{"title":"Team cognition (TC) in sport: Foundations, development, and performance implications","authors":"Omer Eldadi, Gershon Tenenbaum","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102927","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102927","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review synthesizes research on Team Cognition (TC) in sports, examining how these collective cognitive frameworks enable coordinated performance in high-stakes environments. TC facilitates team effectiveness by providing shared knowledge of tasks, roles, and interaction patterns, enabling implicit coordination when time constraints prohibit explicit communication. Tracing the evolution from cognitive psychology foundations to contemporary applications, we integrate theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence across five interconnected dimensions: cognitive, emotional, neurological, social, and developmental. Our analysis spans multiple sport contexts, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and emerging domains like esports, while drawing complementary insights from military and performing arts settings. The proposed conceptual framework illustrates how TC develop through the interplay between deliberate practice and structured communication, operating through task-related and team-related pathways that enhance coordination, anticipatory capabilities, and team cohesion. The integrative approach clarifies conceptual distinctions between related team cognition constructs and identifies critical knowledge gaps, advancing understanding of how TC contribute to improved performance outcomes. The review concludes by proposing future research directions in developmental trajectories, technological integration, virtual team dynamics, neuroscientific foundations, and applied interventions, offering valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance team performance in sports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102927"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chih-Chien Lin , Shih-Chun Kao , Ting-Yu Chueh , Tsung-Min Hung
{"title":"The effects of chronic exercise interventions on executive function in healthy older adults and optimal training characteristics: A systematic review based on randomized controlled trials","authors":"Chih-Chien Lin , Shih-Chun Kao , Ting-Yu Chueh , Tsung-Min Hung","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102925","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102925","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In an aging society, mitigating cognitive decline is a critical challenge. However, reviews on exercise effects and optimal parameters for healthy older adults remain limited. This systematic review evaluated the effects of chronic exercise interventions on executive function in healthy older adults. Following PRISMA guidelines, we registered the review with PROSPERO (CRD42024618878) and searched Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and other sources for studies published before December 2024. We included randomized controlled trials involving adults aged ≥60, with pre- and post-intervention executive function measures, comparing chronic exercise with non-exercise controls. Studies involving physical or neurological conditions or acute interventions were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed via Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Data synthesis followed the PICOS framework, with narrative and quantitative summaries. A total of 76 studies (<em>n</em> = 7101; 69 % female) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 71 % (54/76) showed significant improvements in executive function. Aerobic, resistance, and coordination exercises had similar effects (64 %–71 %). Optimal parameters included short session duration (≤45 min), high frequency (5–7/week), long-term duration (25–48 weeks), and vigorous intensity. High adherence appeared to enhance outcomes. These findings support chronic exercise as an effective strategy to improve executive function in healthy older adults and highlight the importance of exercise type, dosage, and adherence in promoting healthy aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102925"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Is Video Assistant Referee (VAR) a disadvantage for the strong and a protection for the weak? The case of Turkish Super League","authors":"Ümit Kuvvetli , Esin Firuzan , Ali Riza Firuzan","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is a technology that has been used in various national and international organizations since 2018 to minimize the effect of critical decisions made by referees during the match on outcome of the game. The main purpose of this system is to ensure justice, and this study aims to investigate the effect of VAR in matches played between strong teams and weak teams. For this purpose, the data of a total of 3329 matches (pre-VAR, 4 seasons and 1224 matches and after-VAR, 6 seasons, 2105 matches) played in the Turkish Super League, where the teams called the Big 4 are in a very strong position (economic, media, number of fans, etc.) compared to other teams, were analyzed. The results of the study, in which various statistical comparison analyses, multiple ordinal regression and relative odds ratio values are used, show that the home advantage of the Big 4 decreased after VAR and contrary to the literature, the home advantage of the weaker teams increased. Moreover, it is found that the home advantage decreases more in derby matches compared to other matches. The results of the study clearly show that VAR has a different effect on matches with different characteristics. The results of the research can help to better understand the effect of VAR on professional football and may also help referees to optimize their refereeing strategy in matches between teams of different strengths.