ABSTRACT

Despite the growing literature on spirituality and its positive impact on well-being in health psychology, education, occupational psychology and leisure studies, it has been less examined in sport studies. Meaning and Spirituality in Sport and Exercise: Psychological Perspectives examines the many forms of spirituality in sport from a psychological perspective, from moments of transcendence and finding deeper meaning and value to prayer before an important competition or in adversity, such as a career-threatening injury.

Based on the latest research and the Nesti’s experience in applied sport psychology service delivery, this book covers a range of novel topics linking spirituality to athlete development, injury, exercise motivation, and ageing athletes, and offers applied, practical guidance for sport psychologists working with spiritual athletes.

Offering a unique contribution to the study of spirituality in sport, and to sport psychology practice, this book is vital reading for any upper-level student or academic working in sport and exercise psychology, religion and sport, or the philosophy of sport, and any practising sport psychologist.

chapter 1|14 pages

Introduction

part 15I|26 pages

The foundations

chapter 2|10 pages

Theory

chapter 3|14 pages

Research

part 41II|38 pages

Key concepts

chapter 4|14 pages

Meaning not motivation

chapter 5|11 pages

Health

What for?

chapter 6|11 pages

Play

part 79III|40 pages

Life journeys in sport

chapter 7|13 pages

Career

chapter 8|12 pages

Injury

chapter 9|13 pages

Ageing

part 119IV|32 pages

Applied practice

chapter 10|12 pages

Applied reflections

chapter 12|7 pages

Conclusion