 Unit – IX: Psychology & Sports

 Define & Differentiate Between Growth & Development

 Definition & Importance of Psychology in Phy. Edu. & Sports
 Adolescent Problems & Their Management
 Developmental Characteristics At Different Stages of Development
 Psychology : Psychology is the study of human behavior.
 Sports Psychology : Sports Psychology is an applied Psychology involving applications of psychological
principles to the field of physical education and sports.

 Importance of sports psychology

 Enhancement of Physiological Capacities Sports psychology plays a very unique
role in the enhancement of physiological capacities such as strength, speed and
flexibility etc., Motivation plays a major role in the enhancement of physical
capacity of sport persons. It is well-known as well as an established fact that
psychological capacities or powers can increase physiological capacities of
individuals
 Learning the Motor Skills Sports psychology plays its major role in the learning of motor skills.
Motor skills learning depends on the individual's level of readiness, i.e., physiological readiness
and psychological readiness. Physiological readiness in children is development of the necessary
strength, flexibility and endurance as well as the development of various organ systems so that
they may perform motor skills required in the activity. Psychological readiness is related to the
learner's state of mind. It means the desire and willingness to learn the particular skill. In
psychological readiness, sports psychology plays an important role. Sports psychology is also
helpful in the cognitive stage, the social-active stage and the autonomous stage of motor skill
learning.
 Understanding the behavior Sports psychology helps in understanding the behavior of athletes
or sportspersons engaged in competitive sports. Coaches also come to know the interest,
attitude towards physical activity, instincts, drives and personality of sportspersons. It does not
play its role only in understanding of behavior but it also plays its role in medication of
behaviorin various sports situations
 4. Controlling the emotions : Sports psychology plays a very important role in controlling the
emotions of sportspersons during practice as well as competition. Generally, these emotions may
bring spontaneous changes in the behavior of sportspersons. These are anger, disgust, gear,
negative self-thinking and feeling of ownership, etc. If these emotions are not controlled well in
time, the performance may be decreased. Sports psychology plays a vital role at such juncture. It
helps in balancing the arousal of emotions which further improves the performance.

 5. Preparation of athletes psycho-logically for competitions : Sports psychology also plays its role
in preparation of athletes psychologically for competitions. Intact, it has become a trend to give
psychological tips to athletes or team players before and after the competitions. That is why,
sports psychologists' services are required with a national level and international level terms.
They create the will 'to win' in the players.
6. Role in the emotional problems of sports persons : Stress, tension and anxiety are natural during
practice period and competitions or tournaments. There may be some other emotional problems
such as depression, frustration. Anorexia and panic etc. The knowledge of sports psychology may be
helpful in such situations. Techniques of relaxation and concentration for stress management can
be applied on sportspersons who are under such problems. Conclusively, it can be said that sports
psychology plays a very vital role in enhancing the performance of sportspersons. It deals with the
various mental qualities such as concentration, confidence, emotional control and commitment
etc., which are important for successful performance in sports and games.
Motivational techniques for coaches and athletes :
 Goal setting,
 Motivational music ,
 Sport Psychology Helps You Work Better With Your Coaches,
 Sport Psychology Helps You Navigate Your Sport Career, .
 Sport Psychology Helps You Prepare Your Mind
 Sport Psychology Helps You Concentrate So You Can Enter the Zone
 Explain the adolescent problems and their management ?
 Adolescence, transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an adolescent as any person between ages 10 and

19. This age range falls within WHO’s definition of young people, which refers to individuals

between ages 10 and 24.

 Adolescence is the period of your life in which you develop from being a child into being an

adult. Some people become very self-conscious in adolescence.

 Problems of Adolescents : Owing to various changes, children of this age group face many

problems; indeed, it is very delicate period of their life. The major problems, which adolescents

face, are given below :

 Physical Problems : During adolescence, many bodily or physical changes take place.

Menstruation and nightfall become a phenomenon for girls and boys respectively. Development

of sex glands takes place. Due to these changes, adolescents feel restless and worried.

 (ii) Mental Problems : During this age, stress, tension and strife are common. These traits create

many mental problems. An adolescent faces many problems such as difficulty in co-operating

with others, anxiety maladjustment, etc.

