What Is Performance Psychology?

Q: What Is Performance Psychology?

The way people think affects what they do and how well—or how badly—they do it. One might argue that this is instinctive knowledge. For instance, you would not want your surgeon so nervous that he or she can barely hold a scalpel, would you? The idea that the mental can influence the physical is at the heart of performance psychology. And if this subspecialty fascinates you, you might consider making a career out of it by enrolling in the Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology degree program available from Grand Canyon University.

Performance psychology explores how mental strategies and emotional regulation can help elevate performance across high-pressure professions, from sports to surgery. By understanding the powerful link between mindset and outcomes, individuals can unlock greater focus and resilience in their chosen fields.

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Read time 5 minutes

GCE Editorial Team

Published on Aug 25, 2025

Performance psychology involves applying psychological principles and techniques to help individuals achieve optimal performance and maintain mental wellness under pressure.1 Although it has traditionally supported athletes, its benefits extend well beyond sports. Executives, surgeons, dancers and other high-performing professionals can also use performance psychology to enhance focus, resilience and decision-making.

The way people think affects what they do and how well — or how badly — they do it. One might argue that this is instinctive knowledge. For instance, you would not want your surgeon so nervous that they can barely hold a scalpel. The idea that the mental aspects of performance can influence the physical results is at the heart of performance psychology. If this subspecialty fascinates you, you might consider starting your educational journey by pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance and Sports Psychology at Grand Canyon University.

Performance Psychology Definition

What is performance psychology, exactly, and what do sports psychologists do? Sport and performance psychology is recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an area of specialization that a psychologist can pursue. Sports psychologists often work with athletes and support coaches, trainers and even family members, helping them build mental resilience, manage pressure and enhance performance. These professionals use evidence-based psychological techniques to address challenges like performance anxiety, focus, motivation and recovery from setbacks.²

However, performance psychology isn’t limited to athletics. Performance psychologists also work with professionals in high-stakes fields like business, medicine, the performing arts and the military. They can help surgeons maintain composure in the operating room, guide a CEO through high-pressure decision-making or support a dancer in managing stage fright. These experts apply psychological principles to help individuals perform at their best when it matters most.

What Do Sports Psychologists Do?

Sports psychology is a specialized area within the broader field of performance psychology. While performance psychologists work with a variety of high-performing individuals, from surgeons to executives, sports psychologists specifically focus on assisting athletes and those involved in sports organizations to optimize their mental game.³

Here are some ways sports psychologists support athletes:

Facilitating conflict resolution among teammates
Helping athletes manage nerves and sharpen focus during high-pressure moments
Supporting emotional regulation, assisting athletes in developing control over their temper
Reigniting motivation in athletes who struggle to commit to their training regimen
Improving communication between coaches, managers and players, both individually and as a team

Sports psychologists also assist athletes in coping with injuries. Being sidelined can negatively impact an athlete’s mental health, and psychologists can help them develop a positive mindset, manage pain and stay committed to their rehabilitation plans.

Additionally, sports psychologists help athletes during major life transitions, such as being traded to a new team or considering retirement. They help athletes navigate these changes, maintain a healthy career-life balance and make thoughtful decisions about their futures.

While a sports psychologist cannot directly improve a baseball player’s batting average or score goals for a hockey player, they can help athletes master the game’s mental aspects. This, in turn, enhances performance and fosters stronger team dynamics through improved communication and collaboration.

Who Benefits From Performance Psychology?

Performance psychology is recognized for its broad appeal, attracting a diverse range of individuals who seek its support. While athletes are among the most visible clients, this field extends far beyond the sports world. Mental toughness is essential in sports. The psychological strategies that enable athletes to excel under pressure are equally beneficial in other high-stakes environments. Surgeons, first responders, military personnel, performing artists and corporate leaders all face intense mental demands where focus, emotional regulation and resilience are necessary.

Performance psychology empowers individuals to perform at their best when it matters most, whether by helping a dancer conquer anxiety, guiding a CEO through negotiations, or supporting a medical professional in staying calm during emergencies.

Any professional who works under pressure can benefit from performance psychology. These can include:²

Stage and screen actors
Brain surgeons
CEOs and CFOs
Heads of state
Musicians
Artists
Dancers
Military service members
Firefighters, paramedics and other first responders

Techniques Used in Performance Psychology

Mental resilience is the ability to stay calm under pressure and to remain focused, confident and in control. It is also the ability to cope with stressful challenges and get back up after falling down. In short, what separates a world-class athlete from an underperforming one is the unshakable belief in one’s own abilities.

These are not character traits that can be acquired overnight. It takes a lot of hard work and some intense inner reflection, as well as the mentorship of a performance psychologist. Some of the techniques a performance psychologist may use include the following:

Attention control training
Goal-setting
Imagery and visualization techniques
Conflict resolution
Relaxation techniques
Thought pattern awareness and modification
Use of self-talk or inner monologues

Performance psychology is an exciting science to become familiar with and can be useful in many different career fields. If this sparks your interest, consider starting by earning your bachelor's in the psychology field.

Career Options Within Performance Psychology

Sport and performance psychology is an area of specialization within the psychology field, but there are opportunities to further specialize. Depending on your specific career interests, you might pursue opportunities in one of the following:

Academic sport psychology: This involves conducting research and teaching classes at universities.
Clinical sport psychology: Psychologists use psychotherapy informed by the principles of sport psychology to assist athletes who struggle with mental health disorders.
Applied sport psychology: Psychologists focus on improving athletic performance through the use of techniques such as visualization and goal-setting.

Performance psychologists may pursue work in a variety of settings. These can include professional sports teams and organizations, as well as school athletic teams at the high school and collegiate levels. Other possible work settings may include:³

Olympic teams and organizations
Sports rehabilitation centers
Sports medicine clinics
Healthcare facilities
Research institutions, including academic medical centers

Do I Need a PhD in Performance Psychology?

All clinical and counseling psychologists, including sport and performance psychologists, typically begin with a bachelor’s in psychology. Psychologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the field.⁴ Clinical and counseling psychologists typically need a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.⁴

A good program to look into is a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. GCU offers a BS in Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance and Sport Psychology. Fully integrated with the Christian worldview, the curriculum examines psychological research and ethics, the psychological aspects of coaching, behaviors in sports settings and applied techniques for enhancing sports performance.

Related Article: Should You Earn a PhD in Performance Psychology?

All states require clinical and counseling psychologists to obtain licensure. Licensure requirements vary by state, so it’s important to research the requirements for the state in which you plan to work. Typically, licensure requirements include a graduate degree and supervised experience hours, as well as a passing grade on a board certification exam.⁴

Grand Canyon University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that enable students to explore psychological principles and applied strategies. A Bachelor of Science in Psychology serves as a strong starting point for those interested in this field. Fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor to explore your future at GCU.

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American Psychological Association. (2008). Sport Psychology. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
Online Psychology Degree Guide. (2016, June 1). What is Performance Psychology? Online Psychology Degree Guide. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
Bell, A. (2024, July 23). Sports Medicine Careers. UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). How To Become a Psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 21, 2025.

Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on July 25, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.