Developmental Sport and Exercise Pychology: A Lifespan Perspective

Developmental Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Lifespan Perspective demystifies this perspective for students and researchers and contributes interesting and innovative ideas for the field. The book examines the current sport and exercise psychology literature reviews mainstream theories from psychology and elaborates on how cognitive physical social and other developmental factors influence behaviors in physical activity settings.

Section One reviews fundamental concepts and controversies. Section Two examines developmental issues in youth and adolescence such as parental influence competition and peer relationships; Section Three discusses young middle and older adulthood in terms of self-perceptions social influences motivational processes and self-regulation skills. Section Four covers expertise transitions moral development diversity disabilities and injury throughout the lifespan.

Maureen R. Weiss, Ph.D., is the Linda K. Bunker Professor of Education at the University of Virginia. Her research has focused on the psychological and social development of children and adolescents through participation in sport and physical activity, with particular interests in the areas of self-perceptions, motivation, observational learning, moral development, and the influence of significant others (parents, peers, coaches). Research and its applications were implemented frequently through Weiss’ role as Director of the Children's Summer Sports Program at the University of Oregon from 1982-1997, a developmental skills program serving youth 5 to 13 years of age.

Weiss has published over 100 refereed articles and book chapters in her areas of expertise revolving around children’s physical activity. In addition to the current book, she has co-edited 3 books on youth sport and physical activity: Competitive Sport for Children and Youths (with Daniel Gould), Advances in Pediatric Sport Sciences, Vol. 2: Behavioral Issues (with Daniel Gould), and Worldwide Trends in Youth Sport (with De Knop, Engstrom, and Skirstad). Weiss has mentored 19 doctoral students who hold faculty positions in higher education or research programs, and advised over 85 master's students who contribute to the field as coaches, teachers, athletic trainers, and exercise specialists.

Weiss served as President of the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (1996-1998), and President of the Research Consortium of AAHPERD (2001-2004). She was Editor of Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (1993-1996), Associate Editor of Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology (1998-present), and Associate Editor of Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (1990-1993). She is a fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, AAASP, and the Research Consortium.