course examines three dimensions: 1) methods to establish a learning and social environment that would enhance the effectiveness of coaches and maximize the skill and personal growth of athletes; 2) an introduction to the techniques for developing and refining mental training skills to enhance sports performance and personal growth; and 3) an introduction to related issues such as staleness and burnout, psychology of injury and injury rehabilitation as well as retirement from athletics. This course will provide students with a greater understanding of how psychological skills training and coaching behaviour influence an athlete's ability to excel, along with strategies designed to increase one's ability to motivate oneself and others. In addition to examining the influence of the coach on an athlete's sport experience, a critical view is taken of the role of psychosocial factors such as motivation, reinforcement, training environment and personal and professional development. Psychological principles and theories are studied, and the student is given practical opportunities to apply this knowledge to sport and life settings.