The Psychology Careers Blog

All About Sports Psychology

Sports Psychology is a field of psychology that has just become popular within the last few decades. It combines kinesiology and psychology with the study of sports and exercise. For those who are interested in psychology and passionate about sports, sports psychology just might be the perfect degree for you. Here are some basic facts about sports psychology.

1. The main focus of sports psychology is the psychological and mental factors that occur due to participation in sports, exercise, or other forms of physical activities or that lead someone to participate in them.

2. A person who works as a sports psychologist applies his or her psychology expertise to the study of sports and exercise. Their main focus is how physical activity can affect a person’s well-being.

3. Athletes often work with sports psychologists in order to improve their athletic performance by developing mental strategies. If an athlete is facing certain mental obstacles that are keeping them from reaching their potential, a sports psychologist professional can help the person overcome these difficulties. Such mental conditioning help an athlete reach his or her potential.

4. Sports psychologists also work with individuals to help them cope with the pressure of competing. Athletes at all levels face this type of stress, which might include pressure from parents, coaches, team members, or fans. Personal expectations can also cause an athlete stress and anxiety.

5. Coaches of youth sports teams might work with a sports psychologist in order to find ways to motivate their team and promote positive self-esteem. They might also work directly with youth athletes in order to make their experience of playing sports more enjoyable.

6. Injured athletes often work with sports psychologists through their process of rehabilitation. An injured athlete might need help following the requirements of physical therapy, dealing with frustration and anger, or getting used to the fact that they can no longer compete in their sport.

7. Sports psychologists can work with individuals or groups who need assistance with increasing or maintaining a certain level of physical fitness. A sports psychologist can design an exercise motivation program for corporations, weight loss clubs, therapy groups, or other groups of people.

This article was written by Nathan Henley. He is a sports psychologist who specializes in performance improvement and injury rehabilitation. He also owns the site Sports Psychology Degree  for students interested in getting a degree in sports psychology.

 

Technorati Tags: applied psychology, career, careers, careers in psychology, clinical jobs, degrees, education, employment, Health, jobs, psychological, psychologist, psychologist jobs, psychology, psychology career, psychology jobs, psychology majors, psychology masters, psychology programs, psychology student, pyschology careers, sports psychology, therapy

Tagged As: applied psychology, career, careers, careers in psychology, clinical jobs, degrees, education, employment, Health, jobs, psychological, psychologist, psychologist jobs, psychology, psychology career, psychology jobs, psychology majors, psychology masters, psychology programs, psychology student, pyschology careers, sports psychology, therapy

what kinds of jobs are available with a dual psychology and justice degree?

I am currently attending school with a dual major in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I absolutely love both and there are never-ending possibilities in either field, but I want to combine the two. Besides criminal profiling and being a criminal psychologist, what other jobs would be economically sound to choose from?

Criminal Justice careers are always in high demand! At criminal justice, you can become a police officer, legal secretary or paralegal.

Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and sheriff patrol officers earned a median annual salary of $45,210 in May 2004. The median annual salary of police and detective supervisors was $64,430. And, the median annual salary of detectives and criminal investigators was $53,990.
Education Requirements. Most law enforcement organizations will also provide further training upon acceptance of a job offer.

Growth Statistics
Growth in this field generally depends on the region. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that this field is expected to increase by 9% to 17% through 2014.