What Are Psychological Skills in Sport?

Each skill targets a different aspect of mental control and performance preparation.

Psychological Skills vs Psychological Characteristics

A common IB mistake is confusing psychological skills with psychological characteristics.

Psychological skills:

• Are learned and practised
• Can be improved over time
• Include techniques such as imagery or self-talk

Psychological characteristics:

• Are relatively stable traits
• Include confidence or motivation

High-mark answers clearly distinguish between the two.

When Psychological Skills Are Used

Psychological skills can be used:

• Before performance to prepare mentally
• During performance to maintain focus
• After performance to reflect and recover

Effective athletes integrate psychological skills into regular training rather than using them only in competition.

Exam Relevance for IB SEHS

Psychological skills questions often require explanation and application. High-mark answers clearly define psychological skills, explain their purpose, and apply them to sporting scenarios or performance situations.

Avoid stating that psychological skills are “just mental strength” without explanation.

RevisionDojo Call to Action

If psychological skills feel vague or hard to apply in exam answers, RevisionDojo helps IB SEHS students master psychology topics with clear explanations, examples, and exam-style practice. It is the most effective way to turn theory into exam marks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are psychological skills in IB SEHS?

Psychological skills are learned mental strategies used to improve performance, focus, and emotional control.

Are psychological skills learned or innate?

They are learned and can be improved through practice and training.

How are psychological skills tested in IB SEHS exams?

Students are often asked to define psychological skills and apply them to performance, pressure, or training scenarios.