ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on exploring theoretical issues in studying meaning and spirituality. It provides an historical overview of the paradigmatic development of sport and exercise psychology is provided to explore the reasons behind the neglect of the study of spirituality in the discipline. The chapter discusses the importance of this paradigmatic shift for the study of spirituality, and briefly considers four theoretical approaches that are especially suitable for studying spirituality: phenomenological psychology; Jungian psychology; existential psychology; and humanistic and personalist approaches. It examines the fundamental assumptions of each approach, and considers how they can assist scholars and practitioners to gain a better understanding of spirituality and meaning and sport. The fact that phenomenological psychology means that spirituality can be discussed in non-religious terminology and not necessarily linked to morality or ethics, holds much promise for the use of psychology theory in sport psychology.
