Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Sports and Exercise

Dear Colleagues,

The complex interplay between behavioral and social dynamics in sports and exercise is a burgeoning area of research that holds significant implications for both individual and societal well-being. Understanding the psychological motivations, social influences, and cultural contexts that drive people to engage in physical activities can inform interventions designed to promote healthier lifestyles and enhance athletic performance. This Special Issue of Behavioral Sciences seeks to delve into these multifaceted relationships, offering insights into how personal and collective factors influence sports participation and exercise habits.

Behavioral aspects such as motivation, goal-setting, and psychological resilience are crucial for both amateur and professional athletes. These factors not only affect performance but also contribute to mental health and overall quality of life. Similarly, social influences, including support from family, peers, and coaches, play a pivotal role in shaping individuals' engagement in physical activities. The impact of group dynamics and team cohesion on athletic performance further underscores the importance of social context in sports.

Moreover, cultural norms and socioeconomic conditions significantly impact access to and participation in sports and exercise. Issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity are critical to understanding the broader societal implications of sports. Technological advancements, such as wearable fitness devices and social media platforms, also introduce new dimensions to how individuals engage with sports and exercise, offering novel opportunities for behavioral interventions.

This Special Issue invites researchers to explore these themes through empirical studies, theoretical papers, and comprehensive reviews. By bringing together diverse perspectives and methodologies, we aim to advance our knowledge of how behavioral and social dynamics intersect in the realm of sports and exercise, ultimately contributing to the development of effective strategies for promoting physical activity and enhancing athletic performance.

Prof. Dr. Yair Galily
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• sports psychology
• physical activity motivation
• social support in sports
• team cohesion
• behavioral interventions
• cultural influences on exercise
• socioeconomic factors in sports
• technology in sports
• mental health and exercise
• diversity and inclusion in sports