 ()iii Problem of Aggressive Behavior : In this age group, children tend to show aggressive

behavior. They become aggressive on small matters. They become irritated easily. When they

are asked to do certain activity, they become repulsive. They try to become hero.
iv) Lack of Stability and Adjustment : An adolescent does not remain stable and he faces adjustment problem.

His behavior does not remain content. He feels himself unable to adjust with other people. He fails to co-

ordinate with others. Not only outside but he cannot adjust himself in his family. He cannot co-operate with

his family members. He feels that he is under pressure of his parents. He wants to have free atmosphere at

home.

(v) Emotional Problems : The life of an adolescent is full of emotions. Under such emotions, he performs some

uphill task, which seems to be impossible in the beginning. Rose says, "The adolescent lives intensely

emotional life, in which we can see once more the rhythm of positive and negative phases of behavior in his

constant alternation between intense excitement and deep depression. " Sometimes, the adolescent becomes

so excited that he considers himself to be at the top of the world and, sometimes, he finds, himself in a state

of depression. He feels himself emotionally disturbed.

 vi) Problems Related to Sex : During adolescence, children face many problems, which are related to sex.

They try to meet the opposite sex. Sometimes, they become so eager that they do not hesitate to leave their

family. They feel restless due to their sexual urge. Rose says, “Sex, then, is the fundamental fact of

adolescence, if not all life. Like the overflow of Great River, it irrigates and fertilizes great tracts of life’s

territory.”

(vii) Problems of Self-support : Each and every adolescent needs self-support. He wants to make his own place

in the society. He desires to live a fruitful life. Rose says, “The adolescent desires to find his place in the

world. The desire is a genuine need and refers to the need for self-support. He faces the problems of carrier

selection. He does not want to depend upon his family members.

(viii) Feeling of Importance : An adolescent begins to understand himself important. He thinks that he should

also get respect. But, sometimes, parents do not take it seriously. They fail to understand the feelings of
   Management of Adolescence Problems.
 The following suggestions can be beneficial for the management of problems of the adolescence:
 (i) Education for Motor Development- An adolescent should be provided the education for his motor
development. He should be encouraged to play various games and sports. Through games and sports, his
motor development will take place properly.
 (ii) Education of Psychology - Teachers and parents should have the basic knowledge of psychology. They
should be able to understand the mindset of an adolescent because many problems can be solved by an
adolescent himself.
 (iii) Vocational guidance- Teachers should provide vocational guidance to the adolescents. This guidance
should be provided keeping in view their intelligence, capabilities, aptitude and interest.
 (iv) Moral and Religious Education- Moral and Religious Education should be provided to adolescents. Religious
and moral education will give them mental peace. Through this some problems like indiscipline, anxiety and,
worry can be tackled easily.
 (v) To provide suitable environment- Adolescents should be provided suitable environment for growth and
development. They should be provided with proper facilities and opportunities for proper development. They
Growth and Development : The term ‘growth’ means the growth of parts of the body, may be
in size, height and weight.
Development : can be defined as progressive series of changes in an orderly coherent pattern.

Different stages of growth and development

8 stages of growth and development :
Stage 1 : Infancy: Trust vs. Mistrust
Infants depend on care givers, usually parents, for basic needs such as food. Infants learn to
trust others based upon how well care givers meet their needs.
•Trust : When caregivers respond promptly to an infant’s cries, the baby can learn to rely
on others. As caregivers fill an infant’s needs, the baby can develop a sense of trust and
security.
•Mistrust : If caregivers neglect an infants’ needs, or if care is sporadic, an infant may grow
insecure. They may learn they cannot rely on others and thus feel unsafe.
Stage 2: Toddlerhood: Autonomy vs. Shame and Self-Doubt
During this phase, young children begin exploring the world around them. They learn more about their
environment and their place within it. They also develop basic skills such as toilet training.
•Autonomy : In this stage, caregivers often serve as a safe base from which to explore the world. When
caregivers encourage independence, children will feel secure enough to take risks.
•Shame : Children whose caregivers discourage them may develop feelings of shame. If caregivers foster
excessive dependence, the child may learn to doubt their own abilities.

