Adventure-based training has become an effective medium for delivering experiential training programs within a variety of disciplines such as; school outdoor education, corporate teamwork development, youth at risk and psychological counseling. In addition, Meyer & Wenger (1998) and Meyer (2000) were instrumental in pioneering research in to the efficacy of adventure-based training with sporting teams. This investigation adds to the growing body of knowledge in this area by demonstrating the positive effects an adventure training intervention has on athletes ability to learn new team and psychological skills. In addition, results indicated that individual and team performance might have been enhanced because of skills learnt during the intervention. This study examined the impact of an adventure-based training intervention on the group cohesion and psychological skills development of elite netball players. Data was gathered using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Many researchers are of the belief that the two methodologies compliment one another and thereby strengthen the total research model (Henderson, 1993). A phenomenological approach to qualitative data collection was followed based on the work by Dale (1996). Knowing how the intervention impacted on the participants from their perspective, is a critical question often overlooked by researchers. Results clearly indicated how athletes changed and developed during and after the intervention. Improved cohesion around task issues was especially evident, along with enhanced mental skills to handle the pressures of major competition. Lewin s change theory was examined to explain the learning process; modifications to this theory were suggested. Recommendations were outlined for improving sport psychology teaching practice, along with improved facilitation of adventure programming.

"The text guides readers through these situations: -Understanding the dynamics of a variety of issues, including alcohol abuse and violence, referral processes, erotic transference and countertransference, and communication problems between coaches and athletes; -Working with diverse clients, including athletes of color, gay and lesbian athletes, and disabled athletes; -Presenting to and working with entire teams; -Plumbing the depths of several complex topics, including eating disorders and injury and identity issues. In addition to covering some of these complex and deeply personal topics, the text details the fundamental issues of applied sport psychology, including developing the consultant-client relationship and connecting with teams, coaches, and individuals. In dealing with relationships a sport psychologist would typically face, Sport Psychology in Practice addresses serious ethical and philosophical issues and asks more general questions about the field and how to work with clients. Sport Psychology in Practice contains insights from an elite list of contributors who explain, using real-life examples, how they successfully and ethically "do" sport psychology. Methods that have worked for the most respected practitioners in the field are presented with an informal, engaging approach and rely substantially on dialogue and actual experiences."--

This publication is the first to cover the entire field of teaching psychology, and includes teaching methods, advising, and curriculum planning as well as special problems in teaching laboratory and statistics courses. The articles selected provide thought-provoking reading for an international readership. Each of twelve subject-oriented sections contains a brief introduction, five articles, and suggested further readings for those wishing to pursue a particular topic in more detail.

Mark B. Andersen examines authentic examples of sport psychologists at work to teach readers how to use their knowledge of sport psychology in an effective and efficient manner.

Advancements in Mental Skills Training presents contemporary evidence-based intervention approaches from leading sport psychology researchers and practitioners. The book comprehensively examines the use of mental skills training for athletic performance and well-being from a cross-cultural perspective. It begins by introducing theoretical advancements related to mental toughness, cultural factors, performance optimisation and mindfulness. It goes on to examine the technological advancements related to mental skills training, outlining how mobile technologies can be used to measure and train perceptual-cognitive skills, and the effectiveness of virtual reality in mental training. The book concludes by discussing emerging topics, such as how sports psychology can incorporate spirituality, minority groups in sport and the impact of prejudice, and referee career development. This insightful text introduces the potential for sport psychology to be integrated into our daily functioning and provides strategies for athletes to optimize their performance and bolster their mental health. It will be an essential read for all sport psychology researchers as well as professionals working in the field.

The International Handbook of Psychology Learning and Teaching is a reference work for psychology learning and teaching worldwide that takes a multi-faceted approach and includes national, international, and intercultural perspectives. Whether readers are interested in the basics of how and what to teach, in training psychology teachers, in taking steps to improve their own teaching, or in planning or implementing research on psychology learning and teaching, this handbook will provide an excellent place to start. Chapters address ideas, issues, and innovations in the teaching of all psychology courses, whether offered in psychology programs or as part of curricula in other disciplines. The book also presents reviews of relevant literature and best practices related to everything from the basics of course organization to the use of teaching technology. Three major sections consisting of several chapters each address “Teaching Psychology in Tertiary (Higher) Education”, “Psychology Learning and Teaching for All Audiences”, and “General Educational and Instructional Approaches to Psychology Learning and Teaching”.

