In this module you will explore common psychological issues in sport and exercise, and learn to recognise situations where psychological theory can be applied in real-life cases. Research summaries are used alongside case studies to help you engage with recent literature. You’ll cover some of the key topics in sport and exercise psychology such as: anxiety; self-confidence; concentration; group dynamics; the psychology of injury; exercise dependence; and mental skills training used by psychologists. This module is suitable if you have a general interest in sport and exercise psychology, or are working in the field in roles such as exercise instruction or sports coaching.
What you will study
The module comprises five study topics:
Introduction to sport and exercise psychology – This is an introduction to the field of sport and exercise psychology and the approach used in the rest of the module.
Psychological issues affecting performance – In this topic you will investigate how performance is affected by individuals’ responses to stressful situations. You will also view stress, anxiety and confidence issues in the context of sports competition and everyday life case studies.
Adherence and group dynamics – You’ll consider theories about how participants can be encouraged to stick to training programmes; and behaviour in group or team situations. Group and team activity is often particularly complex compared to dealing with individual participants.
Special topics in sport and exercise psychology – There are some options for you to choose to study in this study topic. The choices on offer are ‘concentration in sport’; ‘psychological aspects of sports injury’; ‘exercise dependence and body image’; and ‘exercise and mental health’.
Psychological skills training – In this final topic you will consider the psychological skills that are applied in the field by professional sport and exercise psychologists. You will focus on four key techniques – imagery, positive self-talk, goal-setting and relaxation strategies.
The study topics will be supported by a study guide, text book, website and a DVD containing a range of audio and video material. Most of the study guide is in print, but part is online. The online guide will direct you to electronic materials and case study related activities. This will be underpinned by tuition that will include active involvement with your tutor and access to an online forum with other students.
Vocational relevance
The interpretation of case studies will build increased awareness and knowledge of psychological issues in sport and exercise that should influence the approach of those working in the sector. This may enhance, with research-based evidence, the more intuitive approaches and solutions adopted by sports coaches, exercise instructors and athletes towards psychological problems they may encounter.
This module forms part of the Foundation Degree in Sport and Fitness and, in Scotland, the Diploma of Higher Education in Sport and Fitness.
Entry
There are no formal qualification requirements for this module. However, it is an OU level 2 module and builds on OU level 1 study. It is not essential but you may wish to have studied the knowledge-based module Introduction to sport and fitness (E117) and/or the work-based module Working and learning in sport and fitness (E113) (now discontinued) before studying E233.
There are no requirements concerning your level of fitness to take the module and there are no activities that require any sort of exercise.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E233 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Study materials
What's included
A study guide, module textbook, DVD, online assessment guide and study planner, and website.
You will need
The facility to play a DVD.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your assignments, and who you can ask for advice and guidance. If you are new to the OU, you will find that your tutor will be particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. Contact with your tutor will be through the following methods:
- online tutorials, which we strongly encourage you to participate in since most students find these extremely useful
- online forum in your tutor group
- personal email or telephone.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
This module is recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and endorsed by PD:Approval, for continuing professional development (CPD) purposes. This means that if you’re a member of REPs, on completing the module, you can claim 16 CPD points.
Future availability
Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach (E233) starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2019. It will start for the last time in October 2019.
The four modules E217, E233, EXC224 and EXF224 will be replaced with two new 60-credit modules: Sport and exercise psychology in action (E235) and Applying sport and exercise sciences to coaching (E236). E235 will start for the first time in October 2019 and E236 will start for the first time in October 2020.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.