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102924"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How tough should the love be? The effect of varying levels of descriptive norm feedback on performance and maximum heart rate during an exercise task","authors":"Gabrielle Guillermo-Tregoning , Mark Stevens","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102922","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102922","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Growing evidence suggests that manipulations of descriptive norms—perceptions of the typical behaviours of others—can affect people’s exertion and performance during exercise tasks. However, no research has systematically varied the extent to which people are told they are below the norm with a view to understanding how this aspect of norm feedback affects the strength of its effects on exertion, performance, or other outcomes. In a pre-registered experiment (<em>N</em> = 105) with a pre-post between-subjects design and three conditions, we compared the effect of norm messages indicating that participants had performed 10%, 30%, or 50% below the norm on an exercise task. Participants first completed a baseline trial of a timed maximum effort wall sit. Then, prior to and during Trial 2, participants received feedback that their task performance was below average by one of the three amounts. Participants in the 50% condition demonstrated greater increases in their wall sit performance from Trial 1 to Trial 2 than participants in the 10% and 30% conditions. There were no significant differences between conditions in changes in maximum heart rate (a proxy for participants’ exertion). The effects of the norm feedback on performance were not underpinned by changes in either participants’ task motivation or perceived similarity to the norm reference group. Results suggest that feedback indicating a high discrepancy between one’s own performance and the norm facilitates greater performance improvements on a physically demanding task than less discrepant (and more attainable) feedback. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underpinning this effect.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102922"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144481496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nadia D. Ahadi, Emily A. Harris, Courtney C. Walton
{"title":"A qualitative study of body image among competitive women pole dancers","authors":"Nadia D. Ahadi, Emily A. Harris, Courtney C. Walton","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102920","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102920","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An emerging literature suggests that recreational pole dancing promotes body confidence via a sense of belonging, body diversity, and free sexual expression. However, it's unclear whether these positive experiences extend to competitive pole contexts. Research among athletes suggests that competitive environments often promote rigid expectations of athletic bodies, body comparisons, and self-objectification. These body insecurities can persist beyond competition. The current study aims to address this gap by exploring how competitive pole dancing contributes to women's perceptions of their bodies in and out of competitive environments. Participants (<em>N</em> = 20 women) were recruited via emails and flyers disseminated across pole studios and event organizers in Australia to participate in semi-structured interviews. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we constructed three themes: (i) <em>Body functionality is paramount</em>; (ii) <em>Community provides nurturance and tensions for belonging</em>; (iii) <em>Empowerment through autonomy.</em> Although competitive environments provided opportunities for comparison and insecurities, prioritizing the ability to view and appreciate one's body primarily through a functional manner allowed women to achieve positive perceptions of their bodies in and out of competition. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the factors uniquely contributing to body image in a novel sample of pole dancers, offering strategies for training regimens and interventions that may benefit women's body image in competitive and social contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102920"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144297094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Physical activity and quality of life/subjective well-being in people with disabilities: A look backwards and a way forwards","authors":"Kathleen A. Martin Ginis","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The case for devoting resources to physical activity (PA) interventions and initiatives often hinges on demonstrating the impact of PA on people's quality of life (QOL)/subjective well-being (SWB). In PA-intervention studies involving children, youth and adults with disabilities, the effects tend to be inconsistent and relatively small. In this paper, I argue that the true effects of PA on QOL/SWB in people with disabilities have been masked by mis-conceptualization and mis-measurement of QOL/SWB, and a lack of theoretical specification of how PA may influence QOL/SWB. I begin with an overview of the QOL and SWB concepts followed by a review of quantitative and qualitative research on the effects of PA on QOL/SWB among people living with disabilities. Research from sport and exercise psychology that aims to explain <em>how</em> PA improves QOL/SWB is synthesized along with QOL theorizing from the parent discipline of psychology. In the final section, I integrate these perspectives into a Quality Participation Model of Physical Activity and Quality of Life/Subjective Well-Being with recommendations for researchers and interventionists. PA can make a substantive difference in the lives of people with disabilities; however, researchers and interventionists must be more careful when designing and assessing PA interventions to improve QOL/SWB.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102916"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Positive youth development through sport: What works, under what circumstances, for whom? And what's next?","authors":"Nicholas Holt","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102917","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102917","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this invited article was to address the questions of “what works, under what circumstances, for whom?” through the lens of PYD through sport (PYD-Sport). The article then goes on to consider “what's next?” for the further advancement of the field. First, to provide some context, the historical origins of PYD and PYD-Sport are briefly reviewed. Next, the article showcases select examples of relevant research addressing the questions of “what works, under what circumstances, for whom?” Finally, the section titled “what's next?” focuses on four matters that may help advance PYD-Sport research and create more knowledge about the ways in which youth sport can be delivered to foster positive development outcomes among its participants, namely; (1) conceptual clarity, (2) the underrepresentation of women and girls, (3) enhancing the diversity of PYD-Sport research, and (4) the promise of transdisciplinary inquiry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102917"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144290612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aaron Simpson , Mark R. Beauchamp , James Dimmock , Claire Willis , Ben Jackson
