competitive goal structure

a performance situation structured in such a way that an interactant can reach his or her goals only by outperforming others or preventing others from reaching their goals. When goal structures are purely competitive, individual success requires that all others fail. Because competition creates incompatibility between people, such goal structures can generate interpersonal conflict. Compare cooperative goal structure.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 14th 2025

educational sport psychology

a specialty focused on the use of psychological methods to improve performance in sport. Educational sport psychologists assist participants in sport to optimize performance enhancement through, for example, use of imagery and attentional focus. Education and training may also be informed by sport science, physical education, or kinesiology. Compare clinical sport psychology.