ABSTRACT
This chapter provides key concepts and definitions that have to do with personality as this construct has relevance for sport, exercise and performance psychology. It also provides an overview of some major theoretical perspectives in the personality area that may have some degree of value in sport, exercise and other performance domains. The chapter considers how personality can be assessed by the practitioner in sport, exercise and performance psychology. It describes a framework that can enable a practitioner to use personality-related information as one basis for the personal development and performance enhancement of their clients. The task of understanding the nature and scope of an individual’s personality is important for the practitioner in their work with their clients for several reasons. Personality-related information of this kind will assist the practitioner in the design and implementation of appropriate interventions and enable the practitioner in getting a better understanding of the makeup of the individual.