{"title":"Health behaviour change: Theories, progress, and recommendations for the next generation of physical activity research","authors":"Aaron Simpson , Mark R. Beauchamp , James Dimmock , Claire Willis , Ben Jackson","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102918","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102918","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adaptive behaviour change is central to improving population health, yet poor adoption of health-enhancing behaviours contributes to noncommunicable diseases and so remains a global concern. Research on physical activity behaviour change has continued to expand and evolve since the turn of the millennium, guided by diverse theoretical approaches—from social cognitive theories, organismic dialectical approaches such as Self-Determination Theory, dual-process frameworks, and integrated practical models and taxonomies. Key challenges and opportunities remain, however, and in this paper we offer several calls to action for those working to advance physical activity behaviour change theory, research, and practice. First, we advocate for more precise examination of behaviour <em>change</em> itself, moving beyond static models to incorporate dynamic theories and methodologies (including data analysis) that better capture how behaviours evolve and change over time. Second, we emphasise the need to prioritise behaviour maintenance, recognising that many interventions succeed in initiating change but fail to support long-term adherence. Third, we call for a concerted effort to broaden our target populations in behaviour change research, ensuring that interventions (and the theories that inform them) are more inclusive, widely applicable, contextually relevant, and equitable. Finally, we highlight the growing recognition of automatic processes in shaping physical activity behaviours and outline the importance of refining measurement tools and intervention strategies to account for these non-conscious influences. These considerations are articulated with a view to supporting the next generation of physical activity behaviour change research and practice, and in doing so contribute to improved population health equity and outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102918"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nicholas V. Barton, Luke P. Gordy, Isaiah J. Francois, Brandon L. Russell, Morgan A. Benns, Scott J. Dankel
{"title":"Affective responses to identical resistance exercises that are prescribed and self-selected","authors":"Nicholas V. Barton, Luke P. Gordy, Isaiah J. Francois, Brandon L. Russell, Morgan A. Benns, Scott J. Dankel","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Allowing individuals to self-select their aerobic exercises has been shown to increase enjoyment, but less is known on how self-selecting resistance exercise impacts enjoyment. Individuals came to the laboratory for three sessions of knee extensions each separated by seven days. During the first session, individuals were instructed to self-select the exercise load, number of repetitions, and the rest period between sets. The second session was designed to determine how many repetitions individuals could perform at their self-selected load, and to vary the exercise loads to reduce the likelihood that individuals could recall what they self-selected on visit 1. The third session involved completing the same exercise that was performed on session 1, except the individuals were prescribed the exercise. At the conclusion of each set, individuals were asked to rate their exercise induced feelings, felt-arousal, discomfort, and repetitions in reserve. A total of 27 individuals (17 males, 10 females) completed the study. On average, individuals exercised 2.8 (5.9) repetitions short of volitional task failure, which corresponded to performing 88.3 (28.5) % of the repetitions that could have been completed with the self-selected load. The self-selected exercise session resulted in greater affective responses (2.6 vs. 1.9; BF<sup>10</sup> = 10.516), felt-arousal (3.6 vs. 3.1; BF<sup>10</sup> = 89.157), and discomfort (3.7 vs. 2.8; BF<sup>10</sup> = 20.350) as compared to the prescribed exercise session. Allowing individuals to self-select their resistance exercise protocols increased enjoyment, which may help to increase long-term adherence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102912"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antonella Maselli , Pierpaolo Iodice , Paul Cisek , Giovanni Pezzulo
{"title":"Embodied decision making in athletes and other animals","authors":"Antonella Maselli , Pierpaolo Iodice , Paul Cisek , Giovanni Pezzulo","doi":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Humans and other animals continuously make <em>embodied decisions</em> about ongoing or pending courses of action. Examples of embodied decisions include a hunting lioness's decision of which gazelle to chase and a soccer player's decision of which teammate to pass the ball to. The study of embodied decisions has recently gained tractions across several fields, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and sports science. Here, we summarize key insights from these studies and highlight that they imply a shift of perspective from viewing decision-making as a central cognitive process largely separated from perception and action dynamics to a more integrative perspective that recognizes its embodied and situated nature. We discuss how embodied decisions can be effectively conceptualized in terms of the parallel specification and selection between available (and future) affordances, i.e., as an “affordance competition” process. We discuss studies addressing various aspects of embodied decisions, which include the selection between courses of action, the involvement of motor processes in perceptual and cognitive tasks, motivational factors and the decision of how vigorously and urgently to act. Furthermore, we highlight current controversies in the field and open directions for future work – and their implications for the advancement of our understanding of the mind and the behavior of athletes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54536,"journal":{"name":"Psychology of Sport and Exercise","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102915"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144277102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}