P/PS/49. Sport and its psychological impacts

The paper looks at the problems related to sport as a social, psychological, physical and cultural phenomenon. The key psychological reactions are outlined focusing on the sport performance anxiety. The role of professional, recreational and motivational factors in varying responses to competition is discussed. A study is conducted among a selected group of athletes based on qualitative research methods (interviews) identifying the reasons for playing sport; confidence levels; motivation levels; feelings before performing; expected levels of performance; coping strategies, etc.