MAS449  Psychology of sport and physical activity (15 ECTS) 

Course facts

Introduction

Intensive course over two weeks plus one week individual written exam at NSSS, individual written home exam after departure from Oslo.

The course covers selective contemporary psychological themes relevant to understand antecedents and outcomes of young people, adults and elderly?s involvement in competitive sport, exercise and physical activity. Topics comprise individual-environment dynamics and will cover various sub-themes within psychology of sport and physical activity under the umbrella of generic terms such as motivation, emotions, self-regulation and social influence.

The course will be taught entirely in English.

Learning outcomes

Students are expected to gain knowledge and understanding of psychological factors influencing participation, learning, performance and well-being/mental health in sport, exercise and physical activity for different age groups.

Learning outcomes
Students should obtain in depth knowledge and understanding regarding

• Motivational, cognitive, organismic and social-ecological theories & models relevant for understanding participation in and learning, performance, and health/wellbeing effects of sport, exercise and physical activity
• Theories and models pertaining to emotions and beliefs (such as anxiety, stress, enjoyment, vitality, competence, control and attitudinal beliefs) in sport, exercise and physical activity - considered both in terms of outcomes and as antecedents of learning, performance, health/well-being and behavior change
• The role of social influence (such as group dynamics, social support, modeling and relatedness) in facilitating learning, performance, well-being/mental health for different age groups in sport, exercise and physical activity
• The role of adaptive and maladaptive self-regulation (such as planning, monitoring, goal setting, self-handicapping etc.) that may facilitate or prevent learning, performance development and mental health/well-being in sport, exercise and physical activity

Learning styles and activities

Part 1: 10 ECTS (MA401)
3 weeks of intensive course work Monday -Friday. Week 1 and 2 comprise lectures, individual & group coursework, discussion & student presentations of assignments. Week 3 individual work on written literature review (final exam). Students shall participate actively and sufficiently in the classes. The student forfeits the right to take the final examination (see below) if the given group assignment has not been conducted by set deadline, or if conducted assignment are not approved.

In addition to EMHPA students, internal master students at NSSS (department of Coaching and Psychology as well as department of Sports mMedicine) will participate in this 10 ECTS part.

Part 2: 5 ECTS:
Individual student coursework in the format of a written home assignment - guidelines & deadlines for delivery are given below.

Assessment

• Group assignment in the format of oral presentation during course. Approved/not approved.
• Part 1: One-week individually written literature review. Guidelines will be given.
• Part 2: 14 day written home assignment based on a given assignment question. Guidelines will be given.
  • A graded total score A-F will be given for 15 ECTS based on the One-week individually written literature review (part 1) and the 14 day written home assignment (part 2).

Core material

DIGITAL COMPENDIUM - through Canvas:
Ommundsen, Y. (Ed.). (2021). MA401: Psychology of sport and physical activity: Fall 2021 (Digitalt compendium). Norges idrettshøgskole.
** This PDF is available through Canvas.

The reference list for the digital compendium, alphabetical after the 7th ed. of the APA-style:
Beilock, S. L. & Gray, R. (2007). Why do athletes choke under pressure? In G. Tenenbaum & R. C. Eklund (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (3rd ed.) (pp. 425-444). Wiley.

Biddle, S., & Mutrie, N. (2008). Psychology of physical activity: Determinants, well-being and interventions (2nd ed.). Routlegde.
* Pages 199-242, The relationship between physical activity and anxiety and depression: Can physical activity beat the blues and help your nerves?
* Pages 243-284, The psychology of exercise for clinical population: Exercise can be good for you even when you are ill.

Biddle, S. J. H., Mutrie, N. & Gorely,T. (2015). Psychology of physical activity: Determinants, well-being and interventions (3rd ed.). Routledge.
* Pages 33-67, Physical activity and psychological well-being: Does physical activity make us feel good? Part II Physical activity and mental health.

Crocker, P. R. E, Kowalski, K. C. & Hadd, V. (2008). The role of the self. In A. L. Smith & S. Biddle (Eds.), Youth physical activity and sedentary behavior: Challenges and solutions (pp. 215-232). Human Kinetics.

