The role of a sport and exercise psychologist is vital to the world of sport and integral to population health.

Sport psychologists apply psychological knowledge to improve coaching, athlete learning and elite performance. They help athletes in many ways including staying motivated, managing competition pressure and coping with injury and mental health issues. Exercise psychologists, on the other hand, work to encourage the general population to engage in regular sport and exercise. Exercise psychologists also promote the mental health benefits of exercise and its capacity to reduce depression and anxiety and improve mood and well-being.