Module JXH-4005:
Exercise Psychology

Module Facts

Run by School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Ross Roberts

Overall aims and purpose

Exercise is often described as a "magic pill" as it has the potential to rid the world of all its health-related problems, yet the world is becoming more sedentary and problems associated with obesity are on the rise. In this module we will explore some of the major theoretical and practical issues in applied exercise psychology to try and understand why people might not exercise as much as they could, how we can help people exercise more, and when exercise might be unhealthy.

Course content

Delivered by researchers and practitioners with over 15 years applied experience, we will cover the following topics: the role of mental skills and confidence in exercising regularly; barriers and motivators for exercise; exercise participation and well-being; motivation and motivationally supportive environments; and counselling for exercise behaviour change. In addition, a student-led approach will be adopted with students researching and verbally presenting material on a chosen topic.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Realistic but unimaginative client/group scenario; some knowledge and understanding of chosen theoretical perspective; basic application of chosen theory/theories to practice; little or no attempt to integrate different theoretical perspectives where more than one is used; rudimentary rationale presented for the intervention; lacking a concise and succinct writing style and including superfluous material; no evidence of reading/research beyond that given in the reading pack in preparation for the assignment.

good

Imaginative and realistic client/group scenario; good knowledge and understanding of chosen theoretical perspective; good application of chosen theory/theories to practice; integration of different theoretical perspectives where more than one is used; presentation of a rationale for the intervention; concise and succinct writing style with no superfluous material; evidence of wide reading/research beyond that given in the reading pack in preparation for the assignment.

excellent

Highly imaginative and realistic client/group scenario; excellent knowledge and understanding of chosen theoretical perspective; insightful application of chosen theory/theories to practice; very clear integration of different theoretical perspectives where more than one is used; explicit presentation of a rationale for the intervention; extremely concise and succinct writing style with no superfluous material; evidence of considerable reading/research beyond that given in the reading pack in preparation for the assignment.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand the application of self-determination theory to motivation in exercise contexts

  2. Understand how to create an environment that fosters motivation for exercise behaviour change

  3. Identify relevant aspects of mental skills and understand their influence on self-confidence

  4. Understand the role of exercise in the promotion of well-being

  5. Understand the major barriers and motivators for exercise

  6. Demonstrate a familiarity with a chosen area of exercise psychology

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Presentation 30
Psychological intervention 70

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture 24
Individual Project 16
Private study 156
Practical classes and workshops 4

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

  • research and assess paradigms, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and apply such skills in explaining and solving problems
  • critically assess and evaluate data and evidence in the context of research methodologies and data sources
  • describe, synthesise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information and data relevant to a professional or vocational context
  • apply knowledge to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems
  • demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication and presentation skills
  • work effectively independently and with others
  • take and demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal and professional development
  • develop transferable skills of relevance to careers outside of sport, health and exercise sciences.
  • accurately interpret case study data
  • develop justifiable and/or evidence-based interventions

Resources

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: