Sport and Exercise Psychology: Enhancing Mental Performance in Athletics

1. AGCAS Meeting OU in Scotland - 28th August 2014 Sport and exercise psychology

2. Alison Craig, Associate Lecturer • AL at Open University since 2010 • BA Hons English Literature and Economic & Social History (University of Strathclyde) • MPhil Sport and Exercise Science (University of Glasgow). Research field: Competitive anxiety in elite gymnastics • Sport Development professional • Sports coaching background • Fitness background • Competitive athlete

3. Alison Craig, Associate Lecturer • 2010 – First contract – tutor on E233 Sport and exercise psychology • Currently tutor E113, Working and learning in sport and fitness, E217 Sport and conditioning science into practice, EX224 Making your coaching/exercise instructing certificate count • Critical reader on E313 Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development • Writer on EX224 • Consultant on development of resources in writing academic English

4. How does sport and exercise psychology fit in?

5. E113 Working and learning in sport and fitness • Preparing for work-based learning • Encouraging and maintaining motivation • Communicating effectively • Leading people and teams • Understanding and enhancing learning and instruction • You and your customers

6. E217 Sport and conditioning science into practice • EMA consists of personal investigation on topic of student’s choice from list (option also to develop own title) • Topics in sport and exercise psychology are available • Using sport and exercise psychology with children • Effective team leadership practice

7. E233 Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach • Introduction to sport and exercise psychology • Psychological issues in sport and exercise • Adherence and group dynamics • Special topics in sport and exercise psychology • Psychological skills training

8. E313 Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development • Athletic development paths • Family influences in athletic development • Coach-athlete relationship • Coach leadership and behaviour • The athlete’s journey through sport • Topical issues in athletic development • Depression in sport • The impact of others on performance • Moral behaviour and the issue of aggression

9. What is expected of student? • No formal entry requirements • Encouraged to start at Level 1 • Engage with online study materials and teaching methods • Study independently • Complete TMAs and EMA to set deadlines • Respond to tutor feedback • Attend online tutorials • Contribute to Tutor Group Forum discussions • Develop reading, writing and critical thinking skills

10. How is the OU different? • Distance learning format • Students may never meet tutors or fellow students • Study can be fitted around work and family commitments more easily than at traditional universities and colleges • Wider student population (all ages, backgrounds and contexts, many different reasons for studying) • Flexibility – can study along defined degree path, opt for Open degree, or take individual modules

11. Where do OU Sport and Fitness students go? • Most already in employment – some in sport and fitness, many in other areas but looking for career change • Students go into: • PE teaching • Sports coaching • Exercise settings • Sport and leisure management • Own business • Sport and exercise science • Further study – traditional universities

12. Further study • OU graduates in BSc Sport and Fitness can enter traditional universities to study at Masters level • Entry requirements vary, but good degree (at least 2.i) is usually standard

13. Careers in sport and exercise psychology • Sport psychologist – works with athletes (and coaches) to prepare psychologically for demands of training and competition • Exercise psychologist – works with individuals or groups to increase exercise participation and motivation

14. The Sport Psychologist • Works with individuals in dealing with the more stressful aspects of their role as an athlete • Advises coaches on how to build cohesion in their team or squad of athletes • Assists athletes with personal development • Helps athletes at difficult times in their careers – e.g. injury, transitions • Could be a private consultant, combining work with teaching or research • Some full-time positions with professional sports teams or Governing Bodies

15. The Exercise Psychologist • Works with individuals and groups to optimise the benefits that may be derived from participating in exercise for fitness • Assists individuals in aspects related to exercise adherence, goal-setting etc. • Can be attached to exercise referral programmes, exercise programmes in employment settings, prisons and psychiatric contexts

16. Becoming a sport or exercise psychologist • British Psychological Society accreditation • Registered with Health and Care Professions Council • BPS accredited degree or conversion course (with OU, BSc Hons Psychology) • BPS accredited Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology • BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (2 yrs supervised practice) • Relevant work experience – coaching, fitness and exercise instruction, PE teaching

17. Jobs • Sport or Exercise Psychologist usually attached to an academic institution, teaching and conducting research • Salary – lecturers’ scale • Can also charge for consultancies • A few full-time positions – salaries vary greatly

18. Any Questions?