Psychology for Sport

Learning Aims C and D explore key psychological characteristics that influence athlete development, behaviour, and performance in sport.
In Learning Aim C, learners examine self-confidence, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, considering how different levels can positively or negatively affect performance. Key theories such as Vealey’s Multidimensional Model of Sport Confidence and Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory are applied to sporting situations to help learners understand how confidence can be developed and maintained in athletes.
Learning Aim D focuses on mindset, resilience, and perfectionism, exploring how athletes respond to challenge, failure, and pressure. Learners compare growth and fixed mindsets, investigate the role of resilience in overcoming adversity, and evaluate functional and dysfunctional perfectionism. Through case studies, discussion tasks, and applied activities, students learn how psychological traits can shape long-term performance, motivation, and wellbeing in sport.
By the end of Learning Aims C and D, learners will be able to apply psychological theory to real sporting contexts, evaluate the impact of individual differences, and demonstrate an understanding of how athletes can be supported to reach their potential.