overview
Sport and performance psychologists focus on identifying and applying psychological principles that facilitate peak sport performance, enhance people’s participation in physical activities and help athletes achieve optimal human performance. Specific areas of focus may include:
- Mental toughness
- Motivation
- Goal setting
- Anxiety and arousal
- Confidence
Youth performance psychology often also focuses on:
- Bullying/cliques within teams
- Healthy parent involvement in youth sport/art
- Concussion awareness and post-concussive therapy
- Return to sport after injury
- Balance of sport and other activities
- Navigating the transition to a life when you finish your sport/art
Performance in other areas can benefit from the same techniques. These include:
- Academics/ test-anxiety
- Public speaking
- Performance in the arts