Developmental Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Lifespan Perspective

Research in mainstream psychology and sport psychology stresses the importance of a developmental perspective that considers continuity and change from infancy through older adulthood. Understanding age-related changes in perceptions physical competencies emotions social influences and achievement behaviors is critical in terms of developing theory enhancing the research knowledge base and devising applied programs to promote positive physical activity experiences for youth through older adults. This book demystifies this perspective for students and researchers and contributes interesting and innovative ideas for the field. The book examines the current sport and exercise psychology literature reviews mainstream theories from psychology and elaborates on how cognitive physical social and other developmental factors influence behaviors in physical activity settings. Section One reviews fundamental concepts and controversies. Section Two examines developmental issues in youth and adolescence such as parental influence competition and peer relationships. Section Three discusses young middle and older adulthood in terms of self-perceptions social influences motivational processes and self-regulation skills. Section Four covers expertise transitions moral development diversity disabilities and injury throughout the lifespan.

Table of Contents:
Developmental Sport and Exercise Psychology: Research Status on Youth and Directions Toward a Lifespan Perspective; Lifespan Development in Sport and Exercise Psychology: Theoretical Perspectives; Some Methodological Considerations in Developmental Sport and Exercise Psychology; Developmental Perspectives on Self-Perceptions in Children and Adolescents; Parental Influences on Youth Involvement in Sports; A Little Friendly Competition: Peer Relationships and Psychosocial Development in Youth Sport and Physical Activity Contexts; Emotional Experience in Youth Sport; The Why of Youth Sport Involvement: A Developmental Perspective on Motivational Processes; Self-Regulation Skills for Children and Adolescents; Seeing Isn't Always Believing: Self-Perceptions and Physical Activity Behaviours in Adults; Social Influence on the Psychological Dimensions of Adult Physical Activity Involvement; Emotion in Sport Across Adulthood; Motivational Processes Among Older Adults in Sport and Exercise Settings; Self-Regulation Skills in Young, Middle, and Older Adulthood; Development of Expertise in Sport; Psychosocial Factors and Disability: Effects of Physical Activity and Sport; A Lifespan View of Moral Development in Physical Activity; Gender and Cultural Diversity Across the Lifespan; A Developmental Perspective on Transitions Faced by Athletes; From Skinned Knees and Pee Wees to Menisci and Masters: Developmental Sport Injury Psychology.