Module 5: Effects of Psychological Factors

Fitness testing and training

1. Psychological Factors
2. Motivation
   1. Types of motivation
3. Motivation Activity
4. Arousal and Anxiety
   1. Effects on sports performance
5. Personality
   1. Type A and Type B personality types
6. Concentration
7. Summary of Psychological Factors Effects on Exercise
   1. Short-term effects
   2. Long-term effects

Motivation

Motivation is the reason why individuals take part in sport and physical activity. These reasons may be as they wish to become an Olympic/World champion or it maybe simply to be fit and healthy. Whatever the reasons are, in order for an individual to continue with their sport they need to maintain this motivation; once this motivation is lost that is when the individuals decide to no longer take part in sport.

Motivation can be defined as:

The wish, desire, drive or impulse to participate in, or perform well at a goal directed activity.

Or:

• The drive to achieve or the will to win
• The reasons why people do what they do.

As a sports performer, motivation is there, however, it is the level in which effects the end product. Motivation is a key area for coaches and trainers to gain an insight in to for their athletes so they can encourage the following:

• Performers to remain focused
• Performers to push themselves in a training programme
• Non participants to get involved in physical activity.