Sport Psychology Highlights 1966-1974

Highlights of Period 4 (1966–1977)

• 1966: Clinical psychologists Bruce Ogilvie and Thomas Tutko publish Problem Athletes and How to Handle Them; they provide consulting to athletes and sports teams.
• 1967: Psychology of Physical Activity is authored by Bryant Cratty from UCLA, contributing to the understanding of psychological principles in sports.
• 1967: The first annual NASPSPA (North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity) conference takes place, marking a significant step in the field's development.
• 1972: Sport Psychology is published by John Lawther, further establishing the academic foundation of the discipline.
• 1974: For the first time, proceedings from the NASPSPA conference are published, highlighting the conference's discussions and advancements in the field.

Highlights of Period 5: Multidisciplinary Science and Practice in Sport and Exercise Psychology (1978–1999)

• Mid-1970s to 1999: Marked by significant growth in sport and exercise psychology, both in North America and globally, with increased public recognition and respect.
• Evolving interest in applied issues leads to the development of exercise psychology as a specialty area for researchers and practitioners.
• The discipline differentiates from motor learning and control and motor development, establishing its place as an independent subdiscipline.
• Enhanced research quality receives greater acceptance within both psychology and sports communities.
• Introduction of alternative qualitative and interpretive research methods as the period progresses.
• Establishment of specialty journals and conferences alongside numerous book publications to disseminate knowledge.
• Increased enrollment of students and professionals from general psychology backgrounds into sport and exercise psychology.
• Multidisciplinary training evolves, incorporating counseling and psychology-related courses for students in the field.
• Key professional practice issues arise, including:
  • Defining training standards for practitioners.
  • Developing ethical standards and establishing licensure.
  • Creating full-time positions as the demand for professionals grows.
• Dorothy Harris of Pennsylvania State University plays a pivotal role in advancing women's representation in sport psychology.
  • First American and female member of the International Society of Sport Psychology.
  • Recipient of the first Fulbright Fellowship in sport psychology.
  • The inaugural female president of the North American Society of Sport Psychology and Physical Activity, setting benchmarks for future generations of women in the field.

Key Events in Period 5

• 1979: Launch of the Journal of Sport Psychology, later renamed Sport and Exercise Psychology, emphasizes academic contributions to the field.
• 1980: Formation of the Sport Psychology Advisory Board by the U.S. Olympic Committee to enhance athlete support.
• 1984: Increased media focus on sport psychology is noted during American television coverage of the Olympic Games.
• 1985: The U.S. Olympic Committee hires its first full-time sport psychologist, marking a significant institutional commitment to athlete mental health.
• 1986: The establishment of The Sport Psychologist, the first applied scholarly journal dedicated to the discipline.
• 1986: AASP (Association for Applied Sport Psychology) is created to support practitioners in the field.
• 1987: Formation of APA Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology), enhancing the organizational structure for professionals.
• 1988: For the first time, the U.S. Olympic team is accompanied by an officially recognized sport psychologist.
• 1989: The Journal of Applied Sport Psychology begins, providing a platform for applied research.
• 1991: AASP introduces the “certified consultant” designation, formalizing recognition of qualified practitioners in sport psychology.

Explore the significant developments in sport psychology from 1966 to 1974. This quiz covers key publications and conferences that shaped the field, including works by Bruce Ogilvie, Thomas Tutko, and John Lawther. Test your knowledge of the milestones that continue to influence sport and exercise psychology today.