Sport Psychology

This graduate course explores the science and practice of sport and exercise psychology with two applied themes: sport-based youth development and sport for social justice. Course content will include individual factors such as personality, motivation, anxiety, exercise adherence, and addictive and unhealthy behaviors, as well as social and environmental factors such as group cohesion, coaching efficacy, parental influence, and character development. The course will challenge students to connect principles of sport and exercise psychology to sport-based youth development and sport for peace and social justice. Therefore, aspects of the course will also utilize a sociological/sociocultural lens. Discussions and assignments will explore practical implications for various applied psychology settings including schools, communities, and sport and recreation organizations.