Sport and Performance Psychology
About the research group
The Sport and Performance Psychology research group focuses on optimising performance in sport and other performance domains, such as music and dance. This is not only about delivering the best performance, but also about achieving it while maintaining physical well-being (e.g. preventing injuries) and mental well-being (such as learning to perform under pressure and maintaining motivation). This also applies when performance is crucial, such as during the final of an important sports tournament or at a performance or audition in music or dance.
T4X Living labs
Scientific practical research takes place in the living labs of the Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality and the Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science (AISS). These are field sites where performers are studied in their own training or performance environment. These Training for Excellence (T4X) living labs focus on optimising healthy performance.
Researchers and students develop and test in co-creation new services and products for monitoring and improving performance, for example in sports, performing arts and dentistry. The aim is to optimise performance to the desired level of individuals, while considering health risks and pressure to perform. Examples include the TeamNL programmes, the Academy of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, ACTA's Dentistry programmes and basketball club BC Apollo in Amsterdam.
Cooperation with education
Researchers collaborate within the living labs with educational institutions that train performers and professionals. In this way, researchers learn from the expertise present and educational institutions integrate new insights from the research into their courses. The T4X living labs thus make a sustainable contribution to improving the health and performance of the next generation of performers and professionals, both during their education and in their careers.
Our research has an impact on various programmes both within and outside the AUAS, such as:
- Associate degree Sport (AUAS)
- Master Performance, Sport & Health (AUAS)
- Minor Sport Coaching (AUAS)
- Minor Sport and Performance Psychology (AUAS)
- Bachelor's degree programme in Applied Psychology (AUAS)
- Bachelor's programmes in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (AUAS)
- Master tracks Sport and Performance Psychology and High Performance (Department of Movement Sciences, VU Amsterdam)
- Dentistry programmes of ACTA (Academic Centre Dentistry Amsterdam)
This impact is realised through guest lectures, practical sessions, workshops, and (graduation) projects.