1. Sport and Exercise Psychology
‘Psychology is the study of the behaviour of individuals’

2. What is Sports Psychology?
Definitions:
‘The effect of sport itself on human behaviour’ (Alderman, 1980)
‘The Mental Management of Physical Resources’
(Dr Judith Goss)

3. Individual Differences
AREA 3 SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
Individual Differences

4. Personality

5. Learning Objectives
To be able to explain the three main Personality theories:
Trait Theory
Social learning theory
Interactionists
Learners should demonstrate an understanding of personality types: extrovert, introvert and neurotic, Type A and Type B and how they can potentially impact on sporting performance.

6. Personality Defined
Hollander (1971) “the sum of the individuals characteristics which make him unique.
Eysenck (1960) ‘more or less stable and enduring organisation of a persons character, temperament, intellect and physique which determines the unique adjustment to the environment.’
Characteristics of a personality (A Trait).
It is Innate to us/ We are Born with it/ Inherit it genetically from our parents
It is a Stable disposition (It doesn’t change)
It is Enduring to us i.e. it stays with us throughout our lives.

7. Exploring Personality & Sport
There are 3 questions that psychologists try and answer when researching personality and sport:
Are certain personalities suited for certain sports?
Can we change our personalities to suit our sport environment?
Do we need certain personalities to be successful in sport?
Can we identify a personality type common to all sports performers

8. The Trait Approach: What is a Trait?
Characteristics of a personality (A Trait).
It is Innate to us/ We are Born with it/ Inherit it genetically from our parents
It is a Stable disposition (It doesn’t change)
It is Enduring to us i.e. it stays with us throughout our lives.
According to the trait approach Behaviour (B) is a function (F) of our personality traits (P) that we are born with and genetically inherit from our parents.
i.e. B=F(P)
Certain sports attract certain personalities.

9. Eysenck’s Personality Inventory
Eysenck identified four primary personality traits or types. These personality types are arranged on a two dimensional model.
Personality Type or primary trait
Characteristics/ Description of personality Type
Extrovert
Affiliates well with other people/ good leadership qualities
Outgoing, Sociable, talkative, Loud
Becomes aroused more slowley than introverts
Introvert
Tends to be shy and reserved
Prefers isolation from others
Becomes aroused more quickly than extroverts
Neurotic
Displays extreme an unpredictable emotions (mood swings)
Their moods are unreliable
They experience high degrees of stress
Stable
Displays predictable emotions in appropriate situations
Their moods are predictable
They tend not to experience intense stress

10. Eysenck’s Personality Test
Task 3:
Complete the online test using the link below
Eysenck Personality Test
Plot yourself on Eysenck’s Inventory

12. Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors
Cattell devised the 16PF questions to measure how much of each trait a person shows.
Individuals give themselves a STEN score for each of the 16PF to give their profile

14. Narrow band approach Type A Type B Impatient Relaxed Competitive
Lack competitive instinct
Strong desire to succeed
Unambitious
Prone to suffer stress
Less prone to stress

15. Problems With Trait Theories
View Behaviour as more predictable than it really is
Doesn’t take in to account people adopting behaviour in response to environment
No difference between performance standards in players and different personality traits
Too Generalised
Particular sports don’t attract particular personalities

16. Social Learning Theory
Behaviour = Function of Environment (B=F(E))
Imitate the behaviour of others through observation
New behaviours are acquired when endorsed through social reinforcement

17. Social Learning Theory
Learn by watching others
Significant others:
Similar to us (age, sex, attitude, play the same sport)
Powerful, high status (parents, teachers, coaches, role models)
Caring (parents, friends, coaches, team-mates)
Rewarded for behaviour (success, trophies)

18. Sheldon’s Biological Theory
William Sheldon classified personality according to body type. He called this a person’s somatotype.
Sheldon proposed a theory about how there are certain body types ("somatotypes") that are associated with certain personality characteristics.

19. Sheldon identified three main Somatotypes:
Sheldon's Somatotype
Character
Shape
Picture
Endomorph
relaxed, sociable, tolerant, comfort-loving, peaceful
plump, buxom, developed visceral structure
Mesomorph
active, assertive, vigorous, combative
muscular
Ectomorph
quiet, fragile, restrained, non-assertive, sensitive
lean, delicate, poor muscles

20. Personality Profiling or Measurement

21. Learning Objectives: -
To understand the process of Personality profiling: a basic understanding through the use of:
Questionnaires such as Cattell’s 16PF (Personality Factor), SCAT – Martens Sports Competition Anxiety, Eysencks EPI, Profile of Mood States (POMS)
Coach Observation
Interview
The benefits and limitations of personality profiling,

22. Personality Testing
There are three ways to assess an individuals personality:
Interview
Observation
Self Report Questionnaire

23. Personality Testing Each method has its advantages and disadvantages
These can be overcome by using as many different methods as possible
E.g. following up an interview with a questionnaire

24. Interviews Does have advantages
Using open ended interview doesn’t limit the responses the participants give.
You may discover aspects of personality not included on restricted forms of assessment such as questionnaires

25. Disadvantages
What do you think are the disadvantages of this form of testing?
Quality of info depends on the interviewer
The subject
How the info is interpreted

26. Questionnaires
Most popular method of personality testing. Examples include:
Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI; Eysenck and Eysenck, 1968)
Cattell 16 Personality Factor (16 PF; Cattell, 1946)
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI; Hathaway and McKinley, 1943)

27. Advantages & Disadvantages
They are relatively easy to administer and to mark
Results are more likely to be reliable and valid as they are objective.
Disadvantages –
Subject reliability

28. Observation
Sometimes it is not necessary to administer a questionnaire or interview
It is possible to infer and individuals personality from the way they behave.

29. Observation Advantages – See performer in naturalistic environment.
Disadvantages – Success depends on quality of checklist and skill of observer.

30. Personality Profiling
Benefits
Limitations
It could be used to recommend participation in sport and could help to lead a person towards and active, healthy lifestyle.
It is time efficient
Monitor progress
Gain deep understanding of an individual
Identify personality strengths and weaknesses
Identify most appropriate style of coaching leading etc.
Enable appropriate strategies e.g. stress management/ anxiety control
Not and accurate predictor of those who are likely to participate or excel in sport.
Questionnaires / interviews are not always valid as people tend to give socially desirable answers.
Profiling results are usually subjective.
Evidence is too general – personality alone cannot predict behaviour.
Profiling may stereotype a person.