Assignment 3 2026
Unique number:
Due date: August 2026
ALL 3 SKILLS/VARIABLES INCLUDED
APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Task A: Definition and application of applied sport psychology
Applied sport psychology is the practical use of psychological knowledge, research
and mental training methods to improve people’s experiences in sport, exercise and
physical activity. It examines how thoughts, emotions, behaviour and social
relationships influence participation and performance, while also considering how
sport affects personal growth and psychological well-being. The field therefore goes
beyond preparing athletes to win because it also supports healthy development,
enjoyment, confidence and continued participation. Sport psychology practitioners
may assess athletes’ needs and teach skills such as goal setting, imagery, emotional
, ALL 3 SKILLS/VARIABLES INCLUDED
APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Task A: Definition and application of applied sport psychology
Applied sport psychology is the practical use of psychological knowledge, research
and mental training methods to improve people’s experiences in sport, exercise and
physical activity. It examines how thoughts, emotions, behaviour and social
relationships influence participation and performance, while also considering how
sport affects personal growth and psychological well-being. The field therefore goes
beyond preparing athletes to win because it also supports healthy development,
enjoyment, confidence and continued participation. Sport psychology practitioners
may assess athletes’ needs and teach skills such as goal setting, imagery, emotional
control, positive self-talk and attention control to help athletes perform more
consistently under pressure (Williams, Krane and Mann, 2021). The field connects
research with evidence-based interventions that can be adjusted for different
athletes, coaches, teams and sporting environments.
Sport psychology principles should ideally be used when athletes experience
competition anxiety, poor concentration, low confidence, reduced motivation or
communication problems. They are also valuable during team conflict, injury
rehabilitation, burnout, selection pressure, major competitions and retirement from
sport. These applications can strengthen performance, team unity, coping ability and
personal development across youth, amateur and professional sport settings
(Williams, Krane and Mann, 2021).
Task B: Selected variable and scientific articles
The selected sport psychology variable is mental toughness. Mental toughness
concerns the psychological ability to remain committed, confident, focused and
emotionally controlled while dealing with pressure, setbacks and demanding
performance conditions.
Article 1