sports psychology thesis topics

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Sport and Exercise Psychology Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Living Your Best Life: The Mindful Pursuit of Student-Athlete Thriving , Andrew Augustus

Working with Community Partners in WV: Learning How to Frame Health Equity in Physical Activity Interventions , Karly Marie Casanave-Phillips

How do college student-athletes’ understanding and expectations of mindfulness and self-compassion change through an intervention? , Blake Costalupes

“Building the Roots”: A Delphi Study Examining the Aims of a Multicultural Competency Graduate Course in Sport and Exercise Psychology , Matthew Paul Gonzalez

Exploring the Conceptualizations and Utilizations of Learning Theories in Sport Settings , Kevin R. Lou

Drivers of Change in Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Interventions with Athletes: Investigating the Influence of Dosage, Readiness, and Attitudes , Thomas O. Minkler

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Short-Term International Sport for Development and Peace Programs: A Retrospective Analysis and Critique Informed by Stakeholders’ Perspectives in a Two-Year Follow-Up , Adam Hansell

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

'Deporte y Cambio Social': Women's Empowerment SDP Program in Mexico , Sofia Espana Perez

A Qualitative Study of College Athletes’ Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic , Carra Johnson

Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Student-Athletes: A Descriptive Study of Practitioners and their Perspectives , William C. Way III

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Phenomenological Photovoice Exploration of Female Exercisers’ Experiences of their Body in Fitness Center Environments , Katherine E. Fairhurst

Exploring the Relationship Between Hardiness and Performance in Collegiate Baseball Players , Kevin R. Lou

Using the social ecological model to build a path analysis model of physical activity in a sample of active US college students , Jonathan J. Stewart

"Yo, I Like Your Walk-Up Song": Music Integration in Professional Baseball Gamedays , Seth Swary

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Stigma, Attitudes, and Intentions to Seek Mental Health Services in College Student-Athletes , Robert C. Hilliard M.S.

Supporting The Injured Athlete: Coaches’ Perspectives On Providing Social Support , Stefanee Opal Maurice

Being Mindful of Perfectionism and Performance Among Athletes in a Judged Sport , Erika D. Van Dyke

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Competitive Aggressiveness, Anger, and the Experience of Provocation in Collegiate Athletes , Michael E. Berrebi

Functional Movement Screen Composite Scores for Collegiate Field Club Sport Athletes at One University , Daniel Camillone

Exploring the Use of Sport as a Platform for Health Promotion with Youth in Africa: A Scoping Review. , Adam H. Hansell

Use of Four Predictive Screening Variables for Determination of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Adolescent Soccer Athletes , Brian Hanson

Coaching life skills through sport: An application of the teaching personal and social responsibility model to youth sport in eSwatini , Zenzi Huysmans

Psychosocial Development of Junior Hockey Players , Alexander John Sturges

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Players' Responses to and Primary Caregivers' Perceptions of Authoritarian and Authoritative Coaching in the Inner-City , Renee Brown

Examining the Impact of a Short-Term Psychological Skills Training Program on Dancers' Coping Skills, Pain Appraisals, and Injuries , Leigh A. Bryant

Changes in Athletes' Anxiety, Anger, and Impulsiveness following Concussion , Megan Byrd

Development of Ethics Education Guidelines for Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Programs , Kaitlynn Cullen

Using a Multi-Omic Approach to Investigate a Diet Intervention in Young Adults at Risk of Disease , Oluremi Ariel Famodu

Approaches to Supervision in Sport Psychology and their Influences on Initial Supervisees' Professional Development , Janaina Lima Fogaca

High School Coaches' Experiences with Openly Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Athletes , Meghan K. Halbrook

#Physical Activity: Influencing Parent Behavior Change Through Social Media , Adam Keath

The Effects of an Exercise and Kinesiotape Intervention on Forward HeadRounded Shoulder Posture and Scapular Dyskinesis , Lucas Klawiter

Student-Athletes' Experiences with Racial Microaggressions in Sport: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis , Sae-Mi Lee

The Effects of a Six Week Lumbopelvic Control and Balance Training Program in High School Basketball Players , Margaret Long

Thrombospondin-1 and Cd47 Mediate Peripheral Microvascular Dysfunction Following Pulmonary Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes , W. Kyle Mandler

The Investigation of Motor Primitives During Human Reaching Movements and the Quantification of Post-Stroke Motor Impairment , Erienne Virginia Olesh

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Effect of Lower Extremity Asymmetries on Low Back and Lower Extremity Pain with Pregnancy , Erica Casto

Do Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Nutrition Affect Healthy Weight in Middle School Students in an Appalachian Community? Children's Health Opportunities Involving Coordinated Efforts in Schools (CHOICES) Project , Kibum Cho

How Far is Too Far? Understanding Identity and Overconformity in Collegiate Wrestlers , Ashley M. Coker-Cranney

An Examination of Collegiate Athletes', Undergraduate Sport Science Majors', and Athlete Majors' Intent to Pursue Collegiate Coaching as a Career , Lauren Deckelbaum

A preliminary exploration of the application of self-compassion within the context of sport injury , Zenzi Huysmans

Psychosocial Predictors of Resilience in a Military Sample , Anna-Marie C. Jaeschke

Evaluating the Efficacy of Various Modalities to Improve Arterial Stiffness , Corey Moore

The Influence Over Time of Abdominal Strength Changes on Gluteus Maximus Strength , Taylor M. Opperhauser

Use of a Functional Movement Screening Tool to Determine Injury Risk in Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Athletes , Sara E. Spencer

Adherence to Sport Rehabilitation , Kjersti A. Traaen

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Surgery and Rehabilitation Treatment Options for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Elbow for Baseball Athletes: A Systematic Review , Amanda M. Damm

What elite men's collegiate tennis coaches look for in recruits and how they assess preferred player characteristics , Brandyn H. Fisher

The Influences of Participation in an Elite Paralympic Military Program on the Self-Identity of Active Duty Service Members with Acquired Disabilities , Lindsay M. Hammond

The Influence of Physical Activity on International Students' Cross-Cultural Adjustment: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study , Shuang Li

Becoming a Mindful Sport Psychology Consultant: Defining, Developing, and Integrating Mindfulness into Practice , Michelle M. McAlarnen

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Certified Athletic Trainers' Abilities to Identify and Refer Athletes with Psychological Symptoms , Marc L. Cormier

Usage of Evidence Based Medicine Resources in Clinically Practicing Athletic Trainers , Kenneth G. Faldetta

Division I College Student-Athlete Career Situation and Attitudes toward Career Counseling , Adrian J. Ferrera

An Evaluation of State Employees' Preferences for Worksite-based Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Stress Management Programs , Peter Kadushin

The use of joint mobilization on mechanical instability deficits for a lateral ankle sprain: A Systematic Review , Kathleen M. Kerecman

The Effect of a Six Week Functional Training Program on Performance Outcomes in Softball , Zachary M. Mohondro

Sport Psychology "App"lication: NCAA Coaches' Preferences for a Mental Training Mobile App , Raymond F. Prior

"It's not just your dad and it's not just your coach..." The dual-role relationship in female tennis players , Olivier N. Schmid

Stoking the Flames of Wellness: An Exploration of Factors that Influence West Virginia Firefighters' Health Behaviors , Chelsea B. Wooding

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Influence of Gender on the Peer Leadership-Cohesion Relationship , Michael E. Berrebi

Stressors and Coping Behaviors of Female Peer Leaders Participating in College Club Sports , Leigh A. Bryant

An Exploration of Master's Degree Field Study and Teacher and Student Behavior in P.E , William J. Davis

An Exploratory Investigation of Baseball Coaches' Attitudes and Experiences With Sport Psychology , Jesse D. Michel

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Using Concept Mapping to Identify Action Steps for Physical Activity Promotion in Cancer Treatment , Sean J. Fitzpatrick

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

At-Risk Student-Athletes and Academic Achievement: Experiences of Successful and Unsuccessful First Year Collegiate Football Players , Samantha J. Monda

A Survey of Bariatric Surgical Patients' Experiences with Behavioral and Psychological Services , Jessica C. Peacock

A tailored wellness intervention for college students using internet-based technology , Alessandro Quartiroli

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The effects of a walking intervention on self-efficacy for coping with cancer and quality of life among cancer patients during treatment , Sean J. Fitzpatrick

Validity and reliability of accelerometers for examining vertical jump performance , Ryan M. Ruben

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

The evaluation of a nutrition education and fitness program with a contest component among college students using the RE-AIM framework , Michelle L. Bartlett

An individualized multimodal mental skills intervention for college athletes undergoing injury rehabilitation , Jamie L. Shapiro

The role of emotional intelligence on coach-athlete relationships and motivational climate , Eric E. Steege

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Effectiveness of an educational intervention on the attitudes toward sport psychology of athletic training students , Damien Clement

Impact of a physical activity intervention for weight loss: A qualitative analysis of participant perceptions and expectations , Jessica Anne Creasy

Leadership and organizational culture transformation in professional sport , Joe Frontiera

Motivation in sport: Bridging historical and contemporary theory through a qualitative approach , Daniel J. Leidl

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Impact of a tailored intervention on coaches' attitudes and use of sport psychology services , Rebecca Zakrajsek

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Does physical disability truly create impairment in adjustment to college life? , Jennifer R. Hurst

The transtheoretical model and psychological skills training: Application and implications with elite female athletes , Linda Ann Keeler

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The role of apoptosis in muscle remodeling , Parco Ming-fai Siu

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50 Best Sports Psychology Research Topics

When it comes to selecting sports psychology research topics, it might seem like a challenging task in the eyes of many students. But once you choose a topic from our list and master the tricks of writing a professional research paper, you present yourself as an expert researcher in no time.

What makes a sports psychologist proficient? Sports psychology requires a proficient application of psychological knowledge and skills to address athletes’ most favorable performance and well-being. When studying psychology, your lecturers require you to be skilled and creative in writing and presenting research findings.

At HelpForHomework, we help you deliver your findings like a pro by guiding you through your research process. After choosing the best topics, we connect you to a team of professional writers who explain the step-by-step processes of writing top-notch research papers. Our support staff is available 24/7 to assist you. Alternatively, you can order research paper writing services by clicking the contact us button.

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How We Select The Best Sports Psychology Research Topics

We select unique topics

Originality is essential in research writing. That is why we formulate unique ideas and identify shallowly researched topics for you to expound on them.

Feasibility

Before publishing this article, we carried out feasibility tests on the sports psychology research topics. When carrying out the tests, we ask:

• Is the project sustainable?
• Is the project relevant?
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At HelpForHomework, we generate sports psychology topics that are interesting to write and appealing to your audience. If you are looking for fascinating ideas, check out the list below.

Expert Tip: After finding relevant sports psychology research topics, ensure you confirm and ask for guidance from your professor at an early stage. Also, it would be helpful if you contact our support department after selecting a topic.

Best Sports Psychology Topics

Are you looking for the best sports psychology research topics? We have some recommendations for you.

• Historical and modern perspective of sports psychology
• How to utilize and improve sports psychology for better customer experience in a sports merchandise store
• Importance of employing sports psychologists in elite sports
• Role of sports psychology and nutrition in musculoskeletal injuries in professional rugby
• Scientific application in sports psychology in sports
• Sports psychology and health: Strategies for creating a healthy and high-performance workplace
• Sports psychology in your local football or soccer league
• Sports psychology perspective on the importance of motivation in increases success
• Sports psychology: An essential aspect for athletes success
• Sports psychology: how to deal with fatigue

Excellent Sports Psychology Research Topics

Finding excellent sports psychology research topics can be a hassle. That is why we have generated top ideas to help you in your next project.  

• Application of Artificial Intelligence in sports psychology
•  Application of psychophysiology in sports psychology
• Personality dimensions in sports psychology
• Psychological factors affecting physical performance and sports
• Role of sports psychology in individual development in sports
• Sports psychology in police training: Building understanding across all police disciplines
• Sports psychology in your country: Review of sports psychology journals
• Sports psychology perspective of anxiety
• Sports psychology perspective of electronic sports
• The role of sports psychology in controlling obesity

Interesting Sports Psychology Research Topics

If you are looking for exciting sports psychology research topics, you are on the right platform. Check them out and contact the support for more guidance.

• Analysis and visualization of anxiety in final football matches
• Case study: Relationship between competitive anxiety and mental toughness
• Effects of temperament and anxiety on sports performance
• How do anxiety and ego depletion affect sports performance?
• Impact of spectator behavior on individual player’s psychology
• Impact of spectator behavior on team performance
• Managing anxiety levels in sports performance
• Sports psychology perspective: Measuring anxiety in sports
• Understanding fear and anxiety management in extreme sports
• Use of music in mental training

Expert Sports Psychology Research Topics

When you select expert-generated sports psychology research topics, you will for sure impress your audience. We hope you find the best topic from the list below:

•  Challenges of gender studies in sport psychology
• Compare and contrast anxiety and self-confidence between a team and individual sports at your college
• Controlling fans aggression
• Dealing with negative stereotypes in sports: Women soccer
• Mental toughness and sports competition anxiety for male and female MMA fighters
• Psychological and physiological impacts of doping in sports
• Relationship between arousal-anxiety and sports behavior
• Sports psychology: Children anxiety in sports
•  Sports psychology: Effects of racial abuse on athletes
• Volitional regulation and motivation of young boxers

Exciting Sports Psychology Research Topics

Although looking for sports psychology topics can be mind-boggling, we have cut the hassle and generated fascinating topics for you.

• Application of sports psychology in goal setting
• Effectiveness of psychological intervention during a long-term sports injury rehabilitation
• Literature review: Impacts of physical activity in the treatment of depression
• Neuropsychology of sports rehabilitation
• Organizations support mechanisms for soccer players in major leagues. How does league organization affect performance?
• Social factors affecting sports performance in your country
• Sports psychology: Anxiety and emotions of women in sports
• Systematic review: How do skiers manage stress and anxiety before a competition?
• The role of imagery in sports performance
• Theoretical aspects of motivation in sports rehabilitation

Final Verdict

Have you found top-quality sports psychology research topics? If not, contact our support team and let us share other ideas. You can be sure we will offer you reliable psychology research writing services. So bring all the questions and let us help you in the best way as we always do. Press the contact button and consult us. also check out Neuropsychology Research topics.

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Sports Dissertation Research Topics – Titles With Research Aim

Published by Grace Graffin at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Introduction

The significance of a dissertation topic cannot be overlooked in the academic world. If your dissertation topic is unique, meaningful and intriguing, it is very likely that you will impress your readers and the supervisor. Your dissertation topic should be specific and focused so you address a real problem and contribute to the literature. Finding sports dissertation topics can be a little challenging because sports, unlike other academic subjects, is mostly based on physical activities even though it does involve sports sciences courses.

In this blog post, we have provided several sports dissertation topics to help you get started with your sports dissertation. These topics look at the significance and relevance of sports from different perspectives including nutrition, psychology, mental health, physiology and biomechanics. Without further ado, here are the best sports dissertation topics for you to consider for your research.

Here is our selection of sports dissertation topics that you shouldn’t ignore.

Topic 1: The Role of Sports Education in Obesity Prevention- A Case of Sports Education at Young Age in British Schools

Topic 2: sports and economy- the role of sports in economic growth and human development- a case of cricket in india, topic 3: impact of sports psychology and coaching on the personality development of the athlete- an exploratory study finding the advantages and disadvantages of sports psychology, topic 4: the role of sports diplomacy in foreign policymaking- a case of sports relationship between north and south korea, topic 5: are sports necessary or business making ways the role of sports medicine in enhancing sports performance- assessing the advantages and disadvantages of sports medicine.

Also Read – Mental health dissertation topics , psychology dissertation ideas, physiotherapy dissertation topics , and healthcare dissertation topics .

2022 Sports Dissertation Research Topics

Research Aim: This research aims to find the role of sports education in obesity prevention. It will analyse the strategies and methods used by schools and other educational institutions to provide sports awareness to students from age to prevent them from obesity. It will find how much awareness level is necessary for young students to participate in sports activities. Lastly, it will recommend ways schools and other educational institutes can create an encouraging sports environment to make children more active from a young age.

Research Aim: This study intends to analyse the role of sports in economic growth and human development. It will assess the role played by sports in a country’s gross domestic product (GDP), employment creation, investments, and human development index (HDI). It will use cricket in India as a case study. It will show how many households are associated with cricket? How much do they make and consume? What is the overall physical and online viewership of cricket? How does the cricket economy work in India?