Elavsky, S. & McAuley, E. (2013). Role of physical activity in older adults’ quality of life. In P. Ekkekakis (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of physical activity and mental health (Routledge International Handbooks) (pp. 493-504). Routledge

Kipp, L. E. & Weiss, M. R. (2013). Physical activity and self-perceptions among children and adolescents. In: P. Ekkekakis (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of physical activity and mental health (Routledge Intenational Handbooks) (pp. 187-199). Routledge.

Ommundsen, Y., Løndal, K. & Loland, S. (2014). Sport, children and well-being. In A. Ben-Arieh, I. Frønes, F. Casas & J. E. Korbin (Eds.), Handbook on child well-being: Theories, methods and policies in global perspective. Vol. 2 (pp. 911-940). Springer Verlag.

Ryan, R. M. & Deci, E. L. (2007). Active human nature: Self-determination theory and the promotion and maintenance of sport, exercise, and health. In M. S. Hagger & N. L. D. Chatzisarantis (Eds.), Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport (pp. 1-19). Human Kinetics.

53 ELECTRONIC ARTICLES:

NB! To open electronic articles off campus, you must use the following VPN connection: Click here to download.

Barz, M., Parschau, L., Warner, L. M., Lange, D., Fleig, L., Knoll, N. & Schwarzer, R. (2014). Planning and preparatory actions facilitate physical activity maintenance. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 15(5), 516-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.05.002
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Baumeister, R. F. & Vohs, K. D. (2007). Self-regulation, ego depletion, and motivation. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 1.
* This article is available online: Click here to download

Biddle,S.J.H., Ciaccioni, S.,Thomas, G. & Vergeer, I. (2019). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: An update and review of reviews and an analysis of causality. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 42, 146-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.08.011
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Bratland-Sanda, S., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Rø, Ø., Rosenvinge, J. H., Hoffart, A. & Martinsen, E. (2010). Physical activity and exercise dependence during inpatient treatment of longstanding eating disorders: An exploratory study of excessive and non-excessive exercisers. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 43(3), 266-273. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20769
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Callow, N., Smith, M. J., Hardy, L., Arthur, C. A. & Hardy. J. (2009). Measurement of transformational leadership and its relationship with team cohesion and performance level. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21(4), 395-412. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200903204754
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Cook, B. J. & Hausenblas, H. A. (2008). The role of exercise dependence for the relationship between exercise behavior and eating pathology: Mediator or moderator? Journal of Health Psychology, 13(4), 495-502. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308088520
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Cook, B., Wonderlich, S. A., Mitchell, J. E., Thompson, R., Sherman, R. & McCallum, K. (2017). Exercise in eating disorders treatment: Systematic review and proposal of guidelines. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 48(7), 1408-1414. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000912.
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Deslandes, A., Moraes, H., Ferreira, C., Veiga, H., Silveira, H., Mouta, R., Pompeu, F. A. M. S., Coutinho, E. S. F. & Laks, J. (2009). Exercise and mental health: Many reasons to move. Neuropsychobiology, 59(4), 191-198. https://doi.org/10.1159/000223730
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Dewar, A. J. & Kavussanu, M. (2012). Achievement goals and emotions in team sport athletes. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 1(4), 254-267. https://doi.org/10.1159/000223730
* This article is available as a PDF through Canavas.
(OK based on §15 of the Copyright Law)

Downs, D. S. & Hausenblas, H. A. (2005). The theories of reasoned action and planned behavior applied to exercise: A meta-analytic update. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 2(1), 76-97.
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Ekkekakis, P., Parfitt, G. & Petruzzello, S. J (2011). The pleasure and displeasure people feel when they exercise at different intensities. Sports Medicine, 41(8), 641-671. https://doi.org/10.2165/11590680-000000000-00000
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Estabrooks, P. A. & Carron, A. V. (1999). Group cohesion in older adult exercisers: Prediction and intervention effects. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 22,(6), 575-588.
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Eys, M. A., Jewitt, E., Evans, B. M., Wolf, S., Bruner, M. W. & Loughead, T. (2013). Coach-initiated motivational climate and cohesion in youth sport. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 84(3), 373-383. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2013.814909
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Eys, M., Bruner, M.W. & Martin, L. J. (2019). The dynamic group environment in sport and exercise. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 42, 40–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.11.001
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Finnea, E., Englert, C. & Jekauc, D. (2019). On the importance of self-control strength for regular physical activity. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 43, 165–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.02.007
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Fox, K. R. (1999). The influence of physical activity on mental wellbeing. Public Health Nutrition, 2(3a), 411-418. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980099000567
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Fruchart, E., Rulence-Pâques, P. & Mullet, E. (2017). Mapping adults’ and young athletes’ views regarding how acceptable it is to use a nutritional supplement in sport. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology,17(5), 477-492. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2017.1367952 https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2017.1367952
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Guérin, E. (2012). Disentangling vitality, well-being, and quality of life: A conceptual examination emphasizing their similarities and differences with special application in the physical activity domain. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9, 896-908.
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Hagger, M. & Chatzisarantis, N. (2008). Self-determination theory and the psychology of exercise. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1(1), 79-103. https://doi.org/10.1080/17509840701827437
* The article is available online: Click here to download 

