Sports Psychology: History, Roles, and Applications

History of Sports Psychology: 4 Key Stages

1879-1919: Experimental Period

• Immediate Antecedents

1920-1945: Early Development

• Rudick (Soviet Union)
• Griffith (U.S.)

1946-1964: Motor Learning and Applied Research

• Invention of motor learning and applied techniques

1965-1979: Official Recognition

• Establishment of the field

Sports Psychology in Chile

1st Period (1970-1979): Early Stages

• 1972: Creation of the Chilean Society of Sports Psychology, but it was not active.

2nd Period (1980-1994): Individualism

• Sports psychologists worked independently.

3rd Period (1995-2001): Association

• 1992: Enrique Aguayo became president of the Chilean Society of Sports Psychology (SPS) and promoted association among sports psychologists.

4th Period (2002-Present): Growth

• Growth and development of sports psychology in Chile.

Optimizing Sports Performance

The goal is to achieve optimal results in sports competitions. Sports psychologists focus on:

A. Evaluation, Training, and Monitoring of Psychological Skills

• Specific to different sports.

B. Technical Advice

• Planning objectives.
• Team management.
• Communication strategies.
• Distribution of tasks.

C. Direct Advice to Athletes

• Relations with the media.
• Retirement planning.
• Injury management.

D. Research

• Assessment techniques.
• Monitoring and training methods.
• Planning and periodization of psychological training.

Sports Initiation

Sports psychologists provide:

A. Guidance and Expert Advice

• To professionals and technicians involved in grassroots sports and initiation.

B. Support for Family Members

• To establish a positive climate conducive to physical and sporting activities.

C. Support for Managers and Institutions

• Planning and development of physical and sporting activities.

D. Research and Evaluation

• For application to the general population and individuals with special needs (learning difficulties, psychomotor disturbances, etc.).

E. Training for Technicians and Coaches

F. Direct Intervention with Athletes

• During learning and initiation stages, including basic psychological skills training.

Arbitration and Judging in Sports

Sports psychologists contribute to:

A. Improving Objectivity and Fairness

• In arbitration decisions.

B. Teaching Simulation Identification

• To help referees identify cheating athletes and withstand environmental pressure.

C. Defining Criteria for Legality

• To more precisely assess the legality or illegality of sports activities in stressful and high-pressure environments.

D. Coaching Skills for Mediators

• To develop skills for mediators and peacemakers in the field of arbitration, acting as regulators and administrators of tensions and altered moods.

Exercise and Health

The functions of a psychologist in physical activity and sports, in terms of leisure and health, focus on two main areas:

1. Understanding Psychological Effects

• The psychological effects of physical activities and sports.

2. Understanding Psychological Factors

• The psychological factors involved in carrying out physical activity.

Roles of a Sports Psychologist

• Researcher
• Educator
• Advisor
• Clinical Psychologist

Evaluation and Diagnosis Techniques

• Tests
• Quizzes
• Interviews
• Self-observation and self-registration techniques
• Psychophysiological recording

This process includes an initial phase, monitoring, and assessment of the total process.

Key Areas of Sports Psychology

• Planning and advising
• Intervention
• Education
• Research