Essentials of Exercise and Sport Psychology: An Open Access Textbook

(1 review)

Zachary Zenko, Bakersfield, CA

Leighton Jones, Sheffield, UK

ISBN 13: 9780578932361

Publisher: Society for Transparency, Openness, and Replication in Kinesiology

Language: English

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Attribution
CC BY

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Reviewed by David Haaga, Professor, American University on 11/3/22

There is limited information from the vantage point of a person attempting to take up an exercise regimen or new sport, but there is comprehensive coverage relating to theory and research in this vein, as well as practical information for coaches,... read more

Reviewed by David Haaga, Professor, American University on 11/3/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Many of the chapters contain up-to-date, expert reviews of the literature. The tone and content vary a good deal across chapters, and some are more overview of different perspectives rather than empirical reviews, but either way the content seemed accurate and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The basic principles are unlikely to change, but as more research is completed on, say, the validity of a new model of the relevance of affective associations to uptake of physical activity (ch. 4), it should be feasible to update the material.

Clarity rating: 5

The writing is straightforward and fairly engaging, and little background is assumed.

Consistency rating: 5

Almost to a fault there is consistency. Some basic points (social cognitive theory, self-determination theory) are spelled out repeatedly. This has the advantage of making the chapters self-contained, so that one could easily read the text selectively according to interests, but if someone does read it start to finish skimming will be needed.

Modularity rating: 5

As noted in prior comment, the chapters are independent and really could be read in any order.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The first chapter on levels of analysis, and distinctions among exercise, physical activity, and sport should indeed be first. After that, it seemed almost random.

Interface rating: 5

design is fairly simple, mainly the occasional figure or photo. I don't imagine there would be problems.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not notice problems in this vein, which is a good sign

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Many of the chapters do not include much on this issue, though I suspect that is more a function of the available literature than any fault of the textbook editors.

Comments

The intended audience was not always clear. For the most part, I think advanced undergraduate courses could make good use of it. But some seemed aimed more at fellow researchers in the sub-area in question.

Preface
Chapter 1. Introduction to Exercise Psychology
Chapter 2. Theories of Physical Activity
Chapter 3. Promoting Self-Determined Motivation for Physical Activity: From Theory to Intervention Work
Chapter 4. Exercise Behavior Change Revisited: Affective-Reflective Theory
Chapter 5. Predictors and Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Chapter 6. Personality and Physical Activity
Chapter 7. Body Image and Physical Activity
Chapter 8. Youth Physical Activity and Considerations for Interventions
Chapter 9. Emotion Regulation of Others and Self (EROS) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Chapter 10. Social Support, Relationships, and Physical Activity
Chapter 11. Strategies to Facilitate More Pleasant Exercise Experiences
Chapter 12. Affective Responses to Exercise: Measurement Considerations for Practicing Professionals
Chapter 13. Perceived Effort and Exertion
Chapter 14. Mindfulness in Physical Activity
Chapter 15. Exercise and Physical Activity for Depression
Chapter 16. Physical Activity and Exercise for the Prevention and Management of Anxiety
Chapter 17. Physical Activity and Severe Mental Illness
Chapter 18. Exercise and Chronic Fatigue
Chapter 19. Taking the Field: An Introduction to the Field of Sport Psychology
Chapter 20. Get Your Head in the Game: Examining the Use of Psychological Skills in Sport
Chapter 21. Motivation in Coaching: Promoting Adaptive Psychological Outcomes
Chapter 22. Self-Control in Sports
Chapter 23. Music in Sport: From Conceptual Underpinnings to Applications
Chapter 24. Values-Based Coaching: The Role Coaches in Moral Development
Chapter 25. Leadership Development in Sports Teams
Chapter 26. Group Dynamics in Sport
Chapter 27. Self, Relational, and Collective Efficacy in Athletes
Chapter 28. Diagnosing Problems, Prescribing Solutions, and Advancing Athlete Burnout Research
Chapter 29. Psychological Stress and Performance
Chapter 30. Organizational Stress in Competitive Sport
Chapter 31. Rehabilitation from Sport Injury: A Social Support Perspective
Chapter 32. Promoting Adherence to Rehabilitation through Supporting Patient Well-Being: A Self-Determination Perspective
Chapter 33. Working in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

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About the Book

This text represents the collaboration of more than 70 authors from multiple countries. Essentials of Exercise and Sport Psychology: An Open Access Textbook brings this diverse set of experts together to provide a free, open, accessible textbook for students studying exercise and sport psychology. Primarily directed at undergraduate students, this well-referenced book is also appropriate for graduate students.The topics covered are broad, ranging from an Introduction to Exercise Psychology (Chapter 1), to an Introduction to Sport Psychology (Chapter 19), to Working in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (Chapter 33). Importantly, students should recognize that each author brings their individual perspectives, experiences, and expertise to this book. Therefore, some chapters may share overlapping content, but the content is discussed in unique ways. For example, Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 focus on physical activity and exercise behavior. While content in these chapters is related, it is not redundant. To fully understand the complex world of exercise and sport psychology, students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives from many authors.Chapters also contain learning exercises to prompt students and instructors to engage with the material on a deeper level. For effective review, students and instructors are encouraged to complete these learning exercises and discuss responses together.The majority of this textbook was written during the global COVID-19 pandemic. We are tremendously grateful for all of the efforts and expertise of the many contributors to this project. Despite the challenges of teaching, researching, and surviving in the pandemic, the authors persisted. As a result, Essentials of Exercise and Sport Psychology: An Open Access Textbook is completed; we think you will enjoy using it as you pursue this challenging and fascinating area of study!

About the Contributors

Editors

Zachary Zenko, California State University

Leighton Jones, Sheffield Hallam University

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