Research Aim: This research finds the impact of sports psychology and coaching on the personality development of the athlete. It will find psychological factors which affect the athlete’s personality and performance. Moreover, it will show how sports psychology and coaching can improve these factors to improve athletes’ traits such as motivation level, confidence, performance, etc. Lastly, it will recommend enhancing athletes’ personalities through sports psychology and coaching in multiple ways.

Research Aim: This study sheds light on the role of sports diplomacy in foreign policymaking. It will show the importance of sports, global political economy, and international relations (IR) by analyzing various IR and international sports theories. It will assess the role of sports in the diplomatic relationship between south and north Koreas. It will show whether they incorporate sports diplomacy in their foreign policy to improve diplomatic ties with each other. Lastly, it will recommend lessons other countries learned from their relationship.

Research Aim: This research assesses the role of sports medicine in enhancing sports performance. It will analyse the effects of these medicines on the health of athletes. Moreover, it will find the other advantages and disadvantages of these medicines. It will also show whether athletes need it or are just promoted by the businesses to increase their profits? Lastly, a clinical lens will recommend the correct use of these medicines.

Sports Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: physical exercise: a tool to develop the physical health of children.

Research Aim: This dissertation aims to analyse the benefits of regular physical exercise for children. It also focuses on how their physical health is developed through various exercises.

Topic 2: The Impact of Video Games upon Outdoor Games

Research Aim: This research paper will compare the technology-oriented virtual games and the traditional sports that are needed to play by engaging oneself physically. The negative impact of digital games on outdoor games is enormous as it ceases children’s physical development.

Topic 3: Chess: A Game to Enhance Intelligence Level

Research Aim: This topic aims to analyse the benefit of playing an indoor game like Chess, which develops a player’s intelligence level. Playing Chess needs high attention, which increases the genius level.

Topic 4: Yoga and Meditation: The new Dimensions in Sports

Research Aim: This dissertation intends to evaluate the importance of yoga and meditation as a physical and mental health coach. Generally, sports develop physical health and set the state of mind by increasing the attention level of the mind. Yoga and meditation are the parts of sports that make it possible.

Topic 5: The Relevance of Sports and Exercise with Biomedical Study

Research Aim: This research aims to determine the relevance of sports and exercise in a biomedical study. Sports act as a cure for human health. Biomedical research evaluates the importance of sports as medicine to human health.

Topic 6: Indoor Game vs Outdoor Game: A Comparative Study of Sports

Research Aim: The focus of this dissertation is to show a comparative study of indoor and outdoor games. Indoor games develop mental health and increase intelligence levels, whereas outdoor games are necessary for physical health.

Topic 7: Sports: As a Medium of Career Development

Research Aim: This research focuses on the importance of sports as a career developer. As many players are acquiring recognition at the national and international levels. It helps to drive their passion for their profession and also promotes sports worldwide.

Topic 8: Cricket: A Sport Establishes a Strong Bond Between Nations

Research Aim: This research paper aims to analyse the significance of cricket as a sport that creates a bond of mutual trust and friendship among different nations. It also shows the craze for sports within the public of a nation.

Topic 9: Sports: The Confidence Developer of Mind

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the importance of sports as a confidence developer. Sports give mental pleasure and develop a kind of enthusiasm and confidence within the player’s mind. This rejuvenates a mind with the spirit of fighting and living life to its best.

Topic 10: Extracurricular Activities in School: The Relevance of Sports with Study

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the importance of extracurricular activities and sports in education. In education, institutes, extracurricular activities, and sports are simultaneously needed with a good education. This helps in the all-around development of a student.

Topic 11: The Negative Impact of Social Media on Sports

Research Aim: This dissertation focuses on the negative impact of social media on sports. In this modern age, teenagers indulge in social media from a very young age, which diverts their minds from extracurricular activities, sports, and outdoor games. This creates an adverse impact as the necessary mental, and physical growth is disrupted.

Topic 12: Organizing the Annual Sports Program in Schools: The Culture and its Benefit

Research Aim: This research paper aims to evaluate the importance of organizing an annual sports program in schools. The culture of organizing annual sports in schools makes the students understand the importance of sports and their benefits.

Topic 13: The Complementary Pairs: Sports and Nutrition

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the relationship between sports and nutrition. Sports and nutrition are complementary parts as they help develop a healthy mind and body. Sports develop the human body, and nutrition gives the elements to the body for development.

Topic 14: Sports for Children with Disabilities

Research Aim: The dissertation focuses on the importance of sports in the lives of children with disabilities. The children who cannot use their body parts and minds appropriately are encouraged with various kinds of sports to not feel unequal and separated from the others. Sports give them mental strength and happiness.

Topic 15: Exercises for a Modern Techno-Oriented Generation: As a Reliever of Stress and Developer of Health

Research Aim: This research paper aims to analyse the benefits of exercise in this digital world for the modern generation. This modern generation passes its time mainly on technology, which gives much stress and hampers health. Exercises help to relieve stress and acts as a health developer.

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• Consider ethical or social aspects.
• Analyze athletes’ well-being or performance.
• Opt for a topic aligning with your passion and research expertise.

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Sport psychology and performance meta-analyses: A systematic review of the literature

Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

* E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliations Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America, Education Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania

Roles Data curation, Methodology, Writing – original draft

Affiliation Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America

Roles Data curation, Methodology

Roles Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Affiliation Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America

Roles Data curation, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Affiliation Faculty of Education, Health and Well-Being, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Roles Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Affiliation Division of Research & Innovation, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

• Marc Lochbaum, 
• Elisabeth Stoner, 
• Tristen Hefner, 
• Sydney Cooper, 
• Andrew M. Lane, 
• Peter C. Terry

• Published: February 16, 2022
• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408
• Peer Review
• Reader Comments

Sport psychology as an academic pursuit is nearly two centuries old. An enduring goal since inception has been to understand how psychological techniques can improve athletic performance. Although much evidence exists in the form of meta-analytic reviews related to sport psychology and performance, a systematic review of these meta-analyses is absent from the literature. We aimed to synthesize the extant literature to gain insights into the overall impact of sport psychology on athletic performance. Guided by the PRISMA statement for systematic reviews, we reviewed relevant articles identified via the EBSCOhost interface. Thirty meta-analyses published between 1983 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria, covering 16 distinct sport psychology constructs. Overall, sport psychology interventions/variables hypothesized to enhance performance (e.g., cohesion, confidence, mindfulness) were shown to have a moderate beneficial effect ( d = 0.51), whereas variables hypothesized to be detrimental to performance (e.g., cognitive anxiety, depression, ego climate) had a small negative effect ( d = -0.21). The quality rating of meta-analyses did not significantly moderate the magnitude of observed effects, nor did the research design (i.e., intervention vs. correlation) of the primary studies included in the meta-analyses. Our review strengthens the evidence base for sport psychology techniques and may be of great practical value to practitioners. We provide recommendations for future research in the area.

Citation: Lochbaum M, Stoner E, Hefner T, Cooper S, Lane AM, Terry PC (2022) Sport psychology and performance meta-analyses: A systematic review of the literature. PLoS ONE 17(2): e0263408. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408

Editor: Claudio Imperatori, European University of Rome, ITALY

Received: September 28, 2021; Accepted: January 18, 2022; Published: February 16, 2022

Copyright: © 2022 Lochbaum et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Data Availability: All relevant data are within the paper.

Funding: The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction

Sport performance matters. Verifying its global importance requires no more than opening a newspaper to the sports section, browsing the internet, looking at social media outlets, or scanning abundant sources of sport information. Sport psychology is an important avenue through which to better understand and improve sport performance. To date, a systematic review of published sport psychology and performance meta-analyses is absent from the literature. Given the undeniable importance of sport, the history of sport psychology in academics since 1830, and the global rise of sport psychology journals and organizations, a comprehensive systematic review of the meta-analytic literature seems overdue. Thus, we aimed to consolidate the existing literature and provide recommendations for future research.

The development of sport psychology

The history of sport psychology dates back nearly 200 years. Terry [ 1 ] cites Carl Friedrich Koch’s (1830) publication titled [in translation] Calisthenics from the Viewpoint of Dietetics and Psychology [ 2 ] as perhaps the earliest publication in the field, and multiple commentators have noted that sport psychology experiments occurred in the world’s first psychology laboratory, established by Wilhelm Wundt at the University of Leipzig in 1879 [ 1 , 3 ]. Konrad Rieger’s research on hypnosis and muscular endurance, published in 1884 [ 4 ] and Angelo Mosso’s investigations of the effects of mental fatigue on physical performance, published in 1891 [ 5 ] were other early landmarks in the development of applied sport psychology research. Following the efforts of Koch, Wundt, Rieger, and Mosso, sport psychology works appeared with increasing regularity, including Philippe Tissié’s publications in 1894 [ 6 , 7 ] on psychology and physical training, and Pierre de Coubertin’s first use of the term sport psychology in his La Psychologie du Sport paper in 1900 [ 8 ]. In short, the history of sport psychology and performance research began as early as 1830 and picked up pace in the latter part of the 19 th century. Early pioneers, who helped shape sport psychology include Wundt, recognized as the “father of experimental psychology”, Tissié, the founder of French physical education and Legion of Honor awardee in 1932, and de Coubertin who became the father of the modern Olympic movement and founder of the International Olympic Committee.

Sport psychology flourished in the early 20 th century [see 1, 3 for extensive historic details]. For instance, independent laboratories emerged in Berlin, Germany, established by Carl Diem in 1920; in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia, established respectively by Avksenty Puni and Piotr Roudik in 1925; and in Champaign, Illinois USA, established by Coleman Griffith, also in 1925. The period from 1950–1980 saw rapid strides in sport psychology, with Franklin Henry establishing this field of study as independent of physical education in the landscape of American and eventually global sport science and kinesiology graduate programs [ 1 ]. In addition, of great importance in the 1960s, three international sport psychology organizations were established: namely, the International Society for Sport Psychology (1965), the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (1966), and the European Federation of Sport Psychology (1969). Since that time, the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (1986), the South American Society for Sport Psychology (1986), and the Asian-South Pacific Association of Sport Psychology (1989) have also been established.

The global growth in academic sport psychology has seen a large number of specialist publications launched, including the following journals: International Journal of Sport Psychology (1970), Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (1979), The Sport Psychologist (1987), Journal of Applied Sport Psychology (1989), Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2000), International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology (2003), Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology (2007), International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology (2008), Journal of Sport Psychology in Action (2010), Sport , Exercise , and Performance Psychology (2014), and the Asian Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (2021).

In turn, the growth in journal outlets has seen sport psychology publications burgeon. Indicative of the scale of the contemporary literature on sport psychology, searches completed in May 2021 within the Web of Science Core Collection, identified 1,415 publications on goal setting and sport since 1985; 5,303 publications on confidence and sport since 1961; and 3,421 publications on anxiety and sport since 1980. In addition to academic journals, several comprehensive edited textbooks have been produced detailing sport psychology developments across the world, such as Hanrahan and Andersen’s (2010) Handbook of Applied Sport Psychology [ 9 ], Schinke, McGannon, and Smith’s (2016) International Handbook of Sport Psychology [ 10 ], and Bertollo, Filho, and Terry’s (2021) Advancements in Mental Skills Training [ 11 ] to name just a few. In short, sport psychology is global in both academic study and professional practice.

Meta-analysis in sport psychology

Several meta-analysis guides, computer programs, and sport psychology domain-specific primers have been popularized in the social sciences [ 12 , 13 ]. Sport psychology academics have conducted quantitative reviews on much studied constructs since the 1980s, with the first two appearing in 1983 in the form of Feltz and Landers’ meta-analysis on mental practice [ 14 ], which included 98 articles dating from 1934, and Bond and Titus’ cross-disciplinary meta-analysis on social facilitation [ 15 ], which summarized 241 studies including Triplett’s (1898) often-cited study of social facilitation in cycling [ 16 ]. Although much meta-analytic evidence exists for various constructs in sport and exercise psychology [ 12 ] including several related to performance [ 17 ], the evidence is inconsistent. For example, two meta-analyses, both ostensibly summarizing evidence of the benefits to performance of task cohesion [ 18 , 19 ], produced very different mean effects ( d = .24 vs d = 1.00) indicating that the true benefit lies somewhere in a wide range from small to large. Thus, the lack of a reliable evidence base for the use of sport psychology techniques represents a significant gap in the knowledge base for practitioners and researchers alike. A comprehensive systematic review of all published meta-analyses in the field of sport psychology has yet to be published.

Purpose and aim

We consider this review to be both necessary and long overdue for the following reasons: (a) the extensive history of sport psychology and performance research; (b) the prior publication of many meta-analyses summarizing various aspects of sport psychology research in a piecemeal fashion [ 12 , 17 ] but not its totality; and (c) the importance of better understanding and hopefully improving sport performance via the use of interventions based on solid evidence of their efficacy. Hence, we aimed to collate and evaluate this literature in a systematic way to gain improved understanding of the impact of sport psychology variables on sport performance by construct, research design, and meta-analysis quality, to enhance practical knowledge of sport psychology techniques and identify future lines of research inquiry. By systematically reviewing all identifiable meta-analytic reviews linking sport psychology techniques with sport performance, we aimed to evaluate the strength of the evidence base underpinning sport psychology interventions.

Materials and methods

This systematic review of meta-analyses followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines [ 20 ]. We did not register our systematic review protocol in a database. However, we specified our search strategy, inclusion criteria, data extraction, and data analyses in advance of writing our manuscript. All details of our work are available from the lead author. Concerning ethics, this systematic review received a waiver from Texas Tech University Human Subject Review Board as it concerned archival data (i.e., published meta-analyses).

Eligibility criteria

Published meta-analyses were retained for extensive examination if they met the following inclusion criteria: (a) included meta-analytic data such as mean group, between or within-group differences or correlates; (b) published prior to January 31, 2021; (c) published in a peer-reviewed journal; (d) investigated a recognized sport psychology construct; and (e) meta-analyzed data concerned with sport performance. There was no language of publication restriction. To align with our systematic review objectives, we gave much consideration to study participants and performance outcomes. Across multiple checks, all authors confirmed study eligibility. Three authors (ML, AL, and PT) completed the final inclusion assessments.

Information sources

Authors searched electronic databases, personal meta-analysis history, and checked with personal research contacts. Electronic database searches occurred in EBSCOhost with the following individual databases selected: APA PsycINFO, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and SPORTDiscus. An initial search concluded October 1, 2020. ML, AL, and PT rechecked the identified studies during the February–March, 2021 period, which resulted in the identification of two additional meta-analyses [ 21 , 22 ].

Search protocol

ML and ES initially conducted independent database searches. For the first search, ML used the following search terms: sport psychology with meta-analysis or quantitative review and sport and performance or sport* performance. For the second search, ES utilized a sport psychology textbook and used the chapter title terms (e.g., goal setting). In EBSCOhost, both searches used the advanced search option that provided three separate boxes for search terms such as box 1 (sport psychology), box 2 (meta-analysis), and box 3 (performance). Specific details of our search strategy were:

Search by ML:

• sport psychology, meta-analysis, sport and performance
• sport psychology, meta-analysis or quantitative review, sport* performance
• sport psychology, quantitative review, sport and performance
• sport psychology, quantitative review, sport* performance

Search by ES:

• mental practice or mental imagery or mental rehearsal and sports performance and meta-analysis
• goal setting and sports performance and meta-analysis
• anxiety and stress and sports performance and meta-analysis
• competition and sports performance and meta-analysis
• diversity and sports performance and meta-analysis
• cohesion and sports performance and meta-analysis
• imagery and sports performance and meta-analysis
• self-confidence and sports performance and meta-analysis
• concentration and sports performance and meta-analysis
• athletic injuries and sports performance and meta-analysis
• overtraining and sports performance and meta-analysis
• children and sports performance and meta-analysis

The following specific search of the EBSCOhost with SPORTDiscus, APA PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and ERIC databases, returned six results from 2002–2020, of which three were included [ 18 , 19 , 23 ] and three were excluded because they were not meta-analyses.

• Box 1 cohesion
• Box 2 sports performance
• Box 3 meta-analysis

Study selection

As detailed in the PRISMA flow chart ( Fig 1 ) and the specified inclusion criteria, a thorough study selection process was used. As mentioned in the search protocol, two authors (ML and ES) engaged independently with two separate searches and then worked together to verify the selected studies. Next, AL and PT examined the selected study list for accuracy. ML, AL, and PT, whilst rating the quality of included meta-analyses, also re-examined all selected studies to verify that each met the predetermined study inclusion criteria. Throughout the study selection process, disagreements were resolved through discussion until consensus was reached.

