Sport Psychology

Nicholas T. Gallucci is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Connecticut State University. He received MA and PhD degrees in psychology at the University of Louisville, and a BA in psychology at Vanderbilt University. His research concerns personality and sport performance, and exercise and weight loss. He enjoys running, played intercollegiate soccer at Vanderbilt, and is a member of the St. Xavier High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

"The book is thorough with a very large range of topics covered, some being particularly unique compared to other textbooks. There seems to be an increasing awareness within the field of factors that inhibit performance, rather than a sole focus on performance enhancement, and this new edition captures this shift rather well. Within the performance enhancement chapters that do have some overlap with other textbooks, Professor Gallucci conveys a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding these topics, which is a welcome advancement within the field." - Ian Taylor, Loughborough University, UK, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Science"I am very surprised and pleased with the way sport psychology is presented in this book. It appears to be a very thorough from an academic standpoint, while at the same time keeping an overall focus on what’s relevant to practice. I very much appreciate that this book has a thought-out format for how topics interact and should be addressed in practice. Most books use chapter titles that are issues, constructs, interventions with no organizing philosophy for their inclusion or order. This is a sport psychology book that truly relates to performance." - Steve Portenga, University of Denver, Sport and Performance Psychology"This is a well-written book that will be of interest to athletes and coaches interested in improving their understanding of sport psychology and their own psychological approach to sport. Current theory and research in the psychological factors are discussed, and these are explained in a very readable manner." - Rafael E. Romo, Texas A&M International University, Curriculum and Pedagogy"I think the material is great; the chapters are thorough, I like the progression in many of the chapters from general information to more sport-specific examples. There is a good balance of theory to application and strong examples to help students see these concepts 'in action' which students often find interesting and helpful." - Professor Karlene Sugarman, Sport Psychology Program, John F. Kennedy University

• Part 1. Introduction. 1. Introduction to Sport Psychology. 2. Motivation for Sport and Achievement. 3. Exercise. Part 2. Performance Enhancement. 4. Optimal Levels of Anxiety, Intensity, or Arousal. 5. Pre-performance Routines. 6. Mental Skills Training: Self-Talk, Concentration, Mental Imagery. 7. Relaxation Training: Calming the Physiology. 8. Goals. 9. Goal Orientation. 10. Self-efficacy and Sport Self-confidence. Part 3. Performance Inhibition. 11. Choking Under Pressure and Anxiety and Performance. 12. Self-handicapping. 13. Procrastination and Perfectionism. 14. Learned Helplessness. 15. Performance Inhibition Due to Personality Factors. 16. Substance Abuse. 17. Burnout. 18. Sport Injuries. Part 4. Individuals and Teams. 19. Gender and Sport. 20. Ethnic and Cultural Differences and Sport Psychology. 21. Youth and Sport. 22. Leadership and Coaching. 23. Team Cohesiveness.