Module 1: Personality

Psychology for Sports Performance

1. Introduction to personality
2. Definitions of personality
   1. Trait approach
   2. Situational approach
   3. Interactional approach
3. Introverts and extroverts
4. Personality type activity
5. Type A and Type B personality types
6. Type A and B personality activity
7. Personality theories
8. Eysenck's personality activities
9. How does personality impact of sports performance?

Introduction to personality

No two people are the same; everyone has their own personality characteristics. These influence what people do for a job or what sport they take part in. There are over 5000 different types of personality characteristics. A person may choose their sport because of their personality type, someone who enjoys being on their own and are quiet may choose an individual sport such as swimming, whereas someone who enjoys being around others and is loud may choose to play football.

Personality has been defined in many different ways here is one example:

'A blend of psychological characteristics that make individuals unique'. (Weinberg & Gould, 1995)

Personality characteristics

Here are some examples of personality characteristics:

• Active
• Quiet
• Loud
• Peaceful
• Calm
• Controlled
• Easygoing
• Aggressive
• Lively
• Reserved
• Thoughtful
• Outgoing
• Shy
• Careful
• Touchy
• Unsociable
• Leadership

Which personality characteristics relate to you?