• PPT PowerPoint slide
• PNG larger image
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Data extraction process

Initially, ML, TH, and ES extracted data items 1, 2, 3 and 8 (see Data items). Subsequently, ML, AL, and PT extracted the remaining data (items 4–7, 9, 10). Checks occurred during the extraction process for potential discrepancies (e.g., checking the number of primary studies in a meta-analysis). It was unnecessary to contact any meta-analysis authors for missing information or clarification during the data extraction process because all studies reported the required information. Across the search for meta-analyses, all identified studies were reported in English. Thus, no translation software or searching out a native speaker occurred. All data extraction forms (e.g., data items and individual meta-analysis quality) are available from the first author.

To help address our main aim, we extracted the following information from each meta-analysis: (1) author(s); (2) publication year; (3) construct(s); (4) intervention based meta-analysis (yes, no, mix); (5) performance outcome(s) description; (6) number of studies for the performance outcomes; (7) participant description; (8) main findings; (9) bias correction method/results; and (10) author(s) stated conclusions. For all information sought, we coded missing information as not reported.

Individual meta-analysis quality

ML, AL, and PT independently rated the quality of individual meta-analysis on the following 25 points found in the PRISMA checklist [ 20 ]: title; abstract structured summary; introduction rationale, objectives, and protocol and registration; methods eligibility criteria, information sources, search, study selection, data collection process, data items, risk of bias of individual studies, summary measures, synthesis of results, and risk of bias across studies; results study selection, study characteristics, risk of bias within studies, results of individual studies, synthesis of results, and risk of bias across studies; discussion summary of evidence, limitations, and conclusions; and funding. All meta-analyses were rated for quality by two coders to facilitate inter-coder reliability checks, and the mean quality ratings were used in subsequent analyses. One author (PT), having completed his own ratings, received the incoming ratings from ML and AL and ran the inter-coder analysis. Two rounds of ratings occurred due to discrepancies for seven meta-analyses, mainly between ML and AL. As no objective quality categorizations (i.e., a point system for grouping meta-analyses as poor, medium, good) currently exist, each meta-analysis was allocated a quality score of up to a maximum of 25 points. All coding records are available upon request.

Planned methods of analysis

Several preplanned methods of analysis occurred. We first assessed the mean quality rating of each meta-analysis based on our 25-point PRISMA-based rating system. Next, we used a median split of quality ratings to determine whether standardized mean effects (SMDs) differed by the two formed categories, higher and lower quality meta-analyses. Meta-analysis authors reported either of two different effect size metrics (i.e., r and SMD); hence we converted all correlational effects to SMD (i.e., Cohen’s d ) values using an online effect size calculator ( www.polyu.edu.hk/mm/effectsizefaqs/calculator/calculator.html ). We interpreted the meaningfulness of effects based on Cohen’s interpretation [ 24 ] with 0.20 as small, 0.50 as medium, 0.80 as large, and 1.30 as very large. As some psychological variables associate negatively with performance (e.g., confusion [ 25 ], cognitive anxiety [ 26 ]) whereas others associate positively (e.g., cohesion [ 23 ], mental practice [ 14 ]), we grouped meta-analyses according to whether the hypothesized effect with performance was positive or negative, and summarized the overall effects separately. By doing so, we avoided a scenario whereby the demonstrated positive and negative effects canceled one another out when combined. The effect of somatic anxiety on performance, which is hypothesized to follow an inverted-U relationship, was categorized as neutral [ 35 ]. Last, we grouped the included meta-analyses according to whether the primary studies were correlational in nature or involved an intervention and summarized these two groups of meta-analyses separately.

Study characteristics

Table 1 contains extracted data from 30 meta-analyses meeting the inclusion criteria, dating from 1983 [ 14 ] to 2021 [ 21 ]. The number of primary studies within the meta-analyses ranged from three [ 27 ] to 109 [ 28 ]. In terms of the description of participants included in the meta-analyses, 13 included participants described simply as athletes, whereas other meta-analyses identified a mix of elite athletes (e.g., professional, Olympic), recreational athletes, college-aged volunteers (many from sport science departments), younger children to adolescents, and adult exercisers. Of the 30 included meta-analyses, the majority ( n = 18) were published since 2010. The decadal breakdown of meta-analyses was 1980–1989 ( n = 1 [ 14 ]), 1990–1999 ( n = 6 [ 29 – 34 ]), 2000–2009 ( n = 5 [ 23 , 25 , 26 , 35 , 36 ]), 2010–2019 ( n = 12 [ 18 , 19 , 22 , 27 , 37 – 43 , 48 ]), and 2020–2021 ( n = 6 [ 21 , 28 , 44 – 47 ]).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408.t001

As for the constructs covered, we categorized the 30 meta-analyses into the following areas: mental practice/imagery [ 14 , 29 , 30 , 42 , 46 , 47 ], anxiety [ 26 , 31 , 32 , 35 ], confidence [ 26 , 35 , 36 ], cohesion [ 18 , 19 , 23 ], goal orientation [ 22 , 44 , 48 ], mood [ 21 , 25 , 34 ], emotional intelligence [ 40 ], goal setting [ 33 ], interventions [ 37 ], mindfulness [ 27 ], music [ 28 ], neurofeedback training [ 43 ], perfectionism [ 39 ], pressure training [ 45 ], quiet eye training [ 41 ], and self-talk [ 38 ]. Multiple effects were generated from meta-analyses that included more than one construct (e.g., tension, depression, etc. [ 21 ]; anxiety and confidence [ 26 ]). In relation to whether the meta-analyses included in our review assessed the effects of a sport psychology intervention on performance or relationships between psychological constructs and performance, 13 were intervention-based, 14 were correlational, two included a mix of study types, and one included a large majority of cross-sectional studies ( Table 1 ).

A wide variety of performance outcomes across many sports was evident, such as golf putting, dart throwing, maximal strength, and juggling; or categorical outcomes such as win/loss and Olympic team selection. Given the extensive list of performance outcomes and the incomplete descriptions provided in some meta-analyses, a clear categorization or count of performance types was not possible. Sufficient to conclude, researchers utilized many performance outcomes across a wide range of team and individual sports, motor skills, and strength and aerobic tasks.

Effect size data and bias correction

To best summarize the effects, we transformed all correlations to SMD values (i.e., Cohen’s d ). Across all included meta-analyses shown in Table 2 and depicted in Fig 2 , we identified 61 effects. Having corrected for bias, effect size values were assessed for meaningfulness [ 24 ], which resulted in 15 categorized as negligible (< ±0.20), 29 as small (±0.20 to < 0.50), 13 as moderate (±0.50 to < 0.80), 2 as large (±0.80 to < 1.30), and 1 as very large (≥ 1.30).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408.g002

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408.t002

Study quality rating results and summary analyses

Following our PRISMA quality ratings, intercoder reliability coefficients were initially .83 (ML, AL), .95 (ML, PT), and .90 (AL, PT), with a mean intercoder reliability coefficient of .89. To achieve improved reliability (i.e., r mean > .90), ML and AL re-examined their ratings. As a result, intercoder reliability increased to .98 (ML, AL), .96 (ML, PT), and .92 (AL, PT); a mean intercoder reliability coefficient of .95. Final quality ratings (i.e., the mean of two coders) ranged from 13 to 25 ( M = 19.03 ± 4.15). Our median split into higher ( M = 22.83 ± 1.08, range 21.5–25, n = 15) and lower ( M = 15.47 ± 2.42, range 13–20.5, n = 15) quality groups produced significant between-group differences in quality ( F 1,28 = 115.62, p < .001); hence, the median split met our intended purpose. The higher quality group of meta-analyses were published from 2015–2021 (median 2018) and the lower quality group from 1983–2014 (median 2000). It appears that meta-analysis standards have risen over the years since the PRISMA criteria were first introduced in 2009. All data for our analyses are shown in Table 2 .

Table 3 contains summary statistics with bias-corrected values used in the analyses. The overall mean effect for sport psychology constructs hypothesized to have a positive impact on performance was of moderate magnitude ( d = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.42, 0.58, n = 36). The overall mean effect for sport psychology constructs hypothesized to have a negative impact on performance was small in magnitude ( d = -0.21, 95% CI -0.31, -0.11, n = 24). In both instances, effects were larger, although not significantly so, among meta-analyses of higher quality compared to those of lower quality. Similarly, mean effects were larger but not significantly so, where reported effects in the original studies were based on interventional rather than correlational designs. This trend only applied to hypothesized positive effects because none of the original studies in the meta-analyses related to hypothesized negative effects used interventional designs.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408.t003

In this systematic review of meta-analyses, we synthesized the available evidence regarding effects of sport psychology interventions/constructs on sport performance. We aimed to consolidate the literature, evaluate the potential for meta-analysis quality to influence the results, and suggest recommendations for future research at both the single study and quantitative review stages. During the systematic review process, several meta-analysis characteristics came to light, such as the number of meta-analyses of sport psychology interventions (experimental designs) compared to those summarizing the effects of psychological constructs (correlation designs) on performance, the number of meta-analyses with exclusively athletes as participants, and constructs featuring in multiple meta-analyses, some of which (e.g., cohesion) produced very different effect size values. Thus, although our overall aim was to evaluate the strength of the evidence base for use of psychological interventions in sport, we also discuss the impact of these meta-analysis characteristics on the reliability of the evidence.

When seen collectively, results of our review are supportive of using sport psychology techniques to help improve performance and confirm that variations in psychological constructs relate to variations in performance. For constructs hypothesized to have a positive effect on performance, the mean effect strength was moderate ( d = 0.51) although there was substantial variation between constructs. For example, the beneficial effects on performance of task cohesion ( d = 1.00) and self-efficacy ( d = 0.82) are large, and the available evidence base for use of mindfulness interventions suggests a very large beneficial effect on performance ( d = 1.35). Conversely, some hypothetically beneficial effects (2 of 36; 5.6%) were in the negligible-to-small range (0.15–0.20) and most beneficial effects (19 of 36; 52.8%) were in the small-to-moderate range (0.22–0.49). It should be noted that in the world of sport, especially at the elite level, even a small beneficial effect on performance derived from a psychological intervention may prove the difference between success and failure and hence small effects may be of great practical value. To put the scale of the benefits into perspective, an authoritative and extensively cited review of healthy eating and physical activity interventions [ 49 ] produced an overall pooled effect size of 0.31 (compared to 0.51 for our study), suggesting sport psychology interventions designed to improve performance are generally more effective than interventions designed to promote healthy living.

Among hypothetically negative effects (e.g., ego climate, cognitive anxiety, depression), the mean detrimental effect was small ( d = -0.21) although again substantial variation among constructs was evident. Some hypothetically negative constructs (5 of 24; 20.8%) were found to actually provide benefits to performance, albeit in the negligible range (0.02–0.12) and only two constructs (8.3%), both from Lochbaum and colleagues’ POMS meta-analysis [ 21 ], were shown to negatively affect performance above a moderate level (depression: d = -0.64; total mood disturbance, which incorporates the depression subscale: d = -0.84). Readers should note that the POMS and its derivatives assess six specific mood dimensions rather than the mood construct more broadly, and therefore results should not be extrapolated to other dimensions of mood [ 50 ].

Mean effects were larger among higher quality than lower quality meta-analyses for both hypothetically positive ( d = 0.54 vs d = 0.45) and negative effects ( d = -0.25 vs d = 0.17), but in neither case were the differences significant. It is reasonable to assume that the true effects were derived from the higher quality meta-analyses, although our conclusions remain the same regardless of study quality. Overall, our findings provide a more rigorous evidence base for the use of sport psychology techniques by practitioners than was previously available, representing a significant contribution to knowledge. Moreover, our systematic scrutiny of 30 meta-analyses published between 1983 and 2021 has facilitated a series of recommendations to improve the quality of future investigations in the sport psychology area.

Recommendations

The development of sport psychology as an academic discipline and area of professional practice relies on using evidence and theory to guide practice. Hence, a strong evidence base for the applied work of sport psychologists is of paramount importance. Although the beneficial effects of some sport psychology techniques are small, it is important to note the larger performance benefits for other techniques, which may be extremely meaningful for applied practice. Overall, however, especially given the heterogeneity of the observed effects, it would be wise for applied practitioners to avoid overpromising the benefits of sport psychology services to clients and perhaps underdelivering as a result [ 1 ].

The results of our systematic review can be used to generate recommendations for how the profession might conduct improved research to better inform applied practice. Much of the early research in sport psychology was exploratory and potential moderating variables were not always sufficiently controlled. Terry [ 51 ] outlined this in relation to the study of mood-performance relationships, identifying that physical and skills factors will very likely exert a greater influence on performance than psychological factors. Further, type of sport (e.g., individual vs. team), duration of activity (e.g., short vs. long duration), level of competition (e.g., elite vs. recreational), and performance measure (e.g., norm-referenced vs. self-referenced) have all been implicated as potential moderators of the relationship between psychological variables and sport performance [ 51 ]. To detect the relatively subtle effects of psychological effects on performance, research designs need to be sufficiently sensitive to such potential confounds. Several specific methodological issues are worth discussing.

The first issue relates to measurement. Investigating the strength of a relationship requires the measured variables to be valid, accurate and reliable. Psychological variables in the meta-analyses we reviewed relied primarily on self-report outcome measures. The accuracy of self-report data requires detailed inner knowledge of thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Research shows that the accuracy of self-report information is subject to substantial individual differences [ 52 , 53 ]. Therefore, self-report data, at best, are an estimate of the measure. Measurement issues are especially relevant to the assessment of performance, and considerable measurement variation was evident between meta-analyses. Some performance measures were more sensitive, especially those assessing physical performance relative to what is normal for the individual performer (i.e., self-referenced performance). Hence, having multiple baseline indicators of performance increases the probability of identifying genuine performance enhancement derived from a psychological intervention [ 54 ].

A second issue relates to clarifying the rationale for how and why specific psychological variables might influence performance. A comprehensive review of prerequisites and precursors of athletic talent [ 55 ] concluded that the superiority of Olympic champions over other elite athletes is determined in part by a range of psychological variables, including high intrinsic motivation, determination, dedication, persistence, and creativity, thereby identifying performance-related variables that might benefit from a psychological intervention. Identifying variables that influence the effectiveness of interventions is a challenging but essential issue for researchers seeking to control and assess factors that might influence results [ 49 ]. A key part of this process is to use theory to propose the mechanism(s) by which an intervention might affect performance and to hypothesize how large the effect might be.

A third issue relates to the characteristics of the research participants involved. Out of convenience, it is not uncommon for researchers to use undergraduate student participants for research projects, which may bias results and restrict the generalization of findings to the population of primary interest, often elite athletes. The level of training and physical conditioning of participants will clearly influence their performance. Highly trained athletes will typically make smaller gains in performance over time than novice athletes, due to a ceiling effect (i.e., they have less room for improvement). For example, consider runner A, who takes 20 minutes to run 5km one week but 19 minutes the next week, and Runner B who takes 30 minutes one week and 25 minutes the next. If we compare the two, Runner A runs faster than Runner B on both occasions, but Runner B improved more, so whose performance was better? If we also consider Runner C, a highly trained athlete with a personal best of 14 minutes, to run 1 minute quicker the following week would almost require a world record time, which is clearly unlikely. For this runner, an improvement of a few seconds would represent an excellent performance. Evidence shows that trained, highly motivated athletes may reach performance plateaus and as such are good candidates for psychological skills training. They are less likely to make performance gains due to increased training volume and therefore the impact of psychological skills interventions may emerge more clearly. Therefore, both test-retest and cross-sectional research designs should account for individual difference variables. Further, the range of individual difference factors will be context specific; for example, individual differences in strength will be more important in a study that uses weightlifting as the performance measure than one that uses darts as the performance measure, where individual differences in skill would be more important.