Stage 3 : Preschool Years : Initiative vs. Guilt

Preschoolers are increasingly focused on doing things themselves and establishing their own goals.
•Initiative : When caregivers nurture these tendencies, children learn how to make decisions and plan for the
future. They can grow into adults who are able to follow their ambitions.
•Guilt : If children are criticized for being assertive, they may feel guilt for pursuing their desires. Controlling
caregivers may teach children to follow another’s lead rather than starting their own plans.
Stage 4: Early School Years: Industry vs. Inferiority
As children grow in independence, they become increasingly aware of themselves as individuals. They begin to
compare themselves with others.
•Industry : Children who are accomplished compared to their peers can develop self-confidence and pride.
Praise for their achievements can boost their self-esteem.
•Inferiority : Children who do not achieve certain milestones may doubt their abilities or self-worth. When
children are constantly criticized, they may develop feelings of inferiority.
Stage 5 : Adolescence: Identity vs. Role Confusion
The famed term “identity crisis” comes from this period of development. During this stage, adolescents’ main
goal is to answer the question “Who am I?” They may try different personas to determine which roles fit them
best. Identity : To succeed in this stage, adolescents need to establish a coherent sense of self. They will need to
determine their priorities in life (family, academic success, etc.). Then they will need to set goals for their adult
selves based on those values. Role confusion :  Some adolescents may have a weak sense of self. They may
struggle to break away from the person their parents or peers expect them to be. Without a consistent identity,
they may grow confused about what they truly want for the future.
Stage 6: Young Adulthood: Intimacy vs. Isolation
According to Erikson, young adulthood is the period during which many people get married or develop
significant relationships. It has been defined as anywhere from 20-24 years to 20-40 years.
•Intimacy: Relationships can be a key source of affection and intimacy in adulthood. Many find emotional
benefits from having a committed, lifelong bond.
•Isolation : According to Erikson, people who do not develop relationships may become socially isolated. They
may develop long-term feelings of loneliness.
Stage 7: Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. Stagnation
The focus of this stage is to contribute to society and the next generation. Adults in this stage are often at the
height of their careers. Many people are raising children.
•Generativity : People may offer guidance to the next generation through parenting or mentorship. They may
also offer lead the way by leaving a legacy. Contributing to society’s future can give people a sense of
community and purpose. Stagnation : Some people may feel as if they have no impact on society. If people do
not find their work meaningful, they may feel restless or isolated. Some may feel they have “peaked” and that
their lives will only get worse in the future.
Stage 8: Late Adulthood : Ego Integrity vs. Despair

During this phase, older adults reflect on the life they have lived.

•Ego Integrity : Those who feel fulfilled by their lives can face death and aging proudly.

•Despair: People who have disappointments or regrets may fall into despair

•Highlight the differences between growth and development

•(i) Growth is used in purely physical terms. It changes in shape, form or generally refers to change

in structure resulting in size, length and weight of or an individual.

•Development : Improved functioning or an individual. Working

•Growth is one of the aspect of development process.

•Development is a wider and comprehensive term; it refers to overall changes in the individual

• Growth does not continue

Ballistic stretching is generally not recommended for everyday people who want to stay in shape or improve flexibility because
there is a risk of straining or pulling a muscle. Static stretching stretches muscles more gently without risk of pulling them. The 
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons warns against bouncing stretches, as does the American College of Sports Medicine.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a more advanced form of flexibility training. PNF involves both
stretching and contracting (activation) of the muscle group being targeted in order to achieve maximum static
flexibility. Physiotherapists use it to improve muscle elasticity and it has been shown to have a positive effect on
active and passive range of motion. The technique was first used in clinical rehabilitation. It spread into mainstream
gyms because of its perceived effectiveness.

Static stretching requires you to move a muscle as far as it can go without feeling any pain, then hold that position
for 20 to 45 seconds. You should repeat static stretches two to three times each. This is a very effective way to
increase flexibility.

Dynamic stretching is a movement-based type of stretching. It uses the muscles themselves to bring about a stretch.
It's different from traditional "static" stretching because the stretch position is not held.