What is Sports Psychology?

Psychology is a broad field. And human behaviour is complex. As such, the field of psychology is constantly evolving, resulting in the development of several distinct branches within the discipline. Each type of psychology has its own specific focus, but shares a common theme: studying and explaining the way humans feel, think, and act. 

One of those areas of focus is sports psychology.  

At its core, sports psychology studies the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that influence athletic performance, exercise and physical activity. It may be helpful to think of it as the intersection between kinesiology and psychological methodology. What does that mean exactly? It means that sports psychology can explore the relationship between sports, and health and wellbeing, as well as help athletes incorporate relevant psychological tips and techniques—like visualization and mindfulness—to improve their mental wellbeing and athletic performance. Sports psychology isn’t only for professional and high-level athletes, it may also be beneficial for coaches, non-professional athletes and fitness-lovers of all ages and levels. 

In the grand scheme of psychology, the focus area of sports psychology is relatively young, established in earnest in the 1960s. By the ‘80s, researchers began to dig deeper into whether this area of psychology could impact athletic performance, as well as how fitness may be able to decrease stressors and improve mood and mental health. 

There are additional subtypes that fall under the umbrella of sports psychology. Those include: 

• Clinical Sports Psychology: These practitioners focus on the psychological and emotional wellbeing of athletes, coaches and individuals involved in sport and exercise, particularly those who may be experiencing a mental health condition—like anxiety or depression—or psychological difficulties related to their athletic performance. 

• Educational Sports Psychology: The application of this area of sports psychology aims to help athletes use relevant techniques to improve their performance.   

• Exercise Psychology: This subtype helps clients learn about the connection between their mental wellbeing and exercise. These practitioners may work with clients on habits like goal setting, mindfulness, and how to integrate different motivational techniques.  
   

Both sports psychology and clinical psychology deal with aspects of mental health and wellbeing, they diverge in the degree of focus and approach. While both fields aim to improve the wellbeing and performance of clients, they do so in different contexts.  

Sports psychology deals with the psychological factors related to sports performance and athletic excellence. Sports psychologists work with athletes, coaches and sports teams to enhance performance, mental skills and wellbeing in a sports and exercise context. 

Clinical psychology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, addressing emotional distress, and advocating for mental wellbeing. Clinical psychologists work with clients from all backgrounds (including athletes!), providing therapy, counselling, and interventions for a variety of mental health conditions.  

While sports psychology is tailored to athletes and sports- and exercise-related contexts, clinical psychology has a broader scope in addressing psychological issues in day-to-day life. 

Both fields of study differ in terms of training as well. To become a clinical psychologist in Ontario, you would typically complete a master's degree or PhD in Psychology, followed by supervised clinical training and completion of licensing requirements set by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).  

Alternatively, in Ontario, sports psychology is not recognized as a distinct specialization within psychology. However, individuals with a background in psychology (or related fields) can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology with a focus on sports psychology. People may also achieve certifications in sports psychology from recognized institutions.  

Lastly, Ontario-based clinical psychologists are regulated by the CPO and must adhere to the ethical guidelines and standards set by this body and maintain their license to legally practice. Sports psychologists in Ontario can join professional associations, like the Canadian Sport Psychology Association or Canadian Psychological Association but sports psychology isn’t recognized as an area of specialization by the CPO. 

It’s worth noting these distinctions may vary in other provinces and countries, as well as that the field of sports psychology is continually developing and gaining recognition.