A fourth factor that has not been investigated extensively relates to the variables involved in learning sport psychology techniques. Techniques such as imagery, self-talk and goal setting all require cognitive processing and as such some people will learn them faster than others [ 56 ]. Further, some people are intuitive self-taught users of, for example, mood regulation strategies such as abdominal breathing or listening to music who, if recruited to participate in a study investigating the effects of learning such techniques on performance, would respond differently to novice users. Hence, a major challenge when testing the effects of a psychological intervention is to establish suitable controls. A traditional non-treatment group offers one option, but such an approach does not consider the influence of belief effects (i.e., placebo/nocebo), which can either add or detract from the effectiveness of performance interventions [ 57 ]. If an individual believes that, an intervention will be effective, this provides a motivating effect for engagement and so performance may improve via increased effort rather than the effect of the intervention per se.

When there are positive beliefs that an intervention will work, it becomes important to distinguish belief effects from the proposed mechanism through which the intervention should be successful. Research has shown that field studies often report larger effects than laboratory studies, a finding attributed to higher motivation among participants in field studies [ 58 ]. If participants are motivated to improve, being part of an active training condition should be associated with improved performance regardless of any intervention. In a large online study of over 44,000 participants, active training in sport psychology interventions was associated with improved performance, but only marginally more than for an active control condition [ 59 ]. The study involved 4-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson narrating both the intervention and active control using motivational encouragement in both conditions. Researchers should establish not only the expected size of an effect but also to specify and assess why the intervention worked. Where researchers report performance improvement, it is fundamental to explain the proposed mechanism by which performance was enhanced and to test the extent to which the improvement can be explained by the proposed mechanism(s).

Limitations

Systematic reviews are inherently limited by the quality of the primary studies included. Our review was also limited by the quality of the meta-analyses that had summarized the primary studies. We identified the following specific limitations; (1) only 12 meta-analyses summarized primary studies that were exclusively intervention-based, (2) the lack of detail regarding control groups in the intervention meta-analyses, (3) cross-sectional and correlation-based meta-analyses by definition do not test causation, and therefore provide limited direct evidence of the efficacy of interventions, (4) the extensive array of performance measures even within a single meta-analysis, (5) the absence of mechanistic explanations for the observed effects, and (6) an absence of detail across intervention-based meta-analyses regarding number of sessions, participants’ motivation to participate, level of expertise, and how the intervention was delivered. To ameliorate these concerns, we included a quality rating for all included meta-analyses. Having created higher and lower quality groups using a median split of quality ratings, we showed that effects were larger, although not significantly so, in the higher quality group of meta-analyses, all of which were published since 2015.

Conclusions

Journals are full of studies that investigate relationships between psychological variables and sport performance. Since 1983, researchers have utilized meta-analytic methods to summarize these single studies, and the pace is accelerating, with six relevant meta-analyses published since 2020. Unquestionably, sport psychology and performance research is fraught with limitations related to unsophisticated experimental designs. In our aggregation of the effect size values, most were small-to-moderate in meaningfulness with a handful of large values. Whether these moderate and large values could be replicated using more sophisticated research designs is unknown. We encourage use of improved research designs, at the minimum the use of control conditions. Likewise, we encourage researchers to adhere to meta-analytic guidelines such as PRISMA and for journals to insist on such adherence as a prerequisite for the acceptance of reviews. Although such guidelines can appear as a ‘painting by numbers’ approach, while reviewing the meta-analyses, we encountered difficulty in assessing and finding pertinent information for our study characteristics and quality ratings. In conclusion, much research exists in the form of quantitative reviews of studies published since 1934, almost 100 years after the very first publication about sport psychology and performance [ 2 ]. Sport psychology is now truly global in terms of academic pursuits and professional practice and the need for best practice information plus a strong evidence base for the efficacy of interventions is paramount. We should strive as a profession to research and provide best practices to athletes and the general community of those seeking performance improvements.

Supporting information

S1 checklist..

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408.s001

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the work of all academics since Koch in 1830 [ 2 ] for their efforts to research and promote the practice of applied sport psychology.

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Sports Dissertation Topics

Sport and Exercise offers a variety of areas to explore due to the variety of research topics and disciplines that can be investigated. This can include using your dissertation to research areas such as nutrition, performance enhancement, psychology, biomechanical adaptions of performance and physiology. If you’re composing a dissertation in Sport & Exercise Science, whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, but are unsure of the route you wish to explore, some of the examples below can give you some ideas of what areas are trending in the literature and original areas for you to explore to help with an original piece of work or to extend recent research in new directions.

Sports Nutrition

Sport psychology, biomechanics.

Understanding how to enhance athletic performance has long been a topic of interest in the literature due to its ability to enhance – or in some case decrease – sporting performance. Many nutrition dissertations tend to focus on various diets, supplements or the impact of nutrition and training and the outcome this has for an athlete. Studies can take the form of primary or secondary – also known as experimental or review studies – which can provide lots of great investigations. It’s important to be specific in the type of athlete or population you want to investigate – such as a powerlifter, football player or gymnast – so you can collect relevant evidence for your athlete and utilise guidelines for their nutritional needs. Here are some example titles if you’re interested in investigating Sports Nutrition for your dissertation topic:

• Is caffeine beneficial for use as a pre-workout agent in weight and powerlifters?
• Investigating the impact of protein supplementation intake on muscle growth and repair in trained athletes.
• What is the impact of CLA supplementation on reducing body fat in trained male participants?
• How does caffeine intake impact aerobic performance?
• Are fat burners effective in supporting trained athletes in reducing body fat percentage?
• Is eating a balanced diet enough to improve performance in team sport athletes?

Sport psychology opens a wealth of different avenues for exploration; whether it’s relating to imagery, choking or mental health in athletes. We are currently living in a world that has a large focus on encouraging positive mental health and ways to improve performance by improving ‘mental toughness’ in athletes. As such, here are some ideas of the different areas that you can investigate:

• Investigating the association between long-term sports injury and depression in semi-professional team sport athletes.
• What influence does racism in professional sport have on professional BAME athletes?
• ‘The Pressure Shot’: Examining pressure and choking in trained golf athletes in a tournament setting.
• Performance-enhancing drugs and Olympic-level athletes: Is the use of PEDs worth a shot at the grand stage?
• Homosexuality in professional sport: Understanding the experiences and thoughts of homosexuality in male and female athletes.
• What is the impact of repeated sports injury on mental wellbeing in professional athletes?
• Living sporting dreams through children: how parents utilise their children to relive their sporting dreams.
• Drug and alcohol abuse in semi-professional sport.
• ‘Strong is the new Sexy’: Understanding the shifting focus from diet to strong in female active participants.
• How does mental wellbeing influence performance amongst elite athletes?
• Understanding the association between culture and racial perceptions in football fans in England.
• Differences in quality of life amongst semi-professional team sport athletes.

Physiology dissertations can provide opportunities to understand how the body reacts to exercise as well as a way of understanding short- and long-term effects. However, physiology can allow a range of topics to be used in collaboration with other subjects such as psychology and nutrition. Below are some examples of some physiology specific and physiology combined topics that you could investigate as a dissertation topic:

• Exercise, muscle strength and triathlon: Investigating the effects of ultra-marathon exercise on professional triathlon athletes.
• Investigating the impact of ageing on muscular degeneration.
• Does biological age impact the likelihood of becoming a professional athlete?
• Muscular strength and gender: How does muscle transformation different in male and female athletes.
• Understanding the impact of asthma on trained endurance athletes.
• Achieving optimal performance through metabolic training.
• The impact of high-altitude training on aerobic capacity.
• How does music tempo impact physiological responses to exercise?
• What is the impact of smoking and vaping on recreational athlete performance?

Biomechanics can open up many avenues for investigation whether it’s relating to optimal movement in 100m sprint performance, or the use of prosthetic limbs to support Olympic level improve performance. It’s important to make sure you have an interest in biomechanics and are aware of some of the key data that can help you shape your topic. However, some of the most interesting parts of biomechanics topics are due to the potential repercussions that your research can have. Here are some potential topics that you might be interested in:

• Investigating the different types of prosthetics on sprint performance in Paralympians.
• Investigating differences in gait movement between barefoot and different forms of footwear.
• How can biomechanics facilitate improvements in Paralympic Sport?
• Understanding the role between sports biomechanics and sports injury prevention.
• Examining ACL injury differences between male and female professional football players.
• The role of artificial intelligence in sports biomechanics.
• How does VAR impact movement patterns in professional soccer players?
• Biomechanics of fencing: an investigatory review of techniques and injury preventative strategies.

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500+ Sports Research Topics

Sports research topics cover a vast array of areas in the world of athletics, from the physical and psychological impacts of sport on athletes to the social and cultural implications of sports on society. Sports research can include studies on training techniques, nutrition, injury prevention, performance enhancement, and much more. It can also explore the societal impact of sports, such as the role of sports in shaping national identities, gender roles, and cultural values. As a result, the field of sports research provides a unique lens through which to understand the complex relationship between sports and society, and offers insights that can benefit athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike. In this post, we will explore some of the most fascinating and important sports research topics that are currently being investigated.

Sports Research Topics

Sports Research Topics are as follows:

• The psychological benefits of participating in team sports
• The impact of sports on academic achievement
• The role of sports in promoting physical health and fitness
• The impact of sports on mental health and well-being
• The benefits and drawbacks of early specialization in youth sports
• The relationship between sports and character development
• The role of sports in building social capital and community cohesion
• The impact of technology on sports training and performance
• The influence of gender on sports participation and achievement
• The impact of culture on sports participation and achievement
• The economics of professional sports: salaries, revenue, and team valuations
• The role of sports in promoting diversity and inclusion
• The impact of sports on political and social change
• The impact of sports sponsorship on consumer behavior
• The impact of doping in sports on athlete health and performance
• The role of nutrition in sports performance
• The impact of weather conditions on sports performance
• The influence of crowd behavior on sports performance and player behavior
• The impact of sports injuries on athlete health and career longevity
• The impact of sports on tourism and local economies
• The role of sports in promoting peace and conflict resolution
• The impact of globalization on sports and their respective cultures
• The impact of sports on national identity and patriotism
• The impact of sports media on fan behavior and athlete performance
• The impact of sports on the environment
• The influence of sports fans on team strategy and decision-making
• The impact of sports gambling on sports integrity and athlete health
• The impact of sports specialization on long-term athlete development
• The influence of sports referees and officials on game outcomes
• The role of technology in sports officiating and decision-making
• The impact of sports on youth development and socialization
• The role of sports in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment
• The impact of sports on personal identity and self-esteem
• The role of sports in promoting physical literacy and lifelong physical activity
• The impact of fan behavior on athlete mental health and well-being
• The influence of sports broadcasters on fan behavior and attitudes
• The role of sports in promoting healthy competition and fair play
• The impact of sports participation on academic performance in children
• The influence of social media on athlete behavior and fan engagement
• The impact of sports on international diplomacy and political relations
• The influence of coach behavior on athlete mental health and performance
• The role of sports in promoting cultural understanding and awareness
• The impact of sports science on athlete training and performance
• The impact of youth sports on parent-child relationships
• The influence of sports team culture on athlete behavior and performance
• The role of sports in promoting environmental sustainability
• The impact of sports on social mobility and economic inequality
• The influence of sports on global health issues
• The impact of sports on regional and national identity
• The role of sports in promoting positive youth development and resilience.
• The impact of technology on sports performance
• The effects of altitude on ball flight in sports like golf and tennis
• The effects of sports on stress management
• The impact of COVID-19 on the sports industry
• The impact of technology on sports officiating and rule enforcement
• The role of sports in promoting cultural heritage and preservation
• The impact of sports on mental toughness and resilience among athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on sports injury rehabilitation
• The role of sports in promoting intergenerational connections and social capital
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on team dynamics and performance in professional sports
• The role of sports in promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution in divided societies
• The impact of sports on career development and job satisfaction among sports journalists
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on injury prevention and performance in powerlifting
• The role of sports in promoting social innovation and entrepreneurship among youth
• The impact of sports on social identity and community building among refugees and immigrants
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on brain health and cognitive function in older adults
• The role of sports in promoting sustainable urban development and active transportation
• The impact of sports on social capital and political engagement among LGBTQ+ athletes
• The effects of different types of training interventions on injury prevention and recovery in equestrian sports.
• The impact of sports on body image and self-esteem among female athletes
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on performance and injury risk in extreme sports
• The role of sports in promoting cultural diplomacy and international relations
• The impact of sports on emotional regulation and mental health among adolescent athletes
• The effects of different types of nutrition interventions on injury prevention and recovery in team sports
• The role of sports in promoting civic engagement and political participation among athletes
• The impact of sports on cognitive development and academic achievement in early childhood
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on sports performance and mental health
• The role of sports in promoting environmental education and sustainability in schools
• The impact of sports on career development and employability among retired athletes
• The effects of different types of mindfulness interventions on sports performance and well-being
• The role of sports in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding
• The impact of sports on emotional intelligence and leadership development among coaches
• The effects of different types of sports supplements on performance and health outcomes
• The role of sports in promoting disaster risk reduction and resilience in coastal communities
• The impact of sports on social identity and group dynamics in fan communities
• The effects of different types of sports training on injury prevention and recovery in power sports
• The role of sports in promoting digital literacy and technological innovation in youth
• The impact of sports on social-emotional learning and character development in schools
• The effects of different types of nutrition interventions on sports performance and cognitive function in older adults
• The role of sports in promoting gender equity and empowerment in sports organizations
• The impact of sports on cultural identity and community building among Indigenous peoples
• The effects of different types of training interventions on injury prevention and recovery in para-athletes
• The role of sports in promoting global health and disease prevention
• The impact of sports on social support and mental health among parents of youth athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on sports performance and injury prevention in master athletes
• The role of sports in promoting community-based health education and behavior change
• The impact of sports on identity development and socialization among adolescent girls
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on gut microbiota and health outcomes
• The role of sports in promoting intercultural communication and language learning
• The impact of sports on psychological well-being and job satisfaction among sports officials
• The effects of different types of mindfulness interventions on injury prevention and recovery in endurance sports
• The role of sports in promoting sustainable tourism and economic development in rural areas
• The impact of sports on social integration and inclusion among individuals with disabilities
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on biomechanics and performance in precision sports
• The role of sports in promoting community resilience and disaster risk reduction in urban areas
• The impact of sports on social-emotional development and academic achievement among at-risk youth
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on immune function and health outcomes
• The role of sports in promoting social justice and human rights in sport governance
• The impact of sports on community development and social capital in post-conflict areas
• The effects of different types of resistance training on injury prevention and recovery in endurance athletes
• The role of sports in promoting intergenerational relationships and aging well-being
• The impact of sports on social support and mental health among retired athletes
• The role of sports in promoting civic activism and social change
• The impact of sports on sleep quality and quantity in professional athletes
• The effects of different types of stretching on recovery and injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting environmental justice and sustainability
• The impact of sports on emotional intelligence and social skills among youth athletes
• The effects of different types of resistance training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting peace and conflict resolution in divided societies
• The impact of sports on academic achievement and career success among athletes
• The effects of different types of endurance training on injury prevention and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion
• The impact of sports on team cohesion and communication
• The effects of different types of dietary interventions on sports performance and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting mental health and well-being in marginalized communities
• The impact of sports on cognitive function and academic achievement in children
• The effects of different types of cooling interventions on sports performance and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting community resilience and disaster preparedness
• The impact of sports on social capital and social mobility in low-income communities
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on bone health and injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting global citizenship and intercultural competence
• The impact of sports on personal and professional development among athletes
• The effects of different types of training programs on sports performance and injury prevention in older adults
• The role of sports in promoting human rights and social justice
• The impact of sports on decision-making and risk-taking behavior in adolescents
• The effects of different types of aerobic exercise on cognitive function and brain health
• The role of sports in promoting sustainable development and social innovation
• The impact of sports on social integration and belonging among refugees and immigrants
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on injury risk and performance
• The role of sports in promoting gender equality and empowerment in developing countries
• The impact of sports on academic engagement and achievement among middle school students
• The effects of different types of hydration interventions on sports performance and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting community-based tourism and economic development
• The impact of sports on identity formation and self-concept among athletes
• The effects of different types of sports training on bone health and injury prevention in female athletes
• The role of sports in promoting environmental conservation and climate action
• The impact of sports on personal values and character development among athletes
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on cardiovascular health and performance
• The role of sports in promoting community-based disaster response and recovery
• The impact of sports on social support and well-being among LGBTQ+ athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on injury rehabilitation and return to play in professional athletes
• The role of sports in promoting social entrepreneurship and innovation
• The impact of sports on moral reasoning and ethical decision-making among athletes
• The effects of different types of training programs on cognitive function and academic achievement in children
• The role of sports in promoting social inclusion and equality in urban settings
• The impact of sports on social identity and collective action among fans
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on sports performance and injury prevention in adolescent athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery modalities on injury prevention in sports
• The role of sports in promoting cultural diplomacy
• The impact of sports participation on academic achievement among college students
• The effects of different types of hydration strategies on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social cohesion and community building
• The impact of sports on physical and cognitive aging
• The effects of different types of warm-down on sports performance and injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting positive youth development
• The impact of sports on crime and delinquency among youth
• The effects of different types of endurance training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting gender equity and empowerment
• The impact of sports on mental health among athletes
• The effects of different types of carbohydrate intake on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting international relations and diplomacy
• The impact of sports on body image and self-esteem among adolescents
• The effects of different types of sports drinks on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting environmental sustainability and conservation
• The impact of sports on cognitive function and brain health
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social justice and human rights
• The impact of sports on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior
• The effects of different types of pre-game nutrition on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting economic development and tourism
• The impact of sports on cultural and national identity
• The effects of different types of footwear on injury risk in sports
• The role of sports in promoting civic engagement and democracy
• The impact of sports on sleep quality and quantity
• The effects of different types of anaerobic training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting intergenerational relationships and socialization
• The impact of sports on body composition and weight management
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on injury prevention and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution
• The impact of sports on self-efficacy and self-esteem among athletes
• The effects of different types of protein intake on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities
• The impact of sports on social capital and community resilience
• The effects of different types of high-intensity interval training on sports performance
• The impact of sports on stress and stress-related disorders
• The effects of different types of dietary supplements on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting human development and well-being
• The impact of sports on emotional regulation and mental health
• The effects of different types of strength training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social innovation and entrepreneurship
• The impact of sports on social identity and belonging
• The effects of different types of cognitive training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting disaster resilience and preparedness
• The impact of sports on academic engagement and achievement among high school students
• The effects of different types of stretching on injury prevention and sports performance.
• The effects of different types of training on athletic performance
• The effectiveness of different coaching styles in sports
• The role of nutrition in athletic performance
• The psychology of injury rehabilitation in sports
• The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports
• The role of sports in promoting physical and mental health
• The impact of social media on sports marketing
• The effectiveness of sports marketing campaigns
• The effects of gender and ethnicity on sports participation and performance
• The impact of sports sponsorship on athlete performance
• The role of sports in promoting teamwork and leadership
• The effects of environmental conditions on sports performance
• The impact of sports on community development
• The psychology of winning and losing in sports
• The effects of sleep on sports performance
• The use of virtual reality in sports training
• The impact of sports injuries on athletes’ careers
• The effects of altitude on athletic performance
• The use of data analysis in sports performance assessment
• The role of sports in reducing stress and anxiety
• The impact of sports on academic performance
• The effects of different sports on cardiovascular health
• The use of cryotherapy in sports recovery
• The impact of social media on sports fans and fandom
• The effects of different types of footwear on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting physical activity among children and adolescents
• The effects of different types of stretching on sports performance
• The impact of sports on social and cultural values
• The effects of hydration on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting global understanding and diplomacy
• The effects of different types of surfaces on sports performance
• The impact of sports on economic development
• The impact of sports on mental toughness and resilience
• The effects of different types of recovery methods on sports performance
• The use of mindfulness in sports performance and injury recovery
• The impact of sports on environmental sustainability
• The effects of different types of warm-up on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting tourism and travel
• The impact of sports on crime reduction and community safety
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on performance
• The impact of sports on job creation and employment opportunities
• The effects of different types of physical activity on mental health
• The role of sports in promoting social mobility and equality
• The impact of sports on identity formation and socialization
• The effects of different types of pre-game rituals on sports performance.
• The role of sports in promoting healthy aging
• The impact of sports on conflict resolution among youth
• The effects of sports on job satisfaction and productivity
• The role of sports in promoting environmental conservation
• The impact of sports on language proficiency and communication skills
• The effects of sports on the development of social skills
• The role of sports in promoting peaceful coexistence and tolerance
• The impact of sports on community building and cohesion
• The effects of different types of sports on hand-eye coordination
• The impact of sports on personal growth and self-discovery
• The effects of sports on cultural competency
• The role of sports in promoting social and emotional learning
• The impact of sports on community health
• The effects of different types of sports on reaction time
• The role of sports in promoting social justice and equity
• The impact of sports on academic motivation and achievement
• The effects of sports on the development of grit and resilience
• The role of sports in promoting civic engagement and social responsibility.
• The impact of sports on tourism
• The role of sports in promoting physical activity
• The effects of playing sports on cognitive development
• The impact of sports on political identity
• The effects of sports on self-esteem and body image
• The role of sports in promoting teamwork and collaboration
• The effects of different coaching styles on athlete performance
• The impact of sports on national security
• The role of sports in promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy
• The effects of sports on language acquisition
• The impact of sports on family dynamics
• The role of sports in promoting conflict resolution
• The impact of sports on social mobility
• The effects of different types of training on injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting global health
• The effects of sports on decision-making and risk-taking behavior
• The role of sports in promoting physical and mental well-being
• The impact of sports on social justice
• The effects of sports on academic achievement among at-risk youth
• The role of sports in promoting cultural heritage
• The impact of sports on personal identity
• The effects of sports on emotional intelligence and empathy
• The role of sports in promoting gender equality
• The impact of sports on identity formation
• The effects of different types of sports on balance and coordination
• The role of sports in promoting social capital
• The impact of sports on social integration and inclusion
• The effects of training at high altitudes on athletic performance
• The psychological factors that contribute to athlete burnout
• The relationship between sleep and athletic performance
• The effects of music on sports performance
• The effects of caffeine on sports performance
• The impact of climate on sports performance
• The use of supplements in sports performance
• The role of genetics in sports performance
• The effects of aging on sports performance
• The impact of sports injuries on athlete’s careers
• The relationship between sports and mental health
• The effects of gender on sports performance
• The impact of social media on sports
• The effects of sports fandom on mental health
• The use of technology in sports coaching
• The impact of team culture on sports performance
• The effects of sports specialization on athlete development
• The role of sports psychology in athlete performance
• The effects of plyometric training on athletic performance
• The impact of climate change on outdoor sports
• The effects of team dynamics on sports performance
• The impact of sports participation on academic achievement
• The effects of sports sponsorship on athlete performance
• The role of biomechanics in sports performance
• The effects of stretching on sports performance
• The impact of sports equipment on performance
• The effects of altitude training on endurance sports performance
• The effects of different types of training on sports performance
• The role of nutrition in injury prevention
• The effects of mental preparation on sports performance
• The effects of climate on indoor sports performance
• The role of sports in cultural identity
• The impact of sports participation on youth development
• The effects of strength training on sports performance
• The role of coaches in athlete development
• The impact of sports on national identity
• The effects of different playing surfaces on sports performance
• The role of recovery in sports performance
• The impact of sports on local economies
• The impact of sports on gender and racial equality
• The effects of team size on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social inclusion
• The effects of sports on personal development
• The impact of sports on conflict resolution
• The effects of sports on leadership development

