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.

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What sort of things can a person do with a Bachelors, with a Masters.
I also hate to ask this part (since I am not really in it for the money, but I have a family to provide for) how much can a person make at these levels?

You definitely need a Master’s or a Doctorate to do anything in psychology (and make a decent living). With a bachelor’s you can hope to make between $25,000 and $40,000 a year. With a Master’s you can make between $35,000 and $60,000 a year (depending on where you work and what you do). With a doctorate, you can make between $50,000 and $100,000 a year (again, depending on where you work and what you do).

A bachelor’s degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist psychologists and other professionals in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs; to work as research or administrative assistants; and to take jobs as trainees in government or business. However, without additional academic training, their advancement opportunities in psychology are severely limited.

Persons with a master’s degree in psychology can administer tests as psychological assistants. Under the supervision of doctoral level psychologists, they can conduct research in laboratories, conduct psychological evaluations, counsel patients, or perform administrative duties. They may teach in high schools or 2-year colleges or work as school psychologists or counselors.

A doctoral degree generally is required for employment as a psychologist. Psychologists with a Ph.D. qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and government. Psychologists with a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) qualify mainly for clinical positions.

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