Learning outcomes

Movement and sport psychology is a discipline rapidly evolving in our Country, where, a bit paradoxically, it was born but where it was largely ignored for years, even if recently it is gaining a growing interest. The course is intended to offer a survey of the main aspects of Movement and sport psychology in the context of Cognitive Sciences. The aim is to provide students with the basic knowledge about the fundamental themes of motor learning, motivation to physical exercise both in the meaning of wellness and good practices and in that of top level performance, emotions, personality and gender differences, group dynamics, highlighting the relevance of mental preparation and the constant and indispensable intervention of the cognitive system in determining performance.

Program

THE PROGRAM IS DIVIDED IN 12 LESSONS ( detailed program of the course )

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THE MOVEMENT
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Perception and action
The perception of the position and movement of your body
The visual perception of objects in space
Attention selects objects for the perception and control the speed and accuracy of action
Attention and sport
The use of information on the body and space for action

The brain motor
The movement
Learning and the brain
Cervelli engine experts: changes in performance and neural changes
Factors that influence learning and performance motor

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INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS
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The reasons
General principles of mental functioning
The motives of human action
Toward a psychology of motivation
Intrinsic motivation
The motivation for success: decide, want, succeed
The virtuous circle of success on the sports field efficacy beliefs, goals and feedback
Emotions and sport
Introduction
Emotions and action tendencies
Activation
Negative emotions in sport
Expectations, emotions, and performance
Exercise and emotions
Emotions induced by the experience of flow
The personality
A long past and recent history
Addresses of research on personality
The structure of personality
Traits and situations
The Big Five factors (Big Five)
The dynamics of personality
The groups, group dynamics and Sport
Characteristics and dynamics in a group
Individual performance and the performance of groups
Belonging to a group and the relationships between groups
Gender differences and the practice of sport
Historical and social aspects of women's sport
The precursors of sportsmanship male and female
Traits and sex roles related to the sporting behavior

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SPORT AND WELLNESS
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Exercise and psychological well-being
Origin and development of the psychology of exercise and well-being
Issues of definition
Exercise and cognitive functioning
Exercise and mood
Exercise and physical response to stressful stimuli
Exercise and self-concept
Physical activity and aging processes
The benefits of physical activity in the elderly
Physical activity and maintenance of motor function
Physical activity and postural stability
Physical activity and cognitive functioning in the elderly
The social implications of physical activity in the elderly
The spread of physical and sporting activities
The biological basis of well-being
Well-being and pleasure
The neurochemistry of pleasure and behavior of Abuse
Pleasure and desire
Beyond the pleasure
Physical activity and sport
Doping, eating disorders and compulsive exercise
The doping
Eating disorders
Compulsive exercise

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PERFORMANCE
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Commitment and optimism: Two keys to success
It is not just a matter of talent
Are you willing to commit?
Accept your limits
Optimistic and pessimistic
The importance of an optimistic attitude in sports
Increase concentration and the ability to cope with competitive situations
Knowing the characteristics of sport
The ideomotor training
Exercises general and sport-specific exercises
The pre-performance routine
Predict the reactions to stressful situations
The mental preparation in endurance sports
The conceptual bases
Train mental skills specific mental training
The five stages of setting up a training program aimed at mental endurance sports
Particular aspects of mental preparation in endurance sports

Examination Methods

Exam texts:
SPINELLI, D. (2002). PSICOLOGIA DELLO SPORT e del movimento umano. ZANICHELLI, Bologna.

Evaluation methods:
Multiple choice test.