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Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

If you’re starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you’ll face is finding a solid research topic . In this post, we’ll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines. We’ll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to give you an idea of what these look like in the real world.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps (which we’ll explain a little later). Therefore, it’s important to recognise that this post is only the first step in finding a high-quality psychology-centred research topic. To develop a research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this all sounds a bit intimidating, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course , which covers the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from A-Z. You can also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, have a look at our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• Behavioural psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Educational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Social psychology
• Sports psychology
• Examples of actual dissertation topics
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

How To Find A Research Topic

In the video below, we explain how to find suitable research ideas (in psychology or any field), and how to then refine those into well-articulated potential topics for your dissertation or thesis. We also discuss a few important evaluation criteria to help you make the right choice for your project.

Below you’ll find a list of research ideas to get your thinking started. Please note that these research topic ideas are intentionally broad and generic, so you will need to refine them a fair deal using the techniques we discussed in the video above.

We’ve grouped the topic ideas based on a few popular areas of psychology to make it a little easier for you to find something in your particular field of interest. That said, there is naturally some overlap between topics, so keep this in mind.

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

• Cultural variation in behaviour and mental health of adolescents during a disaster: a case study
• The impact of parental drug use and risky behaviour on early child development
• The effects of video game violence on aggressive behaviour among teenage boys in school
• The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult risk-seeking behaviour
• The impact of physical exercise on anxiety and health-harming behaviour
• The relationship between personality traits and addiction behaviour
• The effects of reinforcement schedules on decision-making and associative learning
• The effects of daily mindfulness practice on stress and anxiety in middle-aged women
• The use of behavioural interventions in the treatment of eating disorders in poorer communities
• Understanding implicit cognitive processes involved in the over-consumption of fast food
• The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol addiction treatment
• The impact of extensive technology use in children on long-term attention and focus
• The impact of social media on self-destructive behaviour and poor mental health outcomes
• Exploring the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on healthy behaviours

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

• The use of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders among college students
• The use of technology in the delivery of psychological services in war-torn countries
• The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
• The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias and PTSD among war veterans
• The role of childhood adversity on adult mental health in immigrant populations in the USA
• The role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of bipolar disorder in Pakistani women: an integrative review
• The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety among hikikomori in Japan
• The perception of healthcare workers and patients on the use of teletherapy for the delivery of psychological services
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes among single parents.
• The effectiveness of integrative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies on post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors
• The role and use of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression among first-generation students
• The effectiveness of family therapy in addressing childhood trauma and depression
• The impact of cultural mistrust on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in culturally-diverse populations
• The effectiveness of group therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors of sexual assault

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

• The impact of lifelong aerobic exercise on cognitive function in old age
• The effects of evening screen use on cognitive development in preschool children
• The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making among graduate students
• The use of neuroimaging to understand the neural basis of memory retrieval
• The effect of conservative religious homes on social functioning in LGBT+ adolescents
• The role of positive emotions in working memory among high school learners
• The neural basis of decision-making and problem-solving during undergraduate statistic assessments
• The neural basis of language processing among adults learning English as a second language
• The role of technological tools in improving working memory in older adults
• The role of attention in emotional face processing among adult males
• The impact of depression on cognitive function during ageing The impact of daily meditation and mindfulness practice on cognitive function
• The relationship between increased protein intake and improved cognitive function
• The effects of stress on cognitive function among final-year learners

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

• The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development
• The effects of parenting styles on children’s executive function
• The impact of late-night screen use on child development
• The role of digital play on child development outcomes
• Exploring the impact of poverty on early child development in Brazil
• The trauma-informed care as moderating the impact of trauma on child development
• Evaluating the relationship between peer relationship quality and child social development
• The impact of child-targeted media and advertising on child behavioural development
• The role of parental attachment in child resilience
• The moderating impact of culture on bullying and child social development
• The impact of single-parenting on child development in India
• The impact of early educational interventions on child socio-emotional development
• The impact of digital technology use on adolescent development and mental health
• The impact of socioeconomic status on child executive function
• The role of genetics and epigenetics on child neurodevelopmental outcomes linked to depression

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Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

• The relationship between self-regulated learning and academic performance in asynchronous versus synchronous learning environments
• Exploring effective parental involvement strategies and their impact on student achievement
• The role of intrinsic motivation in formative assessment in the classroom
• The impact of classroom management and practice on student learning and behaviour
• University students’ preference regarding online learning environments
• The effects of gentrification on student achievement in traditionally poor neighbourhoods
• The impact of teacher expectations and academic self-concept on K12 student mathematics performance
• The use and effectiveness of game-based learning in a high school biology classroom
• The impact of prejudice on the relationship between student motivation and academic performance among Black university students
• The impact of culture on second language English student learning preferences
• The effects of student self-efficacy and engagement on academic performance in secondary school mathematics
• The role of metacognition in learning musicality in hip hop
• The role of small group instruction on teacher efficacy and stress in early childhood education
• The perception and use of multimedia among high school biology teachers in France
• The use of augmented reality applications and its impact on student learning, motivation and attitude

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

• The impact of trauma on the psychological functioning of police officers and first responders
• Understanding cultural considerations during forensic psychological assessment and treatment of trauma
• Ethical considerations of the use of AI in forensic psychology in the legal system
• The psychological factors related to recidivism among white collar female offenders in the USA
• The psychological factors related to false confessions among juveniles
• Understanding the use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony in criminal courts in England
• The impact of trauma on the reflective functioning of adult female sexual assault victims
• The use and effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing recidivism among non-violent criminals
• The impact of domestic violence on the mental health and forensic evaluation of men
• Exploring the ethical considerations and use of behavioural analysis in the study of criminal behaviour
• The use and limitations of neuropsychological assessment in forensic evaluations
• The use of social media forensics in evaluating criminal behaviour in violent crimes
• The racialised use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of competency to stand trial in Canada
• Exploring the use and availability of virtual reality technologies in forensic psychology in Spain
• The impact of motivational interviewing-based interventions among criminalized drug users

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

• The impact of prejudice and discrimination on social behaviour among African immigrants in South Africa
• The impact of social networks on behaviour and well-being among young adult females
• The effects of social identity on non-conformity in University students
• The effects of group dynamics on risk-seeking behaviour in adult men
• The impact of social media on the quality of interpersonal relationships among high school learners
• The impact of parental emotional intelligence on pro-social behaviour in children and adolescents
• The effects of conformity and deviance on social attitudes and behaviour during a global recession
• The effects of Tik Tok on social comparison and self-esteem among teenage girls
• Understanding gendered differences in social influence and algorithms on impulsive decision-making
• The effects of social support on mental health among healthcare workers in the UK
• The effects of gender roles on social behaviour among trans teens
• The impact of perceived power and social status on the behaviour of social media influencers
• The impact of social norms on prosocial behaviour among women
• The effects of community participation on aggression and violence in middle-aged men
• The impact of culture and gender on social behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

• The moderating role of cultural factors on the relationship between mental health and sports performance in team sports
• The role of mindfulness practice in addressing stress and anxiety in young national athletes
• The relationship between team cohesion and performance in cricket teams
• The effect of transformational leadership on female sports teams in Canada
• The effect of positive self-talk on athletic performance and motivation among Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of hypnosis in New Zealand team sports Understanding stress and burnout in University team athletes
• The efficacy of personalised nutrition and diet on athletic performance among sprinters
• Exploring mental preparation techniques and their effect on athletic motivation and resilience among team-sport athletes
• Exploring the perception and understanding of goal-setting characteristics on athletic performance among team coaches
• The effects of motivational feedback on the performance of female gymnasts
• The perception and use of visualization and imagery among coaches as a means to enhance sport performance
• The impact of sports injuries on mental health and recovery in high school athletes
• The moderating role of sleep on mental toughness and sports performance in Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of technology in sports training and performance in little league softball

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in psychology, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various psychology degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Effects of a Patient Question Prompt List on Outpatient Palliative Care Appointments (McDarby, 2022)
• The role of affect and exercise goals in physical activity engagement in younger and older adults (Stojanovic, 2022)
• Lay Theories about Whether Emotion Helps or Hinders Reasoning and Well-being (Karnaze, 2022)
• The effects of blast-induced traumatic brain injury on two transgenic models of Alzheimer’s Disease (Gann, 2020)
• Understanding the parental mind: Examining the stability of parental reflective functioning across the birth of a child and associations with maternal mind-mindedness (Pitzen, 2021)
• An investigation of ineffective ally behaviours (Collier, 2019)
• Response Inhibition-Related Beta Power: Distinguishing Cognitively Intact Elders by Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Evans, 2021)
• Recognition Memory of Extremely High-Frequency Words (Miller, 2019)
• The Relationship between Dementia Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Communications in a Memory Clinic Setting (Martin, 2021)
• Examination of Maternal Versus Paternal Ratings of Child Pre-Injury Functioning in Predicting Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Sayer, 2021)
• Electromyography As A Means of Predicting The Rubber Hand Illusion (Teaford, 2021)
• Linking Diversity Climate and Feedback Seeking Through Interpersonal Processes and Race Effects (Flores, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are far more specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

Still unsure about how to find the right topic for your research project? Check out our private coaching services , where we work with psychology students on a 1:1 basis to help them find the perfect topic.

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10 Comments

Great insight

A very interesting site that offers a variety of options regarding research topics.

