Sports psychology studies a particular branch of human behavior. Sport is a word with a very wide range of meaning. It can mean making cruel fun of someone for entertainment purposes but it can also be used to imply honorable behavior, as in, 'He showed great sportsmanship'. The wide range of contexts and connotations associated with the word illustrates its importance in human affairs. sports psychology
Because the two words are so widely used in many different contexts it may be necessary to narrow the field when discussing the phrase. In this article the focus will be on some of the ways in which human behavior manifests itself in games.
At one extreme games are entirely relaxing and recreational. Sports matches that are televised show a wide variety of people dressed in outlandish costumes. Though the may be taking an interest in the game they also appear to be keeping an eye out for the television camera and when they see themselves on screen the wave and gyrate enthusiastically.
Though twenty-first century spectators no longer delight in death there are similarities between the behavior of the Roman crowds at gladiatorial games and modern sports spectators. In both cases they appear to enjoy submitting themselves to a mood of general jollity. Mob behavior is fun, especially when it takes place within fairly safe recreational boundaries.
Roman crowds enjoyed watching things being put to death perhaps in a way that is similar to the way that television audiences enjoy watching wrestlers jumping on each other. Perhaps it is a sign of advancement that there are now relatively few followers of killing for recreation left in the world, and that most people are satisfied that there is always a winner and a loser.
Sports psychology, therefore, studies two extremes of human behavior. On the one hand there is the relaxed enjoyment of recreation. On the other hand there is the intense concentration required in competition. Commercial markets are driven by fear and greed. Drama is about the impulse to advance and the opposing impulse to withdraw. Sports are about the opposing impulses to compete and to have fun.
Because the two words are so widely used in many different contexts it may be necessary to narrow the field when discussing the phrase. In this article the focus will be on some of the ways in which human behavior manifests itself in games.
At one extreme games are entirely relaxing and recreational. Sports matches that are televised show a wide variety of people dressed in outlandish costumes. Though the may be taking an interest in the game they also appear to be keeping an eye out for the television camera and when they see themselves on screen the wave and gyrate enthusiastically.
Though twenty-first century spectators no longer delight in death there are similarities between the behavior of the Roman crowds at gladiatorial games and modern sports spectators. In both cases they appear to enjoy submitting themselves to a mood of general jollity. Mob behavior is fun, especially when it takes place within fairly safe recreational boundaries.
Roman crowds enjoyed watching things being put to death perhaps in a way that is similar to the way that television audiences enjoy watching wrestlers jumping on each other. Perhaps it is a sign of advancement that there are now relatively few followers of killing for recreation left in the world, and that most people are satisfied that there is always a winner and a loser.
Sports psychology, therefore, studies two extremes of human behavior. On the one hand there is the relaxed enjoyment of recreation. On the other hand there is the intense concentration required in competition. Commercial markets are driven by fear and greed. Drama is about the impulse to advance and the opposing impulse to withdraw. Sports are about the opposing impulses to compete and to have fun.