Hagger, M. S., Wood, C. W., Stiff, C. & Chatzisarantis, N. L. D (2010). Self-regulation and the self-control in exercise. The strength: Energy model. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 3(1), 62-86. https://doi.org/10.1080/17509840903322815
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Hanton, S., Neil, R. & Mellalieu, S. D. (2008). Recent developments in competitive anxiety direction and competition stress research. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1(1), 45-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/17509840701827445
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Haugen, T., Ommundsen, Y. & Seiler, S. (2013). The relationship between physical activity and physical self-esteem in adolescents: The role of physical fitness indices. Pediatric Exercise Science, 25(1), 138-153.
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Hausenblas, H. A. & Downs, D. S. (2010). How much is too much? The development and validation of the exercise dependence scale. Psychology & Health, 17(4), 387-404. https://doi.org/10.1080/0887044022000004894.
* The article is available online: Click here to download.  

Hill, A. P., Hall, H. K. & Appleton, P. R. (2010). Perfectionism and athlete burnout in junior elite athletes: The mediating role of coping tendencies. Anxiety, Stress and Coping, 23(4), 415-430. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615800903330966
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Høigaard, R., Fuglestad, S, Peters, D. M., De Cuyper, B., De backer, M. & Boen, P. (2010). Role satisfaction mediates the relation between role ambiguity and social loafing among elite women handball players. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 22(4), 408-419. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2010.495326
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Jõesaar, H., Hein, V. & Hagger, M. S. (2012). Youth athletes' perception of autonomy support from the coach, peer motivational climate and intrinsic motivation in sport setting: One-year effects. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13(3), 257-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.12.001
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Jowett, S. & Chanundry, V. (2004). An investigation into the impact of coach leadership and coach-athlete relationship on group cohesion. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 8(4), 302–311. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2699.8.4.302
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Kavussanu,M. (2019). Toward an understanding of transgressive behavior in sport: Progress and prospects. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 42, 33-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.01.009
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Lichtenstein, M. B., Hinze, C. J., Emborg, B., Thomsen, F. & Hemmingsen, S. D. (2017). Compulsive exercise: Links, risks and challenges faced. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 10, 85-95. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S113093.
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Lorentzen, C., Ommundsen, Y. & Holme, I. (2007). Psychosocial correlates of stages of change in physical activity in an adult community sample. European Journal of Sport Science, 7(2), 93-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461390701456122
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Lundquist, C. (2011). Well-being in competitive sports - The feel-good factor? A review of conceptual considerations of well-being. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 4(2), 109-127. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2011.584067
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Lundquist, C. & Sandin, F. (2014). Well-being in elite sport: Dimensions of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being among elite orienteers. The Sport Psychologist, 28, 245-254. doi: 10.1123/tsp.2013-0024
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Maher, J. P. & Conroy,D. E. (2015). Habit strength moderates the effects of daily action planning prompts on physical activity but not sedentary behavior. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 37, 97-107. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2014-0258
* The article is available online: Click here to download

McCardle, L., Young, B. W. & Baker, J. (2019). Self-regulated learning and expertise development in sport: current status, challenges, and future opportunities. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 12(1), 112-138. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2017.1381141
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