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

Very useful but had not any field of research in health psychology

I feel honored going through this lovely stuff put together. Thank you so much

I need counseling psychology research topics

very empowering and insightful presentations. Can I be assisted in crafting a school psychology-related research topic about African context

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33 Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics ideas

As its name shows, sports psychology deals with the different aspects related to the field of sports. This includes attitudes, perceptions, activities and actions linked with sports of different types. Sports psychology dissertation topics also focuses on the psychological aspects of athletes and sportsmen. Emotional intelligence plays an important role in developing the motivation levels of athletes. Sports psychology research topics follows different multidisciplinary approaches and interact with other disciplines as well. Students having personal interests in sports can find different sports psychology topics for the purpose of research and experiments. The results of studies on sports psychology can benefit international teams, players, coaches and even governments a lot for developing efficient policies in the field of different sports.

Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics ideas list created by our experts

Study the following list of topics for research studies in the domain of sports psychology and choose according to your preference.

• Effects of crowd cheering on the performance of football players in a game
• Managing stress and anxiety before competition: a study of the game of cricket
• Difference in self-esteem of online players and players playing on the field
• Does athlete performance decline with increased stress and anxiety? An experimental approach
• How are sports related to the physical fitness of players: a meta-analysis?
• The relationship between coach and students: a quantitative study
• Techniques used to enhance leadership among players through sports: A review of literature
• Relationship between relaxation techniques and performance outcomes of hockey players
• Effects of intrinsic motivational factors on the performance of players
• What is the relationship between practice and success rate of football players?
• Factors affecting the performance outcomes of players in a team game
• Psychologically handling pressure by players engaging in solo sports
• Behavioral problems and their impacts on the performance of sportsmen in football
• Relationship between the mental state and performance outcomes of sportsmen
• Substance abuse and its effects on the performance of players
• Can crowd discourage a player effectively? An experimental approach
• Participation of females in the area of sports: a review of literature
• Gender differences in pay gaps of players
• Effects of medicinal drugs on the performance outcomes of players
• Deaths throughout the history of Olympics games: a longitudinal data analysis
• How sports can improve health status of players?
• Cheating while playing: a psychological approach
• Aggression and its impacts on the outcomes of wrestling games
• Gender differences in emotional health of male and female players
• Preferring online games over field games: a comparative approach
• How culture effects the performance of players in foreign countries?
• Gender differences in extrinsic motivational factors among players
• Relationship between nutrition and performance outcomes of football players
• Effects of using steroids on the mental wellbeing of players
• How to people develop body image attitudes for female tennis players?
• Online gaming: recent trends and tactics being used mentally by the players
• Exercising and its impacts on the physical health of cyclists
• more…

After selecting the best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics if you are looking A+1 Quality dissertation writing service to complete your dissertation in psychology , this is the right place for you.

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SoPSS: Sport Psychology

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• "Can I Use the Services?": Coaches' Use of Sport Psychology for Their Own Development and Performance This study examined the experiences of eight high performance coaches from a range of sports who have utilized sport psychology services for their own performance enhancement as a coach. Author: Tammy L. Sheehy, West Virginia University.
• The Effects of Problems Attributed to Culture on the Mental Health of Athletes The present study was aimed to expand understanding of how problems perceived to be due to ethnic and athletic background impact mental health and relationships in collegiate athletes. Author: Corey Rae Kuhn, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
• Effects of Psychological Skills Training on Golf Performance The aim of the present study was to build upon previous research suggesting that mental skills need to be deliberately practiced just as physical skills are (Cumming & Hall, 2002; Ericsson, Krampe, & Tesch-Romer, 1993; Feltz & Landers, 1983), and that practicing mental and physical skills together increases an athlete’s chances of achieving peak performance (Krane & Williams, 2010; Vealey & Greenleaf, 2010). Author: Alyssa Morahan, Western Carolina University.
• Examining the Impact of Mindset and Personality on Athletes' Attitudes Toward Sports Psychology Consultants The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of mindset and personality to develop a better understanding of their impact on student-athletes attitudes toward sport psychology consultants in the United States. Author: Gareth Smith, Drake University.
• Investigating Multiculturalism in Sport Psychology The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception and preference of student-athletes when interacting with a sport psychologist (SP) with regard to race and gender. Author: Jean-Marc Charles, Western Illinois University.
• Psychological Skills Used by Sport Psychology Consultants to Improve Their Consulting The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine self-practice by identifying the psychological skills that sport psychology consultants (SPCs) used to improve their consulting as well as where, when, why, and how they used those skills. Author: Shawn Filion, University of Windsor (Canada).
• The Relationship between Dispositional Mindfulness and Free Throw Performance among Female Collegiate Basketball Players This quantitative correlational research investigated the predictive relationships between the dispositional mindfulness construct (e.g., awareness, nonjudgmental attitude, refocusing), experience level, and game free throw percentage. Author: Michelle Alyse Kirk, Grand Canyon University.
• Relationship Between Males' Coaching Efficacy and Prior Exposure to Sport Psychology The purpose of this study was to explore male high school coaches’ coaching experience to determine whether sport psychology education and interactions with sport psychology consultants relate to coaches’ coaching efficacy. Author: Christina Ann Villalon, University of North Texas.
• Shining Light on the Dark Side of Flow: Is Mindfulness in High-Flow-State Athletes Predictive of Improved Emotion-Regulation and Self-Control? This study investigates whether variability in ‘mindfulness’ predicts variability in poor self-control, emotion dis-regulation and exercise dependence. Author: Brent T. Hogarth, John F. Kennedy University.
• Values Driven Delivery: A Qualitative Case Study Exploration of the Experience in an NCAA Division I Holistic Integrated Sport Psychology Program The purpose of this study was to examine ways in which a nationally recognized mental performance staff provides HSP services integrated within an NCAA Division I athletics program. Author: Katie McLean, University of Missouri - Columbia.
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An empirical study of physical activity and sports affecting mental health of university students

Lu congsheng.

1 School of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

2 Haian Senior School of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, China

Sumaira Kayani

3 Department of Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China

Amna Khalid

4 College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Associated Data

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Physical activity (PA) and sports are extremely essential elements for physical and mental health among adolescents. Around 30% of 16 years old and above in Malaysia have mental health issues. For this purpose, 512 university students from Malaysia were surveyed through social media, with 74% response rate. Structural equation model partial least square (SEM-PLS) was used to examine the effect of PA and sports on mental health. The results revealed that both PA ( b = 0.402, p < 0.001) and sports ( b = 0.330, p < 0.001) significantly predict mental health among university students. The model explained 35.8% variance in mental health. The study suggests that PA and sports activity need to be promoted among university students to control prevailing mental health issues in adolescents.

Introduction

Mental health is regarded as the psychological and emotional well-being of a person. It is reflected in the positive functioning in life based on the interaction between social and biological factors ( Chow and Choi, 2019 ; Easterlin et al., 2019 ). The World Health Organization has defined mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make a contribution to his or her community” ( Chow and Choi, 2019 ). However, the study conducted by Pascoe et al. (2020) has highlighted that mental disorders are expected to become a leading reason for causing disability among young people in developed countries. Hence, the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental disorders is paramount.

Several types of research have indicated that physical activity (PA) and sports play a major role in improving an individual’s mental health at all stages of life ( Biddle et al., 2019 ; Tiaotrakul et al., 2019 ; Tamminen et al., 2020 ; Teychenne et al., 2020 ). PA can be spontaneous (leisure, work, or transport) or organized (physical exercise). Main purpose of physical exercise is to improve the health and physical capacity of an individual. The bio-psychosocial (BPS) model confirms that PA and exercise are among the best coping strategies for mental health problems ( Di Benedetto et al., 2010 ; Di Benedetto, 2015 ; Poirel, 2017 ). Physical training is concentrated towards increasing maximum performance and capacity. On the other hand, physical inactivity is a sedentary behavior in which body movement is absent. Physical inactivity leads to increased risk of poor health, which can affect the well-being of an individual ( Malm et al., 2019 ).

Sports is another important activity that contributes to the mental health of youth. The importance of sports among the students is valuable and goes beyond PA. The stress level of college students is higher than the other age groups, which can adversely affect their mental health. Stress is usually caused by academic pressures, which can lead to terrible effects and further results in future failure. However, sports has played a drastic role in reducing the students’ stress levels and increasing happiness and psychological well-being ( Judge, 2018 ).

Malaysian students have been particularly observed to have poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic had a further adverse effect on mental health of individuals leading to stress and depression. It has limited the gatherings for PA and sports. During the pandemic, 30% of Malaysian people aged 16 years or older were having mental health issues ( Kotera et al., 2021 ). Furthermore, the youth increased their internet usage due to the protective measures of COVID-19, such as lockdown and social distancing. As a result of high internet usage, health anxiety of the youth is increased ( Khodabakhsh et al., 2021 ). Due to the increasing concern of mental health issues among Malaysia’s youth and the consequences that would endanger the future of the youth and country, it is critical to formulate effective strategies for controlling the prevalence of mental health issues. In this regard, the following research is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of PA and sports on mental health. This also provides an opportunity to fill the literature gap by studying how PA and sports can positively influence youth’s mental health in Malaysia, as there is no recent study conducted in this context. The significance of this research lies in aiding the government and educational institutes in developing intervention programs based on PA and sports for improving the mental health of the youth in Malaysia.

Literature review

Mental health is an important area of research where scholars and researchers prioritize enhancing health and achieving equity in health for the entire people throughout the globe ( Castillo et al., 2019 ). Mental health is defined as a state in which the individual can realize his/her capabilities while also coping with the normal stress of life and can work productively. Mental health comprises multiple cognitive and affective components, including happiness, enjoyment and pleasure, and having a purpose, meaning and fulfilment ( Silove et al., 2017 ; Bratman et al., 2019 ). However, a major concern for mental health is mental illness, which reflects the occurrence of cognitive, affective and behavior problems. Therefore, there is an increased attention to research towards preventing mental illness that can adversely affect mental health ( Arango et al., 2018 ; Bratman et al., 2019 ).

Furthermore, the importance of preventing the mental health problems has become critical across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. World health organization has reported a great concern regarding mental health and psychological consequences of the pandemic ( Kumar and Nayar, 2021 ). An increased rate in mental illness has been reported in developing countries. Mental health professionals and psychologists have speculated that the pandemic is likely to further impact mental health of the people where the cases of depression, self-harm, suicide would increase. Kotera et al. (2021) have highlighted that the youth, particularly university students, face poor mental health, resulting in a negative attitude. The researchers estimated that around 30% of the people aged 16 years or orders are faced with mental health issues. In addition to this, the research conducted by Khodabakhsh et al. (2021) also demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has a major influence on the mental health of individuals resulting in stress and depression. Furthermore, due to lockdown and other protective protocols, the youth in Malaysia is increasingly using internet where it is expected to increase health anxiety and lover PA.

Physical activity is considered an important predictor of health, especially among the youth ( Júdice et al., 2017 ) and is used as a preventive measure against mental illness. PA is defined as the bodily movement by the skeletal muscles that requires the expenditure of energy. PA is reported to have an antidepressant influence on individuals. Exercise is a subset of the PA which is a planned and structured activity for enhancing physical fitness that involves running or weight training. Furthermore, PA also has psychological benefits that may positively influence mental health ( Kandola et al., 2019 ; Ozemek et al., 2019 ). Based on the BPS model ( Di Benedetto et al., 2010 ; Di Benedetto, 2015 ), numerous empirical studies ( McDowell et al., 2017 ), and systematic reviews ( Mikkelsen et al., 2017 ; Stubbs et al., 2017 ) confirm PA as a predominant predictor of mental health. Therefore, PA is reflected as a key strategy for improving the individual’s mental health and well-being benefits. PA comprises structured, supervised exercise programs, active commuting, domestic activities, and leisure physical activities ( Rebar and Taylor, 2017 ). Regular PA is a key health behavior from the public health perspective due to its remarkable effect on health. PA has the potential to prevent mental health disorders and issues that comprise depression and anxiety. Several studies were conducted on the benefits of PA on mental health during COVID-19 ( Callow et al., 2020 ; Lesser and Nienhuis, 2020 ; Shahidi et al., 2020 ). The studies highlighted the importance of PA during the COVID-19 quarantine, where the activity appears to have an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect. However, these studies did not recruit young people in Malaysia. Therefore, based on the literature analysis and the gap, the following hypothesis is developed based on PA.

H1: Physical activity has a significant and positive influence on the mental health of youth.

Sports is reflected as another preventive strategy for mental health problems. It is defined by athletic games institutionalized in several ways. Sports is a game that involves physical exertion and skills in which an individual or a team competes for entertainment ( Jukic et al., 2020 ). However, the study conducted by Malm et al. (2019) has demonstrated that although sports enhances the physical as well as the psychological health of individuals, it may adversely affect mental health due to the risk of injury, burnout, and eating disorders. The negative impact is commonly observed among the elite players as they are required to perform at maximum to get the desired outcomes. As a result, this can cause a negative effect on the mental health of the elite-level players. On the other hand, Eigenschenk et al. (2019) indicated that outdoor sports can create positive benefits for mental health as it can cure the mental health problems. Furthermore, engagement in sports positively affects general health and psychological ability by increasing well-being, improving quality of life, and enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. Therefore, based on the literature analysis and the gap, the following hypothesis is developed:

H2: Sports has a significant and positive influence on the mental health of youth.

Siefken et al. (2019) evaluated the association between leisure-time PA, anxiety and depression. The study was conducted through a questionnaire survey distributed among the athletes across the globe in which total number of completed surveys was 682. The findings from the research indicated that individuals who met the recommended levels of sports and PA reported lower scores on depression. Furthermore, the lowest depression and anxiety scores were identified among the indoor team athletes. Bell et al. (2019) studied the interrelation between PA, mental well-being and symptoms of mental disorders among young British adolescents. The multivariable regression analysis indicated no strong evidence as to whether PA is connected with better health and well-being. Reigal et al. (2021) examine the interconnection between PA, mood states, and self-rated health in Spain. The results indicated that PA positively effects mental health by improving perception and mood during pandemic lockdown. The review of the literature shows that there is a clear gap in research on relationship between PA, sports and mental health in Malaysian youth. The previous findings reported during lockdown have shown mixed results. Therefore, it is imperative to explore these constructs among Malaysian youth during COVID-19 pandemic. Figure 1 represents the conceptual framework for the present study, aimed at investigating the influence of PA and sports on mental health of the youth in Malaysia.

Conceptual framework.

Methodology

Participants.

The targeted audience for the questionnaire survey are mainly the adolescents in Malaysia; therefore, the questionnaire is provided to the students that are currently studying in Malaysian universities. The approach for gaining access to the target audience was distributing the questionnaire through the social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and others. The use of the internet has enabled in easily obtaining the data from Malaysian adolescents. As for the sample size, the total number of questionnaires was distributed among 700 adolescents, where 512 participants have provided the complete data. Response rate was 74%. That may be because the study was conducted during COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country, and the universities were not opened. The student may have adopted casual attitude due to study from home. Hence, most of the students did not bother responding the survey. Characteristics of participants are given in table below (see Table 1 ).

Characteristics of participants.

Instruments

To investigate the role of PA and sports on mental health, the researchers have designed a survey used in the previous research ( Snedden et al., 2019 ; Appelqvist-Schmidlechner et al., 2020 ).

The measure of mental health contained four items: I’ve been feeling optimistic about the future,” “I’ve been feeling relaxed,” “I’ve been dealing with problems well,” and “I’ve been able to make up my own mind about things.” Initially, there were seven items out of which 3 were eliminated during validation process. The items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 1 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time) ( Appelqvist-Schmidlechner et al., 2020 ).

For PA, self-reported leisure time PA was determined from responses to a single question. Think of the last 3 months and consider all leisure-time PA that lasted at least 20 min per session, and answer: “Which of the following definitions best describes your leisure time PA habits?” Initially, there were 6 response categories which were changed to 4 in the current study: 1 = less than once a week, 2 = no vigorous activities, but light or moderate PA at least once a week, 3 = brisk PA once a week, and 4 = vigorous activity at least four times a week. For further analysis, responses were binned into four categories indicating inactive (response 1), low (response 2), medium (responses 3), and high (response 4) leisure time PA ( Fogelholm et al., 2006 ; Appelqvist-Schmidlechner et al., 2020 ).