This book weaves together theory, research, and practical information related to the psychological aspects of physical education. Unlike other exercise/sport psychology books on the market, The Psychology of Teaching Physical Education is written especially for future and practicing physical educators and focuses on the psychological principles and strategies that are most relevant to them. The book covers the important topics of motivation, reinforcement, feedback, modeling, prosocial behaviors/moral development, and self-perception. In each chapter, narratives about real practicing teachers show how they apply the principles and theories of psychology to physical education, and particularly to actual situations that readers are likely to encounter professionally. Each chapter contains three main sections: following an opening scenario in which Blankenship captures the reader's attention with a real-life problem, the author then (1) highlights theories related to the subject matter of the chapter, (2) summarizes the research that has been conducted on the theories and the chapter topic, and (3) gives examples of practical applications of the theory and research to physical education. Throughout the chapter, as the theory, research, and application of the topic are discussed, Blankenship presents possible solutions to the challenge presented in the chapter-opening vignette. The classroom applications and real-world examples are relevant to many different physical education settings, including those at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, in both urban and rural schools representing various geographical regions of the country. These examples bring the theories to life and help readers envision how their own classes will benefit as they apply what theyíve learned about the psychology of teaching physical education. Key Features of the Book A theory-to-research-to-practice approach. An author whose background in both sport psychology and physical education makes her uniquely qualified to write this book. Chapter-ending application exercises that encourage readers to go beyond rote memorization of concepts and principles to apply what they learned in various specific examples. Sample instructional models and guidelines to enable readers to incorporate concepts discussed in the chapter into their own classes. A comprehensive glossary.

Every child is an individual whose knowledge and understanding needs to be developed in ways that help them succeed. How do you manage this alongside the realities of the curriculum? How do you achieve this for a full classroom of expectant learners? Psychology for Teachers explains how psychology can be intelligently applied to the classroom to meet the needs of different learners. It encourages you to review your own practice to develop a personal teaching style, supported by research findings and an awareness of the factors underpinning high-quality teaching. Focusing on how an understanding of psychological theory can support effective teaching and learning this book contains case studies and tasks to make sure that you really understand how theory can be meaningfully applied in the classroom. Additional online materials The book is supported by a companion website including resources such as free journal articles, additional activities and links to relevant information. Scott Buckler is a Senior Lecturer and Paul Castle is a Chartered Psychologist, Health Care Professions Council-registered and Senior Lecturer. Both are based at the University of Worcester.

We marvel at the steely nerves, acute concentration, and flawless execution exhibited on the 18th green, at the free-throw line, in the starting blocks, and on the balance beam. While state-of-the-art training regimens have extended athletes' physical boundaries, more and more coaches are realizing the importance of sport psychology in taking athletic performance to new levels. Tomorrow's record-breaking accomplishments will not be the result of athletes' training harder physically, but of athletes' training smarter mentally. Sport Psychology for Coaches provides information that coaches need to help athletes build mental toughness and achieve excellence--in sport and in life. As a coach, you'll gain a big-picture perspective on the mental side of sport by examining how athletes act, think, and feel when they practice and compete. You'll learn to use such mental tools as goal setting, imagery, relaxation, energization, and self-talk to help your athletes build mental training programs. You'll also see how assisting your athletes in developing mental skills such as motivation, energy management, focus, stress management, and self-confidence leads to increased enjoyment, improved life skills, and enhanced performance. And you'll discover how to put it all together into mental plans and mental skills training programs that allow your athletes to attain and maintain a mind-set that fosters peak performance. The easy-to-follow format of the text includes learning objectives that introduce each chapter, sidebars illustrating sport-specific applications of key concepts and principles, chapter summaries organized by content and sequence, key terms, chapter review questions, a comprehensive glossary, and other useful resources to help readers implement mental training programs for athletes. Written primarily for high school coaches, Sport Psychology for Coaches is a practical, easy-to-use resource reflecting the two authors' combined 45 years of teaching, coaching, researching, and consulting experience. It reflects principles that are not only consistent with the latest theory and research, but have stood the test of time and worked for coaches and athletes in all sports at all levels. You'll come away from Sport Psychology for Coaches with a greater understanding and appreciation for sport psychology and the practical knowledge you need to put it to work for you and your athletes. Sport Psychology for Coaches serves as the text for the American Sport Education Program Silver Level course, Sport Psychology for Coaches.