McEwan, D. & Beauchamp, M. R. (2014). Teamwork in sport: A theoretical and integrative review. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7(1), 229-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2014.932423
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Burke, L., Carter, S., Constantini, N., Lebrun, C., Meyer, N., Sherman, R., Steffen, K., Budgett, R., Ljungqvist, A. & Ackerman, K. (2015). The IOC relative energy deficiency in sport clinical assessment tool (RED-S CAT). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(21), 421-423. 
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Necka, E., Gruszka, A., Orzechowski, J., Nowak, M. & Wójcik, N. (2018). The (In) significance of Executive Functions for the Trait of Self-Control: A psychometric study. Front in Psychol, 9, 1139. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01139
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Ntoumanis, N. & Standage, M. (2009). Morality in sport: A self-determination perspective. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21(4), 365-380. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200903036040
* The article is available online: Click here to download
 
Ommundsen,Y., Roberts, G. C., Lemyre, P. N. & Treasure, D. (2003). Perceived motivational climate in male yputh soccer: Relations to social-moral functioning, sportspersonship and team norm perceptions. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 4(4), 397-413. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(02)00038-9
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Ommundsen,Y., Roberts, G. C., Lemyre, P. N. & Miller, B. (2005). Peer relationships in adolescent competitive soccer: Associations to perceived motivational climate, achievement goals, and perfectionism. Journal of Sports Sciences, 23(9), 977-989. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500127975
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Pescosolido, A. T. & Saavedra, R. (2012). Cohesion and sports teams: A review. Small Group Research, 43(6), 744-758.
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Rumbold, J. L., Fletcher, D. & Daniels, K. (2012). A systematic review of stress management interventions with sport performers. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 1(3), 173-193. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026628
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Rønn Rickardsen, K., Mdala, I., Berntsen, S., Ommundsen, Y., Martinsen, E. W., Sletner, L. & Jenum, A. K. (2016). Objectively recorded physical activity in pregnancy and postpartum in a multiethnic cohort: Association with access to recreational areas in the neighborhood. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 13, 78. doi: 10.1186/s12966-016-0401-y
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Skår, S., Sniehotta, F. F., Molloy, G. J., Prestwich, A. & Araújo-Soares, V. (2011). Do brief online planning interventions increase physical activity amongst university students? A randomized controlled trial. Psychology and Health, 26(4), 399-417. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440903456877
* The article is available online: Click here to download
 
Slutzky, C. B. & Simpkins, S. D. (2009). The link between children’s sport participation and self-esteem: Exploring the mediating role of sport self-concept. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10(3), 381-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2008.09.006
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Sniehotta, F. F. (2009). Towards a theory of intentional behaviour change: Plans, planning, and self-regulation. British Journal of Health Psychology, 14(2), 261-273. https://doi.org/10.1348/135910708X389042
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Solberg, P. A,. Hopkins, W. G., Ommundsen, Y. & Halvari, H. (2012). Effects of three training types on vitality among older adults: A self-determination theory perspective. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13(4), 407- 417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.01.006
* The article is available online: Click here to download

Stenling, D. & Tafvelin,S (2014). Transformational leadership and well-being in sports: The mediating role of need satisfaction. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 26, 182-196. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2013.819392
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Stanger, N., Backhouse, S. H., Jennings, A. & McKenna, J. (2018). Linking motivational climate with moral behaviour in youth sport: The role of social support, perspective taking, and moral disengagement. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 7(4), 392-407. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000122.
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Turnnidge, J. & Côté, J. (2018). Applying transformational leadership theory to coaching research in youth sport: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 16(3), 327-342. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2016.1189948
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Tylka, T. L. & Homan, K. J. (2015). Exercise motives and positive body image in physically active college women and men: Exploring an expanded acceptance model of intuitive eating. Body Image, 15, 90-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.07.003.
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Vandereycken, W. (2011). Media hype, diagnostic fad or genuine disorder? Professionals’opinions about night eating syndrome, orthorexia, muscle dysmorphia, and emetophobia. Eating Disorders, 19(2), 145-155. 
* The article is available online: Click here to download.

Young, S., Rhodes, P. Toouyz, S., & Hay, P. (2013). The relationship between obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits, obsessive-compulsive disorder and excessive exercise in patients with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review. Journal of Eating Disorders, 1, 16.
* The article is available online: Click here to download