Social Psychology in Sport and Exercise

How should athletes prepare for the pressures of a large crowd? How do you manage conflict and disunity in a team? How can you encourage individuals to do more exercise? Covering a broad range of areas from elite sport to public health programmes, The Social Psychology of Sport and Exercise examines human behaviour and how we can change it. The authors combine innovative research with practical examples and case studies, masterfully explaining the theory and applying it to real-life problems. From coaching world-class athletes to running exercise referral schemes, this book offers unrivalled advice and guidance. The Social Psychology of Sport and Exercise: * Analyses contemporary research from both sport and exercise psychology * Investigates the issues and challenges that practitioners face in settings ranging from the World Cup to the leisure centre * Suggests useful strategies to help you put the theory into practice This highly readable textbook is perfect for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying sport and exercise psychology, while its practical nature means that it will also be of interest to professionals working in the field.

Ann-Marie Knowles is a chartered psychologist and accredited sport and exercise scientist with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. She is a lecturer in Physical Activity for Health at the University of Strathclyde, UK and also provides psychological support to athletes, coaches and officials across Scotland. Vaithehy Shanmugam is a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and a reviewer for the Journal of Sport Sciences and the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. Ross Lorimer is a lecturer in Sport, Social Psychology and Coaching Pedagogy at Abertay University, UK and Sport Science Officer for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

'Social Psychology in Sport and Exercise provides a comprehensive coverage of salient topic areas through bringing together a wealth of up-to-date information. The text gives readers insight into the interactions and dynamics that exist within sport and exercise psychology from a social standpoint. The authors have provided stimulating, thought-provoking and readable chapters, case studies and questions throughout, which facilitates the readers' attention and engagement with the text. I therefore would fully commend this book to students and practitioners alike.' - Philippa McGregor, St Mary's University, UK "An easily accessible yet extremely informative text that covers the key social psychology issues in sport. The use of case studies makes this book not only excellent at informing the reader of current theory and academic research but also how a practitioner sport psychologist might utilize these ideas in applied contexts." - James Byron-Daniel, University of the West of England, UK