Further, Self-assessed sport activity level was measured through four items adapted from previous study ( Snedden et al., 2019 ). The students were asked to report their “athletic activities and daily work out” rated on 5-point Likert scale from 1 (do not perform at all) to 5 (perform daily). All tools were validated before use in Malaysian setting. The results of validation process are given in the results section.

Analysis techniques

The analysis of the gathered data is mainly conducted through statistical analysis with the support of the statistical software, SmartPLS. The process for using the SmartPLS was first to convert the questionnaire data to numerical values and was further coded to SmartPLS for generating results. There are mainly two techniques that are applied from software for revealing the results and findings. The first technique applied with the software is the confirmatory factor analysis, also referred to as CFA. The technique aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the dataset in which the reliability and convergent validity are assessed along with the evaluation of the discriminant validity. The second technique applied is structural equation modelling, in which the cause and effect of the identified variables are assessed.

Descriptive statistics and correlation among study variables

Table 2 presents descriptive statistics and correlation among study variables. It is shown that there is strong positive association among all study variables. However, the mean level of PA is higher than that of sport activity.

Descriptive statistics and correlation among study variables.

Reliability and validity

In the structural equation model and partial least square (SEM-PLS), it is deemed a prerequisite to determine the reliability and validity of the constructs. In an empirical study, multiple constructs are used to measure the concepts and theories to be tested, and each of the constructs has different components or indicators representing the construct. For instance, the first construct of the study was the measurement of mental health, which has four indicators, and similarly, PA and sports activity are two different constructs with four indicators each. In such a setting, scholars ( Amaro et al., 2015 ; Hair et al., 2017 ) have been using the outer loadings, also known as factor loadings, which indicates the variance being predicted each indicator. As per Hair et al. (2017) , the factor loading value needs to be greater than 0.7 to confirm the significant contribution of the factor that it sufficiently contributes to the construct to measure the concept. However, if the factor loading value remains below the given threshold, the indicator has been dropped from within the construct since its presence does not contribute significantly. Similarly, Table 3 , which depicts the indicators along with the factor loadings, shows that all indicators within the study have factor loading greater than 0.7, suggesting that all indicators contribute sufficiently to the constructs, and all indicators can be retained within the model.

Factor loading, reliability, and validity.

Furthermore, the reliability and validity of the constructs have also been determined within the study. In accordance with the definition of Janadari et al. (2016) , reliability refers to the internal consistency within the responses gathered through the construct, and validity refers to the extent to which a construct measures for what it has been designed to measure. To further explore, the opinion of Akter et al. (2017) can be presented where authors have stated that reliability reveals the effectiveness of the construct that whether the constructs used in the survey are producing consistent results or not? It means does it work in an intended way or not? In addition, the concept of validity is also referred to as convergent validity, which represents the extent to which constructs that must be related are related. Meanwhile, Hair et al. (2017) shed light on the convergent validity as that it tells do indicators within the constructed measure the same thing which it must measure actually.

For reliability of the constructs, two empirical techniques have been used; Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Both techniques are being used to assess the internal consistency within the responses to see if constructs produce similar results. Meanwhile ( Hair et al., 2017 ), state that for constructs to be labelled as reliable, the alpha value needs to be above 0.7 in Cronbach’s alpha and Composite reliability results. However, to determine the compliance of constructs with the convergent validity, average variance extracted (AVE) has been used as a technique. Amaro et al. (2015) deem its prerequisite for assuming convergent validity that the AVE needs to be greater than 0.5. Table 2 reveals that Cronbach’s alpha and value of composite reliability are greater than the suggested threshold of 0.7 indicating that there is internal consistency within the responses, which supports the statement that constructs have produced consistent results and have worked in a way they were designed. Similarly, referring to convergent validity, the AVE for all constructs remains greater than 0.5, which supports the statement that constructs which must have been related are related.

The analysis of CFA reveals that the data used in the following study is reliable and valid to be used for further study, and it would also produce valid and consolidated unbiased results.

Discriminant validity

Discriminant validity is a technique to determine how many constructs are accurate in conceptual measurement. Hence, to confirm the accuracy of these measures, the concept of discriminant validity has been applied, which determines the extent to which the constructs that should not be related must be unrelated. To further explore the concept of discriminant validity, Hair et al. (2017) sheds light that a construct measures a unique concept or theory and, in this way, each of the measurements of the construct should be distinct and must not be related. In this regard, Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) ratio has been used to determine the conceptual accuracy of the constructs and result are illustrated in Table 4 .

Discriminant validity.

In accordance with the study conducted by Hair et al. (2017) , it is deemed a prerequisite that the value of the HTMT ratio needs to be below the threshold of 0.9 to confirm compliance with the discriminant validity. Meanwhile, the value of ratio as illustrated in Table 1 also meets the criteria outlined by the authors, which confirms that there is also discriminant validity.

Model specification

In empirical models, the focus of scholars’ remains with the coefficient of determination which is also referred to as R 2 , indicating the predictive strength of the model. The model of the study is depicted in Figure 1 .

In the current model, the R 2 remains to be 0.358 suggesting that 35.8% variance of mental health has been estimated by PA and sports activity, citing that 74.2% variance remains residual of the empirical model (see Table 5 ). This implies that residual can be estimated, or the predictive power of the existing model can be strengthened by the inclusion of other factors and variables into the model. In addition, the adjusted R 2 is 0.356, which is less than R 2 and supports the statement that inclusion of the factors and variables would further improve the model’s predictive power.

Model specification.

Path coefficients

Table 6 provides the path coefficients, where it is evident that one unit of the change into the PA and sports activity will also bring a change of 0.402 [ P value 0.000] and 0.330 [ P value 0.000], respectively. This suggests a positive and statistically significant impact of PA on the mental health of youth in Malaysia, and this implies that prevalence of PA among the youth can be one of the important factors to keep them away from mental health issues. Similarly, the effect of sports activity on mental health has also been found positive and statistically significant, suggesting that the involvement of the youth in sports can help them overcome mental health issues. As a result, the study’s hypotheses are accepted that PA and sports activity have a significant and positive impact on the youth’s mental health in Malaysia. Therefore, it can be asserted that PA and sports activity needs to be promoted among the university students of Malaysia in order to control prevailing mental health issues within the youth and secure a better future for the generations to come.

Path coefficient.

Contributing to the literature, the current study validates a conceptual model reflecting the association of PA and sports with students’ mental health. The hypothetical model in our study suggests the importance of a theoretical framework predicting mental health in students. Further, our research shows novelty for authenticating BPS model in Malaysian setting.

The findings presented that PA was positively associated with mental health of students. Past research exhibited the similar results regarding the link of PA with mental health of university students in different cultures ( Kayani et al., 2020a , b , 2021 ). BPS model of Di Benedetto also confirms the positive association of exercise and mental health ( Di Benedetto et al., 2010 ; Di Benedetto, 2015 ). Moreover, PA has been shown to have an antidepressant effect, implying that it can be used as a mental health prevention strategy ( Kandola et al., 2019 ). Moreover, Kandola et al. (2019) also argues that PA offers mental health benefits that may positively impact mental health. Furthermore, Clough et al. (2016) claimed that engaging in 15 min of PA every day reduces the risk of sadness and anxiety by 26%. Adopting a regular fitness routine lowers the chances of relapsing. PA generates various favorable changes in the brain, making it a reliable therapeutic for psychiatric illnesses. The generation of endorphins contributes to a sense of relaxation and well-being. These activities also diverge negative emotions and other factors that contribute to depression and stress. That is, PA significantly enhances mental well-being among students.

Furthermore, the study has found sport performance positively predicted mental health. In association with previous research ( Kayani et al., 2020a , b , 2021 ), increased sport and exercise enhances psychological well-being. In addition, sports are represented in another mental health prevention plan, where they are described as athletic games that are organized in various ways. Jukic et al. (2020) stated that sports involve physical effort and talent in which individuals or teams compete against one another for enjoyment. Eigenschenk et al. (2019) has indicated that outdoor activities provide good advantages for mental health through curing mental health issues. By promoting well-being, improving life, and boosting pleasure and life happiness, participation in sports has a favorable influence on overall health and mental ability. In addition, Siefken et al. (2019) conducted a study to see if sports impact mental health and analyze the link between leisure-time physical exercise and depression and anxiety. In sum, the study provides evidence for the importance of PA and sport participation in Malaysian society. Apart from this, the study portrays unidirectional relationships among all study variables. Two way associations are hence recommended to get more insight into the study variables.

Research implications

The study’s findings imply that regular PA and sport performance would contribute positively towards mental well-being. These findings are in agreement with the BPS model ( Di Benedetto, 2015 ) in relating exercise PA with mental health. The current study provides significant piece of knowledge portraying PA and sport as protective factor for mental health issues in the context of Malaysian university students.

The study also contains practical implications. The study has called our attention to the importance of PA and sport in promoting mental well-being among university students. The current research has identified that PA and sport play a valuable role in enhancing mental health of students. Therefore, the results suggest encouraging physical activities and sport performance among university students in mental health promotion and intervention initiatives. The research also recommends that institutions may consider teachers’ professional development in the domain of encouraging PA and sport participation. Future research in other cultures with the combination of other contributing factors affecting mental health may assist to better understanding of the phenomenon. Further intervention studies aiming at the promotion of well-being through a PA and sport could be taken into consideration.

Limitations and future research directions

This research describes several significant practical and theoretical implications, but some limitations need to be addressed in upcoming studies. For instance, this research has tested the model based on empirical evidence, which might be criticized for common method bias. Therefore, we suggest a qualitative approach and an in-depth interview to be conducted in future studies. Another limitation is that the research has been conducted in Malaysia by collecting data online from only one region of the country. This might cause sampling bias, and the results might not be generalized to other parts of the country. To get more generalizable results, samples from other cities and provinces of Malaysia may also be taken for future research. Further, the research is based on self-report measures, which may lead to inflated relationships. Future research could be conducted with experimental designs. Moreover, the sample in the present research is a relatively homogenous group of university students. Taking the heterogeneous sample may generate different findings.

In addition, the teachers, educationists and health practitioners should take the importance of PA and sport to promote mental well-being among university students. A recent study has provided a qualitative approach to develop PA leaders using a contemplative education approach to promote wellness among the elderly ( Tiaotrakul et al., 2019 ). The same approach could also be adopted for training the leaders guiding students to perform PA and sport.

This study reports on research on the effect of PA and sport activity on mental health of Malaysian university student. Underpinning this research was the BPS model of exercise, mental and physical health. This study’s research model was based on the evidence gathered from 512 students enrolled in different disciples of in Malaysian universities. After analyzing data in the structural model using PLS, we found that both PA and sport activity significantly predicted mental health of university students. However, the magnitude of the effect size of PA is more than sport performance. Therefore, our findings revealed that PA and sport performance contribute to sound mental health in Malaysian context. The research suggested that students who participate in PA and sport would have better mental health.

Data availability statement

Ethics statement.

The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Shaanxi Normal University. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

Author contributions

LC wrote the original draft. SK helped in method and data analysis. AK did critical analysis and edited the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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20+ Sport Psychology Dissertation Ideas - [Most Unusual Topics]

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Sport psychology dissertation topic: why it should be catchy, tips for choosing sport psychology dissertation topics, 25 intriguing dissertation topics in sport psychology, want help of expert writers in choosing topic contact us.

A dissertation is conducting and documenting research on a specific topic. The document should contain the students' findings and conclusions from the investigation. Dissertations are critical for students since they affect their final marks. However, never conducted this study to obtain a degree.

If pursuing a sports-related degree, prepare to work on sport psychology dissertation ideas . Every time you have this task, the professor expects a flawless paper. That is the only method to achieve high grades. What characteristics distinguish a decent sports paper topic? First and foremost, it must be pertinent. Also, make sure it's a subject you can handle professionally. If you choose an incorrect topic, it may not be easy to turn things around afterwards by taking dissertation help .

The primary goal of the dissertation is to acquaint the student with the process of studying, to discover the delight of looking for material, judging it, and eventually recording it by the student. This is the first test of the student's originality. In addition, it demonstrates pupils' communication skills and tests their analytical abilities.

Topic selection is an essential component of the dissertation because it is part of your academic degree. Always choose themes from your area of expertise while choosing topics. Never choose subjects from unusual regions. If you select a topic you know very little about, the research portion will be damaged, and the documentation process will fail.

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1. Set Priority of Task

The sport psychology dissertation topics ushers in a new age of research. Faculty no longer control your procedural requirements as a doctorate candidate. Instead, you must investigate the chosen issue, plan its progression, and adapt your lifestyle to ensure its completion.

2. Choose An Interesting Topic

Furthermore, if your lecturer changes his or her focus, you may be left adrift and unable to complete your academic work then take sport psychology dissertation ideas .  Remember, this subject should keep you interested and motivated for at least a year or two. So choose it with the same care as a new pair of formal shoes.

3. Know About Ongoing Research

Conduct keyword searches in digital databases regularly to find fresh viewpoints or challenges related to your topic. Remember that this is a tough and never-ending effort since new research is always being developed. Therefore, make certain that your time is not spent researching fresh research at the price of assessing your own.

4. Obtain your References Properly

Evaluate your constructs and obtain references to support your construct definition. If your definition veers from the accepted literature, be prepared to defend the definitional defiance to your committee and reviewers who may later, hopefully, publish your results.

5. Support Your Topic

Assess your constructions and gather references to back up your construct definition. If your definition deviates from the recognised literature, be prepared to defend it to your committee and reviewers, who may later, hopefully, publish your findings.

6. Set a Deadline to Complete the Task

A timeline can help you choose your sport psychology dissertation ideas even more effectively. Some projects can be finished in a year, while others might take two or more years. Choose a topic that will be workable within the time constraints.

Also Read:  5 Benefits of Studying Psychology

• Students studying sports psychology dissertation help should select titles that will help them advance in their careers. The 15 dissertation titles are both challenging and entertaining.
• Sports injury: An investigation of sports injuries' causes and rapid healing.
• Obesity in footballers: How does obesity impact football players mentally?
• Leadership in sports: A study of team sport players' leadership characteristics.
• Coaching and homosexuality
• Gender in coaching: How much more effective is a woman coaching while coaching men's sports?
• Marathon injuries in football players: A research to see if frequent injuries psychologically degrade a skilled sports player.
• Drug users among athletes: A research to determine whether mental illness causes athletes to become addicted
• The main problem of depression among football players: Get the complete way to understand how depression attacks a football player who rarely gets playtime on their field.
• What is racism among the cricketers? While discussing it, the complete study of racist comments affects the black players in the South African cricket team.
• How the career transition plays a vital role in sports: In this section, students will study the psychological effects of career riding injuries in football in Spain.
• How do you explain exercise and parenthood? In this section, students will check about the problems faced by the child sports person training and with their parents.
• Explain the complex and ego. It is the study for checking how difficult the child football players in academic sports affect their performance.
• What is hatred among football players? This section covers all the rivalries among the football players in the same team.
• Why has there been a clash between the coach and the player? What are the leading causes behind it? In this section, students will study the main reasons for the conflicts between the athlete and his coach.
• Is it true that students are drug addicts in the football team? It is a study about drug addict players of football in the country of Africa.

Above mentioned are a few suggestions for the students looking for a topic selection in sport psychology. If you also want expert assistance, you are in the right place. You can choose the desired thing as per your interest and requirement. You can consult expert writers if stuck with selecting the best one. For this reason, they will help you deal with the issues arising in your academic life.

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100 Psychology Thesis Topics for 2023

Students know the importance of developing great psychology dissertation topics for a graduate assignment. However, many don’t have the time to brainstorm ideas that meet the requirements their professors expect. We’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting and have put together a list of 100 psychology thesis topics suitable for several situations. Feel free to pick a topic and start writing your thesis proposal .

General Psychology Topics for High School

• Give five top reasons why you would want to become a psychologist.
• What kind of influence has psychology research had in other sciences?
• Why are teenagers at higher risk of developing an eating disorder?
• How are phobias developed in children under the age of twelve?
• In what ways did Pavlov’s conditioning experiment contribute to our understanding of addiction therapy?

Child Psychology Research Paper Topics

• What are the major differences between psychiatry and psychology?
• Discuss mental tools that can be used to determine when children are lying to adults.
• What were the ethical complications involve 12d in the Little Albert Experiment?
• What does research suggest is the origin of intelligence in children?
• How does emotional intelligence in children affect their learning abilities?

