This module comprises six study topics to help you explore the psychological aspects of athletic development:
Study topic 1: Introduction to athletic development
In this first study topic, you're introduced to the athletic development themes that underpin the module and consider how athletic development paths are researched. You'll examine the psychological characteristics of athletic development and explore a framework of athletic development that helps connect the topics studied in the rest of the module.
Study topic 2: Family influences on athletic development
The family can have a significant impact on a young athlete’s potential to develop within sport. In this next topic, you'll examine research that investigates family influences on the development of young performers from a psychological perspective.
Study topic 3: The coach-athlete relationship
The relationship between a coach and athlete is fundamental to an individual’s athletic development. In this study topic you will analyse research examining some of the factors that facilitate and hinder the development of a successful coach-athlete relationship.
Study topic 4: Mental health and wellbeing in sport
The importance of mental health is being increasingly recognised in sport. In this topic you will examine the nature and prevalence of mental health difficulties in athletes and coaches and consider how they can be prevented or treated. You'll also explore how positive mental health and wellbeing can be promoted in sporting environments to facilitate effective athletic development.
Study topic 5: Topical issues in athletic development
Mental health and wellbeing is further explored in this study topic where you choose which further options you wish to study. The options examine:
Study topic 6: Transitions through sport
As an athlete progresses through their sporting career, they will make several transitions. In this study topic you'll examine some of the psychological influences and responses to transitions within sport (e.g. the move from junior to senior level) and out of sport (retirement).
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You’ll also be provided with a module reader in eBook format.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
E312 is a compulsory module in our:
E312 is an option module in our:
Athletic development: a psychological perspective (E312) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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