Sports and physical activity psychology is a growing discipline that studies the relationship between psychological processes and participation, performance and well-being in sporting and physical exercise contexts. From a scientific perspective, it analyses how cognitive, emotional and behavioural factors influence both sporting performance and the subjective experience of physical activity.
Its scope ranges from high-performance sport to grassroots sport and sports initiation, as well as health-oriented physical activity. Intervention from an early age is particularly important, as it contributes to the athlete’s holistic development, the adoption of healthy habits and a more balanced relationship with the demands of sport and competition.
Framework and areas of intervention
Support and guidance
The work of a sports psychologist is aimed at both the athlete and the people in their support network (coaches, families and other professionals), with the aim of optimising performance and promoting psychological well-being. This work may include, amongst other things:
Training in psychological skills applied to sport (attention, concentration, self-confidence and emotional control).
Regulation of arousal levels and management of competitive stress.
Setting realistic short-, medium- and long-term goals.
Support in managing the balance between sporting, academic and personal life.
Creating healthy and motivating environments for sporting activity.
Advice and training for coaches, technical staff and other professionals in the sporting field.
Prevention, detection and early intervention regarding potential psychological difficulties associated with sporting activity.
Sports Psychology
