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Research Approaches in Sport Psychology and Exercise Psychology

Author(s)

Sun Zhangzhe, Liu Yue

Affiliation(s)

College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi, China

Abstract

Sport psychology and exercise psychology represent two major branches of sport psychology, focusing respectively on the optimization of athletic performance and the promotion of physical activity among the general population. With the advancement of research methodologies and increasing interdisciplinary integration, the two fields have demonstrated growing convergence in theoretical foundations, research methods, and practical applications. Through a comprehensive literature review, this paper systematically examines recent developments in sport psychology and exercise psychology. Particular attention is given to advances in cognitive neuroscience, psychological intervention techniques, and emerging competitive domains within sport psychology, as well as research on the mechanisms underlying exercise-related mental health benefits, psychological determinants of exercise behavior, and personalized intervention strategies within exercise psychology. Furthermore, the similarities and differences between the two fields are analyzed in terms of theoretical foundations, research populations, research objectives, and intervention orientations. the review suggests that although sport psychology and exercise psychology differ in their primary research concerns and application contexts, both seek to explain and promote the psychological processes underlying human movement behavior. Moreover, increasing integration is evident in the application of neuroscience technologies, artificial intelligence, and behavioral intervention approaches. Looking ahead, AI-driven research, neuroscience investigations in real-world settings, and the development of culturally grounded theories are expected to become key directions for future advancement in sport psychology. the findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the disciplinary framework of sport psychology and provide implications for future research and practice.

Keywords

Sport Psychology; Exercise Psychology; Sport Psychology Discipline; Research Progress; Psychological Intervention

References

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