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Behavioral Sciences
Special Issues
Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Sports and Exercise
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Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Sports and Exercise

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 July 2025 | Viewed by 2737

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yair Galily

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ivecher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya 4610101, Israel
Interests: social psychology; socail networks; new media; sports and society and terrorim & counterterrorism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

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.

Keywords

  • 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

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
The Image of Group Fitness Instructors: An Intra- and Inter-Country Comparison Between Portugal and Romania
by Viorel Petru Ardelean, Vlad Adrian Geantă, Corina Dulceanu, Claudiu Bulzan, Sónia Brito-Costa, Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado, Ricardo Gomes, Fernando Martins and Francisco Campos
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121199 (registering DOI) - 13 Dec 2024
Abstract
Fitness instructors play an essential role in fitness services, as they require both technical and interpersonal skills. A good image of a fitness instructor can be defined as having a pleasant appearance and good presentation in terms of hygiene and/or clothing used, which [...] Read more.
Fitness instructors play an essential role in fitness services, as they require both technical and interpersonal skills. A good image of a fitness instructor can be defined as having a pleasant appearance and good presentation in terms of hygiene and/or clothing used, which is appropriate for the context and characteristics of the participants. Their image significantly influences participants’ perceptions and satisfaction. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between Romania and Portugal regarding the quality of services offered within group fitness classes, focusing on instructors. It involved 133 group fitness instructors and 210 participants from Romania and Portugal. An adaptation of the Szumilewicz questionnaire was used to assess the importance of the different attributes of the fitness instructor’s image. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and effect size to compare perceptions between countries and groups. Romanian instructors and participants generally attributed more importance to the fitness instructor’s image compared to their Portuguese counterparts. Significant differences were found in attributes like physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. Instructors tended to overestimate the importance of their image compared to participants. The fitness instructor’s image is crucial in determining participant satisfaction and the perceptions of service quality. The innovative aspect of this study lies in its intercultural comparison, which highlights how cultural context influences the perception of a fitness instructor’s attributes, such as physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. The practical application of these findings lies in the suggestion that fitness professionals should tailor their approach, balancing technical skills and interpersonal communication to align with the cultural expectations of their participants. This culturally sensitive approach is essential for enhancing participant satisfaction and improving the overall quality of fitness services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Sports and Exercise)
12 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Aggression and the Big Five Personality Factors Among Fitness Practitioners and Pre-Workout Consumers
by Alexandru Stefan Cucui-Cozma, Liana Dehelean, Ana-Cristina Bredicean, Ion Papava, Izabela Edina Deverdics, Ana-Maria Cristina Daescu and Cristian Negrea
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121131 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Background: The use of pre-workout supplements has surged among fitness practitioners, with various ingredients purported to enhance performance and recovery. This study aims to explore the potential link between pre-workout supplement consumption and aggression, as well as the correlation between the Big [...] Read more.
Background: The use of pre-workout supplements has surged among fitness practitioners, with various ingredients purported to enhance performance and recovery. This study aims to explore the potential link between pre-workout supplement consumption and aggression, as well as the correlation between the Big Five personality traits and aggression levels. Methods: The sample comprised 62 male fitness practitioners aged 20–55 years, divided into two groups: 32 pre-workout consumers and 30 non-consumers. Participants were assessed using the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Results: The results indicated no statistically significant differences in aggression levels between the supplement users and the control group. However, notable personality differences were observed, with pre-workout users showing lower Neuroticism and higher Agreeableness and Conscientiousness compared to non-users. Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between Neuroticism and all forms of aggression, while Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were negatively correlated with aggression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that personality traits may play a more substantial role in moderating aggression among pre-workout users than the supplements themselves. Further research is needed to clarify the potential long-term effects of pre-workout supplementation on aggression and personality dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Sports and Exercise)
17 pages, 548 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Psychological Mechanism of How the Multidimensional Service Quality of Fitness Centers Affects Consumer Satisfaction and Loyalty Depending on the Level of Exercise Involvement
by Manmin Kim and Daehwan Kim
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14111049 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 732
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the influence of core services and the physical servicescape and social servicescape on consumer satisfaction and loyalty via perceived price fairness, flow experience, and rapport in fitness centers. Additionally, the present study explored how exercise involvement moderates the [...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine the influence of core services and the physical servicescape and social servicescape on consumer satisfaction and loyalty via perceived price fairness, flow experience, and rapport in fitness centers. Additionally, the present study explored how exercise involvement moderates the relationship between perceived price fairness, flow experience, rapport, and consumer satisfaction. For these purposes, targeting adults using fitness centers in South Korea, a total of 763 participants were sampled based on a cross-sectional design and used for data analyses involving confirmatory factor analysis for measurement validation and latent moderated structural equation modeling for hypothesis testing. The results showed that the core services, physical servicescape, and social servicescape enhance perceived price fairness, flow experiences, and rapport between staff and consumers, respectively. The study findings also indicated that exercise involvement significantly moderates the effect of price fairness and flow experience on satisfaction but not rapport. These insights offer practical and theoretical implications for fitness center management, emphasizing the importance of tailored service strategies in retaining loyal customers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Sports and Exercise)
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12 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Engagement: The Digital Divide in Artificial Intelligence [AI]-Driven Sports Podcasts
by Yair Galily, Tal Laor and Tal Samuel Azran
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14100911 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 913
Abstract
The digital divide, particularly within the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sport podcasts, presents significant behavioral and psychosocial challenges for student engagement. This study examines the disparities in access to and proficiency with Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) across different demographic groups, focusing on [...] Read more.
The digital divide, particularly within the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sport podcasts, presents significant behavioral and psychosocial challenges for student engagement. This study examines the disparities in access to and proficiency with Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) across different demographic groups, focusing on gender, age, and religious level. The advent of the commercial web has heightened the significance of these divides, as the first-level digital divide concerns access to the internet, while the second-level digital divide pertains to the ability to use technology proficiently. The existing literature has consistently highlighted persistent inequalities in these areas, which significantly impact the extent to which students from various backgrounds can engage with AI sport podcasts effectively. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to bridge the gap and ensure equitable access to digital learning resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Sports and Exercise)
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