Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a review of the original and contemporary research on the various stressors, hassles, and adversity encountered by sport performers, with a particular focus on their conceptualization. It offers a detailed and critical insight into the scholarly work conducted on the type, dimensions, properties and other characteristics of stressors, hassles, and adversity, before concluding with insightful suggestions for their optimal management via primary interventions. The book provides a timely update on relevant terminologies and conceptual distinctions, before reviewing the psychological and psychophysiological literature on primary and secondary appraising in sport. It explores future research priorities and implications for applied practice. The book considers the major theoretical perspectives and research on coping in sport, with a particular focus on how it relates to performance and well-being.