The History of Sports Psychology

Norman Triplett Cycling study

1898

Seen as the very first sports psychology research study.

Coleman Griffith Teaches Course called Psychology and Athletics

1925

opened the first research lab specializing in sport psychology topics
he is seen as the Father of Sports Psychology.

Griffith writes “Psychology and Its Relation to Athletic Competition”

1925

This is seen to be his important article, A massive stepping stone for sports psychology.

Griffith Publishes Two Important Textbooks

1926

he published Psychology of Coaching and two years later, Psychology and Athletics.

Griffith Lab Shut down

1932

Due to The Great Depression the funding needed for the lab deplenished resulting in closing of the Lab

Griffith Becomes the First Practicing sports psycologist

1940

hired by the Chicago Cubs to work with the professional baseball team until 1940

Formation of the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP)

1985

Helping Athletes with the physiological side of their respective sports

the American Psychological Association adds Exercise and Sports Psychology division

1986

the Journal of Sport Psychology became the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

1988

Sports Psychology becomes its own full fledged field

2000

Sports Psychology Is used throughout the World

2021