Cognitive Psychology Topics

• How did Alan Turing’s suggestion that the brain is an organized machine lead to computers?
• Do the “seven chunks of information” still hold through in research?
• Can we develop working memory to retain greater long-term memory?
• Can a person that has been convicted of a felony charge change into a law-abiding citizen?
• How can cognitive therapy be used to help patients suffering from emotional disorders?

Developmental Psychology Topics

• How do our perceptions of our experiences affect development in teenagers?
• What are the four levels of development and which is most important in children?
• Can a moral judgment be taught to toddlers who have latent reasoning skills?
• How are our personalities developed through the influence of others?
• Are children naturally beholden to one parent or the other?

Social Psychology Topics for College Students

• How are a person’s original opinions influenced by the opinions of larger groups?
• What psychological effects does spending too much time on social media have?
• How do social psychologists deal with aggression and violence in young adults?
• What impact has social psychology had on our understanding of online bullying?
• How do family dynamics change when a member of the immediate family dies?

Sports Psychology Research Topics

• Does aging have a bigger impact on retired athletes’ mental health than head trauma?
• How is mental health affected by long recovery schedules for serious body injuries?
• How does neuro-linguistic programming in professional athletes affect performance?
• How do professional athletes mentally prepare for competitions?
• How have approaches to sports training and preparation been affected by developments in psychology?

Controversial Topics in Psychology

• How did the Milgram Obedience Experiments of the 1960s help us understand how we view authority figures?
• How did the Stanford Experiment help further our knowledge of situational variables on human behavior?
• How did Harlow’s experiments of affection (especially the lack of affection) lead to advancements in child development theories?
• Does the implementation of capital punishment on sex offenders prevent them from committing a crime?
• What is the link between criminal acts and teenagers that were bullied?

Health Psychology Topics for College Students

• What impact do regular exercise and healthy eating have on mental health in young adults?
• How have the media’s depictions of body ideals have negatively impacted how young adults see themselves?
• What are the most effective strategies for getting people to develop healthy eating habits?
• What can local governments do to help people maintain mental health after a disaster?
• How do stress management techniques help people cope with difficult situations in the workplace?

More Controversial Psychology Topics

• What did the “lost in a mall” study lead to a better understanding of how memories are formed and stored?
• Why was were the Voodoo Correlation studies of the 1960s so controversial and what did they reveal about human behavior?
• What did showing a lack of affection in infants reveal about the need to nurture one’s young?
• What did the Kirsch Anti-Depressant reveal about the impact that harmless placebos have on humans?
• What are the potential risks of taking part in multiple health studies throughout a given year?

Great Educational Psychology Topics

• How can different technologies help students perform better at school?
• Does working in a small group help students retain more information?
• How does physical activity help students perform better on standardized tests?
• What psychological factors should teachers consider as they develop each year’s curriculum?
• In what ways do psychologists help develop confidence in students with learning disabilities?

Excellent Cultural Psychology Topics

• What are some of the most difficult cultural situations young people face?
• In what ways does developing culture roots with one’s family positively impact social behavior?
• What stresses do young people feel when they return to their native countries?
• What impact does cultural learning have on students in elementary school?
• How does family support help young people cope with difficult decisions?

Psychology Topics to Write About

• Why are adolescents more at risk of developing some type of eating disorder?
• What are the negative effects of insomnia in patients being treated in a medical facility?
• In what ways does group therapy positively impact a patient’s ability to overcome addiction?
• Why should therapists refrain from prescribing ADHD medications to children?
• What are the most effective ways of treating PTSD without using prescription medication?

Abnormal Psychology Topics

• What are the psychological effects of telling either a truth or a lie among young adults?
• What are the major causes of borderline personality disorder in teenagers?
• In what ways does the level of insanity change in patients under specific treatment?
• Why are some people more prone to suffer from personality disorders?
• Can the Oedipus complex first introduced by Freud be used in treatment today?

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

• What role does television media play in promoting violence in adults?
• What are the major psychological characteristics in a child prone to aggression?
• What are the major factors in sociopathic behavior among youth?
• What are some traditional ways of parenting that have been proven ineffective?
• What environmental factors increase the chances of child abuse by a parent?

Biological Psychology Topics

• How are cognitive diseases related to the development of certain disorders?
• How are our perceptions of the world around us affecting the way we behave?
• Can alcohol addiction and other drug-related dependencies be tied to genetics?
• Does biology prevent humans from experiencing a pure sense of free will?
• In what ways does functionalism play into biological psychology?

More Sports Psychology Topics

• What are the negative effects on the mind of exercising to lose weight?
• How is having a network of supporters important for athletic performance?
• How does the attention of PHDs affect the way people feel about sports?
• What impact do sports role models have on a youth’s development?
• Is the NCAA giving an adequate education to its student-athletes?
• What are the most effective ways of dealing with school bullying?
• What are the major causes of psychopathic tendencies in teenagers?
• How does our modern society deal with gender roles?
• What are the key characteristics that improve the abilities to learn a new language?
• Do children require a good foundation to excel academically?

Forensic Psychology Topics

• How can psychology be used to identify and put suspects on trial for certain crimes?
• How has forensic psychology assisted in the way we look at death penalty cases?
• Can psychotic disorders be reevaluated as a result of better psych understanding?
• Should mental diseases be considered in capital punishment cases?
• How would you evaluate the mitigating effects of capital cases in people?

What did you think of our list of psychology thesis topics? Our professional dissertation writers keep our list of ideas up-to-date so that students are always pushing the envelope of research in every discipline. Check back for new general psychology topics or contact us to have a list custom-made for a specific research project.

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Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas

Home » Ideas » Sports Dissertation Research Topics » Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas

• Updated: December 8, 2023

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Discovering the depth of sports psychology is like starting an exciting and demanding journey. Being part of this discipline requires more than just idle attention. It involves a thorough commitment to understanding the complicated processes behind the human mind as they connect with the performance of sports.

Sports psychologist devote their career to enhancing the performance and well-being of the athletes. Don’t freak out if you are struggling with the dissertation topics.

The procedure for identifying the right subject has the potential to be more attainable with the right approach. Dissertation help services let you accelerate your decision-making process by following these tips;

• Make sure your topic aligns with the requirements of your discipline
• Seek guidance from the experts in your field
• Ensure the relevance of your study

Sports psychology ideas like; youth sports and development, team dynamics, athlete well-being and mental skills training are the core emphasis of our online dissertation help services.

List Of Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics In the UK

We’ve drawn a structured list of subject matter to assist you in discovering sports dissertation research topics . Any topic on the list can be changed to fit your interests and needs. And research goals.

Also, if you’ve been searching for completely distinct topics, do contact us by filling out the form on this site and we’ll be pleased to assist you with further process. Whether you need help creating new ideas or need encouragement to start your dissertation writing, our team stands by you at every step.

Our skilled team is available to assist you 24/7 which is also why your problem can be resolved promptly. Our dissertation services are ready to assist you in every way possible.

1. The Impact of Mental Resilience Training on Injured Athletes’ Rehabilitation

The aim of this research inquiry will be to assess the effectiveness of mental resilience training programs in facilitating the rehabilitation process for injured athletes.

• To evaluate the psychological challenges faced by injured athletes during rehabilitation.
• To significantly implement and analyse the outcomes of a tailored mental resilience training program.
• To assess the influence of mental resilience on adherence to rehabilitation protocols.
• To determine the long-term impact of mental resilience training on athletes’ return to sport.

2. Examining the Relationship between Athlete Self-Confidence and Performance Success in Individual Sports

The aim of this inquiry will be to investigate the link between athletes’ self-confidence levels and their performance outcomes in individual sports.

• To evaluate athletes’ self-confidence levels through psychological assessments.
• To observe and record performance data across multiple competitions.
• To analyse the correlation between self-confidence and performance results.
• To recognise strategies for enhancing self-confidence in individual sport athletes.

3. Team Cohesion and Its Influence on Competitive Youth Soccer Performance..

The aim of this research study will be to explore the impact of team cohesion on the performance of youth soccer teams in competitive leagues.

• To assess team cohesion levels through surveys and observations.
• To track the performance of youth soccer teams over a season.
• To examine the relationship between team cohesion and performance outcomes.
• To develop recommendations for fostering team cohesion in youth soccer programs.

4. The Psychological Challenges of Transitioning from Collegiate to Professional Athletics.

The aim of this research inquiry will be to understand the psychological challenges athletes face when transitioning from collegiate sports to professional leagues.

• To interview athletes who have undergone the transition from college to professional sports.
• To identify common psychological hurdles encountered during this transition.
• To explore coping mechanisms used by successful transitioning athletes.
• To develop a support framework to assist athletes in managing the transition effectively.

5. The Impact of Coach-Athlete Communication Styles on Performance and Athlete Satisfaction.

The aim of this research inquiry will be to examine how different coach-athlete communication styles influence athlete performance and satisfaction.

• To analyse coach-athlete communication styles through surveys and interviews.
• To evaluate athlete performance and satisfaction in relation to coaching styles.
• To determine the correlation between specific communication styles and performance outcomes.
• To provide practical recommendations for enhancing coach-athlete communication in sports coaching.

6. Investigating the Role of Psychological Skills Training in Improving Youth Athletes’ Concentration and Focus.

The aim of this inquiry will be to assess the effectiveness of psychological skills training in enhancing concentration and focus among young athletes.

• To analyse psychological skills training to a group of youth athletes.
• To evaluate changes in their concentration and focus levels pre and post-training.
• To compare the performance of trained athletes with a control group.
• To provide strategies for incorporating psychological skills training in youth sports programs to boost concentration.

7. The Psychological Factors Influencing Performance in Extreme Sports.

The aim of this research inquiry will be to identify the psychological factors that impact performance in extreme sports and explore strategies for optimizing them.

• To conduct interviews and surveys with extreme sports athletes.
• To analyse the influence of fear, risk perception, and motivation on performance.
• To examine coping mechanisms used in high-stress, extreme sports environments.
• To provide guidelines for psychological preparation in extreme sports.

8. The Effect of Parental Involvement on Youth Athletes’ Motivation and Psychological Well-being..

The aim of this research inquiry will be to investigate the role of parental involvement in youth athletes’ motivation and psychological well-being.

• To conduct a survey of youth athletes and their parents regarding their experiences.
• To analyse the impact of parental behaviours, both positive and negative, on athlete motivation.
• To assess the athletes’ psychological well-being in relation to their parents’ involvement.
• To provide recommendations for healthy parental involvement in youth sports.

9. Gender Differences in Sports Confidence and Its Impact on Performance..

The aim of this inquiry will be to explore gender differences in sports confidence and how it influences athletic performance.

• To evaluate data on sports confidence levels among male and female athletes.
• To compare the performance outcomes of male and female athletes in various sports.
• To examine the relationship between sports confidence and performance for each gender.
• To propose strategies for boosting sports confidence regardless of gender.

10. The Application of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Reducing Competitive Anxiety in Collegiate Athletes.

The aim of this inquiry will be to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing competitive anxiety among collegiate athletes.

• To analyse mindfulness training programs for a group of collegiate athletes.
• To assess changes in competitive anxiety levels before and after the intervention.
• To compare the performance of athletes who undergo mindfulness training with a control group.
• To provide recommendations for integrating mindfulness practices into collegiate sports programs.

11. The Influence of Leadership Styles on Team Dynamics and Performance in Collegiate Athletics.

The aim of this research study will be to examine how different leadership styles among coaches impact team dynamics and performance in collegiate sports.

• To identify and categorize coaching leadership styles in collegiate sports.
• To analyse the effects of leadership styles on team cohesion and motivation.
• To assess the relationship between leadership styles and team performance outcomes.
• To provide recommendations for optimizing coaching leadership in collegiate athletics.

12. Exploring the Relationship between Sports Participation and Self-Esteem in Adolescents.

The aim of this research inquiry will be to investigate the link between adolescent sports participation and the development of self-esteem.

• To conduct surveys and interviews with adolescents involved in sports and those who are not.
• To evaluate self-esteem levels among both groups.
• To analyse the impact of sports participation on self-esteem development.
• To provide strategies for enhancing self-esteem through sports programs for adolescents.

13. Mental Health and Coping Strategies of Paralympic Athletes: A Longitudinal Study.

The aim of this research inquiry will be to longitudinally examine the mental health challenges and coping strategies of Paralympic athletes throughout their careers.

• To analyse athletes at different stages of their careers through Paralympic interviews.
• To evaluate changes in mental health indicators over time.
• To identify the coping mechanisms employed by Paralympic athletes in response to challenges.
• To provide recommendations for mental health support in Paralympic sports.

14. Technology-Assisted Sports Psychology Interventions for Performance Enhancement.

The aim of this inquiry will be to explore the effectiveness of technology-assisted interventions in improving the mental aspects of athletic performance.

• To develop and implement technology-based interventions (e.g., apps, virtual reality) for athletes.
• To assess the impact of these interventions on mental skills development.
• To compare the performance outcomes of athletes who use technology-assisted interventions with those who do not.
• To provide guidelines for integrating technology into sports psychology programs.

15. Motivation and Its Influence on Skill Acquisition in Youth Sports..

The aim of this inquiry will be to investigate how motivation levels affect the skill acquisition process in young athletes.

• To evaluate motivation levels among youth athletes in various sports.
• To analyse skill development and improvement over time.
• To assess the correlation between motivation and skill acquisition.
• To provide practical strategies for enhancing motivation in youth sports programs to optimize skill development.

16. Sports Psychology Support in Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Programs.

The aim of this inquiry will be to evaluate the role of sports psychology in preventing injuries and aiding in the rehabilitation of injured athletes.

• To examine the psychological factors contributing to sports injuries.
• To implement sports psychology interventions in injury prevention programs.
• To evaluate the recovery process and psychological well-being of injured athletes.
• To practical recommendations for integrating sports psychology into injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols.

17. Cross-Cultural Differences in Sports Psychology Practices and Their Impact on Athlete Performance.

The aim of this inquiry will be to explore cultural variations in sports psychology practices and their effects on athlete performance.

• To investigate sports psychology approaches across different cultures.
• To compare the performance outcomes of athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• To analyse the influence of cultural factors on athletes’ mental preparation and performance.
• To recommend strategies for culturally sensitive sports psychology support.

18. Social Media, Athlete Identity, and Psychological Well-being.

The aim of this research inquiry will be to examine the relationship between athletes’ social media usage, their self-identity, and psychological well-being.

• To conduct survey athletes about their social media habits and self-identity perceptions.
• To assess the impact of social media on athletes’ mental health and performance.
• To identify strategies for athletes to maintain a positive online presence.
• To provide recommendations for sports organisations to support athletes in managing social media-related stress.

19. The Role of Psychological Support in Performance Recovery Following a Major Setback in Elite Athletes.

The aim of this inquiry will be to investigate how psychological support can aid elite athletes in recovering from significant setbacks in their careers.

• To conduct interview elite athletes who have experienced major setbacks.
• To examine the psychological challenges they faced during the recovery process.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions in their recovery.
• To provide guidelines for integrating psychological support into the rehabilitation of elite athletes.

20. Athlete Well-being and the Transition to Retirement: A Comparative Study of Different Sports..

The aim of this specific research inquiry will be to compare the psychological well-being and retirement experiences of athletes from various sports disciplines.

• To conduct interview with retired athletes from different sports backgrounds.
• To analyse their psychological well-being post-retirement.
• To identify commonalities and differences in retirement experiences.
• To provide practical recommendations for athlete well-being support during and after retirement.

Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas. (2024, March 14). Retrieved from DissertationHelpServices website: https://dissertationhelpservices.uk/sports-psychology-dissertation-topics/.

Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas. (2024, March 14). DissertationHelpServices. https://dissertationhelpservices.uk/sports-psychology-dissertation-topics/

Works Cited

“Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas.” DissertationHelpServices, 14 Mar. 2024, dissertationhelpservices.uk/sports-psychology-dissertation-topics/.

Bibliography

DissertationHelpServices. “Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas,” March 14, 2024. https://dissertationhelpservices.uk/sports-psychology-dissertation-topics/.

“Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas.” 2024. DissertationHelpServices. March 14, 2024. https://dissertationhelpservices.uk/sports-psychology-dissertation-topics/.

Reference list

DissertationHelpServices. (2024). Unlocking Best Sports Psychology Dissertation Topics Ideas. [online] Available at: https://dissertationhelpservices.uk/sports-psychology-dissertation-topics/.

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