Book Reviews

Key Concepts in Sport Psychology

John M.D. Kremer, Aidan P. Moran,
Graham Walker & Cathy Craig
Sage (2012).
ISBN: 978-1-849-20052-3
& Reviewed by Scott Bradley

Key Concepts in Sport Psychology represents

another entry into the SAGE Key Concepts
series. This text aims to give students, and
applied practitioners, an overview of some of
the most prominent topic areas within the
discipline of sport psychology. An emphasis
is placed on explaining and developing key
topics within six key fields (Anxiety and
Stress; Motivation and Commitment; Cogni-
tive Processes in Sport; Social Psychology of
Sport; Motor Skills; Sport and Well-
being)relating to the development of the
field, contemporary research perspectives,
theoretical advancement and practical appli-
cations. This content is designed to be rele-
vant to both novice and experts and is
therefore written in an accessible style in
order to engage those from within the disci-
pline of sport psychology, as well as those
who might be relatively new to it.
Prior to addressing the aforementioned,
and well-defined, fields of study, a mix of sub-
disciplines, practical and professional
considerations are addressed within an
‘Introduction to Sport Psychology’ chapter.
Subsequent sub-chapters provide the reader
with engaging and concise, yet sufficiently
comprehensive content (it should be noted
that it is rather difficult to cover the history
of sport psychology in four pages), which is a
theme that continues throughout the text.
Special praise should be reserved for the sub-
chapter focusing on ‘ethical issues’, which
rightly draws attention to not only the impor-
tance of ethical practice, but also the poten-
tial issues associated with the proliferation of
sport psychology practitioners (qualified and
unqualified) and having multiple regulating
bodies within the profession.
I must confess that when I saw the
contents page and the outline of the six
fields of study, around which the text has
been organised, my initial reaction was along
the lines of ‘standard fare’. Now, from a
structural perspective this initial response
was probably accurate as there are many
sport psychology texts which cover similar
(if not the same) fields of study, and arrange
their texts accordingly. However, what
Key Concepts in Sport Psychology does differ-
ently from these other texts (and does very
well), is present a focused and concise
summary of many key concepts from within
each field of study, without the need to
explain each concept from its theoretical
origins through to present day perspectives
whilst covering each methodological twist
and theoretical turn along the way. Instead
the authors manage to synthesise contempo-
rary research and theoretical advancements
with practical ‘real world’ sporting anecdotes
and exemplars. In fact most of the chapters
ease the reader in with some form of tale of
sporting woe or success; territory that
academics, students and professional practi-
tioners alike will find familiar, engaging and
relatively free from sport psychology nomen-
clature. Once past this initial applied intro-

94 Sport & Exercise Psychology Review, Vol. 8 No. 2


duction the reader is presented with a
balanced ‘bite-sized’ explanation of the
current theoretical perspectives seeking to
explain each key concept. Whilst these offer-
ings may well be ‘bite-sized’ the authors have
been extremely adept at being able to clarify
each concept for the reader whilst making
reference to research offerings emanating
from different disciplines: psychology, sport
psychology and sport science. Also, up to
date research is cited and suggestions for
further reading are provided, thus enabling
those who wish to advance their knowledge
further the opportunity to do so.
So, who will benefit the most from this
text? The simple answer is – students. As a
university lecturer I would immediately
recommend Key Concepts in Sport Psychology
as an undergraduate text for sport psycho-
logy-related courses and modules. The text
manages to condense years of knowledge,
learning and experience into easily readable
sections containing relevant and practical
applied examples. Whilst other texts may
offer more depth, detail and breadth
regarding the theoretical underpinnings of
key concepts, this text offers an eminently
readable, portable and surprisingly compre-
hensive package for the tablet toting genera-
tion of undergraduate students. In my
opinion, the student market is where this
text is targeted, and definitely where it
delivers.
Sport & Exercise Psychology Review, Vol. 8 No. 2
Book Reviews
In summary, I feel that Key Concepts in
Sport Psychology is a valuable study aid, a
handy reference resource and probably
more important than anything, a good read.
If I had to identify any flaws then I would
probably highlight the final chapter on
‘Sport and Well-being’, as being a little light-
weight and lacking coverage of areas related
to positive psychological interpretations of
relationships and pro-social behaviours.
However, this is being picky and may be
slightly inconsistent with the predominant
emphasis on psychological issues associated
with sport performance, which sets the tone
for the majority of this text. Key Concepts in
Sport Psychology is a welcome addition to the
literature base and represents a unique alter-
native to the more weighty (quite literally)
introductory offerings from within the disci-
pline.
The Reviewer
Scott Bradley is a Senior Lecturer in Sport
Psychology and Coaching at Bucking-
hamshire New University.
95
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