Sport Psychology is an interdisciplinary program at Grace College that draws on knowledge from Counseling Psychology and Sport Management and Scripture. It involves the study of how psychological factors affect performance and how participation in sport and exercise affect psychological and physical factors. In addition to instruction and training of psychological skills for performance improvement, applied sport psychology may include work with athletes, coaches and parents regarding injury, communication and team building. This program encompasses a range of topics including motivation to persist and achieve, psychological consideration in sport injury and rehabilitation, counseling techniques with athletes, assessing talent, self-perceptions related to achieving, expertise in sport, youth sport and performance enhancement all from a Biblical perspective. A Sport Management Minor is required with this major.
Examples of courses in this major:
An introduction to the major theories in counseling including secular and Christian approaches. The methodology of each approach will be analyzed based upon the respective theory of psychopathology. Special attention will be given to various skills, techniques, and applications of these approaches. Prerequisite: PSY110 or SOC110. Three hours.
This course develops a theoretical base for evaluating human problems within a biblical framework. Once this has been accomplished, practical techniques will be discussed to help counselors structure the counseling session and implement change. Prerequisite: PSY230 or PSY234/PSY210. Three hours.
This course will examine the history, theories and methods of group counseling. Students will learn about the applications of group psychotherapy through group discussions and role-playing demonstrations. This course will further examine the roles, behaviors, and therapeutic factors utilized in a variety of group settings. Prerequisite PSY344. Three hours.
Students will develop an appreciation of the interaction and relationship between biological, psychological and social factors that influence one’s physical health and health behaviors. This course will examine lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, substance abuse and individual motivational factors. Additionally, this course will assess how psychological research, theories and principles apply to health promotion, health care issues and chronic illness.
This course is designed to help students both learn and then apply practical as well as theoretical information as it relates to the psychology of sport. The class will work to provide an understanding of how personality, self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy and other psychological characteristics relate to participation and performance in sport and physical activities. The class will also investigate the impact of stress, motivation, goal-setting, leadership and imagery on performance. The student will also learn common struggles and intervention strategies in working with athletes and recreational exercisers to enhance performance and participation.