Sport & Exercise Psychologists focus on the psychological factors that affect exercise and sport participation and performance. Some of the issues a Sport & Exercise Psychologist might deal with are:

• Performance Stress
• Optimal level of Stress
• Relaxation Techniques
• Staleness
• Career Counseling
• Coaching Behaviors
• Concentration Training
• Injuries
• Mental Imagery
• Aggression
• Drug and Alcohol Use
• Gender Issues
• Social Dynamics with Sports Teams
• Youth Sport
• Academic Performance
• Altered States of Consciousness
• Burnout
• Eating Disorders of Athletes
• Psychological Profiles
• Self-Concept, Self Esteem and Self-Efficacy
• Sport Initiation and Adherence

Some Sport & Exercise Psychologists specialize in the area of Health Psychology. They might focus on issues such as:

• Altered States of Consciousness
• Exercise Addiction
• Exercise Initiation/Adoption
• Exercise Adherence in Specific Populations
• Mood Benefits Associated with Exercise
• Runner’s High
• Self-Concept, Self Esteem and Self Efficacy
• Stress Reduction benefits of Exercise
• Exercise benefits for Psychiatric Disorders

Fore more information about Sport & Exercise Psychology visit the websites of the following professional organizations:

• North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA)
• Sport Psychology Academy of AAHPERD
• Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology
• Division 47 of the American Psychological Association