Exercise and Sport Psychology

Athletes seeking the competitive edge may use the services of an exercise and sport psychologist who applies psychological principles aimed at creating an improved performer. The first psychological experiments with a sport theme were conducted in the 1890s, the first sport psychology laboratory was created by Dr. Coleman Griffith at the University of Illinois in 1923, and the field has continued to grow. Its influence has been particularly noticeable in the last 20 years. Many professional challenges lie ahead in training, licensure, ethics, image, and job opportunities, but the future of the field appears bright.