FEATURES *Emphasis on real-world examples and contemporary athletes in every chapter *Connects to students on a personal level through 'Test Yourself' features that enable students to rate themselves on various issues, attitudes, and behaviors and apply what they've learned to their own lives *Emphasizes research with a thorough review of research methods in the first chapter and 'Research in Action' boxes throughout that explore thought-provoking topics like the impact of superstition on athletic performance *Integrates cutting-edge material in 'Focus on Neuroscience' boxes that describe recent studies showing how the brain and hormones may impact athletic performance *Focuses on youth in 'Impact on Youth' boxes that demonstrate how theories and principles of sport psychology can be used with young athletes *Addresses diversity issues in the opening chapter and in a unique chapter that considers how stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination regarding gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation influence sport participation and performance