Interactionist
Theory of Sport Psychology
Over the years, sports psychologists have
proposed many approaches to personality. Initial approaches were often very
simplistic, focusing on aspects of either personality traits or states.
The Interactional Approach to psychology allows for a degree of interaction
between states and traits. This approach seeks to understand how behavior is
influenced by both personality and social learning in the environment.
When a sports psychologist uses an
interactional approach, they have to consider both situational determinants and
personality traits exhibited by the individual.
The interactional approach considers both psychological traits and
situational influences on behavior. The two aspects mix and can alter behavior.
Your psychological traits and environmental influences interact and combine in
unique ways to sculpt your behavior.
As an example, a soccer play may have a 'short fuse' which often leads to
rash and potentially hostile actions. Yet the soccer player will not show that
behavior consistently. Only when he is forced to react to psychological
behavior triggers does the player become aggressive and snap in a violent
manner.
Using Interactionist Theory to Take
Social Action
Change
sports to match the perspectives and identities of those who play them
Make
sport organizations more democratic, less autocratic, and less hierarchically
organized
Question
identity formation processes that involve the normalization of pain, injury,
& substance use in sports
Weaknesses of Interactionist Theory
Does
not explain how meaning, identity, and interaction are connected with social
structures and materials conditions in society
Ignores
issues of power and power relations in society and how they impact sport, sport
participation, and sport experiences
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