Sport, Individual & Society

The section explores the human and social science of sport, body, and movement as cultural phenomena and as spaces for learning and creating identities.

The section has two central research perspectives: The historical and sociological research and the psychology and educational studies. In addition to this, coaching and coaching psychology is a central focus area in the section.

Moreover, interdisciplinary designed studies using quantitative and/or qualitative approaches are part of the work of the research group.

Furthermore, the group's research is closely tied to that of professional praxis and the development of education and training at different levels, such as consultant work, organisational development, politics, and all levels of education.

The members of the unit strive towards close cooperation with the surrounding community through dissemination, research, and development projects.

These years there is a growing societal attention to the cultural, social, and health related significance and potentials of sport.

Research is carried out in a historical and sociological as well as national and international perspective on the continuously growing significance of sport in the modern welfare society, especially concerning the areas of health politics (e.g. sport’s potentials in health promotion and prevention), social politics (e.g. sport as means of integration concerning certain sections of the population), and cultural politics (e.g. sport’s significance in regards to the cohesive energy of society). 

In Psychology and Educational Studies we explore how a greater focus on creativity, sensuality, emotionality, and social interaction can give modern human beings a broader base to manage an increasingly complex and demanding daily life.

The section put special emphasis on the body, innovation, and creativity in different forms of experience-based learning processes and in different learning environments (e.g. education, training, consulting, and therapy). 

Coaching is a term associated with the sports world, but in recent years it has also become one of the world's fastest growing industries.

Coaching is defined here as the participation in and facilitation of an individual or group's learning and developmental process.

Coaching and coaching psychology have become prominent tools for the individual’s personal and professional learning, development, well-being, stress-prevention, and health promotion.