Smocks and Jocks Outside the Box: The Paradigmatic Evolution of Sport and Exercise Psychology

2006/02/01 by Robin S. Vealey
Health Professions · Psychology · #Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports #Physical Education and Pedagogy #Sport Psychology and Performance

paper · doi:10.1080/00336297.2006.10491876

crossref issued 2006/02/01 · crossref published 2006/02/01 · crossref published-print 2006/02/01 · openalex publication_date 2006/02/01 · crossref created 2012/04/20 · crossref deposited 2022/01/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29

Abstract

The objective of this article is to describe the historical development of sport and exercise psychology, with a particular emphasis on the construction and evolution of the “box” through history. The box represents the dominant paradigm that serves as the model for research and application as it evolves through successive historical eras (Kuhn, 1962). Seven historical eras related to the development of sport and exercise psychology are discussed. Of particular interest for this review were individuals whose curiosity and motivation established the roots for the study of sport and exercise psychology, as well as the controversies and tensions in both kinesiology and psychology that shaped the fi eld. Suggestions for the future include a problem-based approach to scholarship and a cultural praxis version of sport and exercise psychology to enhance relevancy and social impact.

Citations

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