Sport and Exercise Psychology: Understanding Social, Developmental and Personality Factors.

It is important that an Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (ASEP) practitioner is aware of those factors that may have an impact on their work with clients. In order to increase the efficacy of their work, ASEP practitioners must seek to better understand the client, and this involves establishing client characteristics and the social context in which they operate. This chapter examines the influence that social, developmental, and personality factors may have on performance and satisfaction. It begins by focusing on social psychological factors, including culture, and group cohesion. Turning to developmental factors, we start with child athletes, and, in exploring the ageing process, we consider those factors that influence an individual's ability to engage in regular exercise. The final section of the chapter explores personality factors with a focus on trait approaches. As you read through this chapter, we encourage you to consider your own views by completing the activity boxes provided.