SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
This book offers a student-friendly introduction to the discipline of sport psychology. All the key psychological issues in sport are explored and illustrated with sporting examples. Throughout, difficult questions are raised: are athletes born or made? Does participating in sport affect personality? What impact do cultural beliefs have on personal sporting development? These complex issues are weighed up to provide a detailed overview of the topic.

Matt Jarvis has substantially revised and expanded his original coverage of the subject from his highly successful book Sport Psychology (published by Routledge in 1999). Here he provides a succinct but comprehensive account of major theory and research in sport psychology, whilst maintaining the readable style and student-centred approach which made the previous book so successful.

Key issues covered include:

• personality and sport
• attitudes to sport
• aggression in sport
• the social factors affecting performance
• arousal and anxiety
• motivation and skill acquisition.

There is an emphasis not merely on learning about sport psychology, but also on developing critical and creative thinking. In addition, the book includes chapters on conducting research and writing essays in sport psychology, as well as reflective exercises throughout the text.

Written by a successful author who has experience of teaching at sixth form and undergraduate level, this book will be useful to undergraduates in sport science and leisure management, those studying for the BAQTS and PGCE in physical education, and those studying A-level psychology or sports studies.

Matt Jarvis teaches psychology at Totton College and is Visiting Lecturer at Southampton University.