Final answer:
During the fifth period of development, sport psychology saw substantial growth in professional services due to the increasing recognition of the mental aspects in athletic performance and the booming popularity of sports.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the fifth period, sport psychology experienced a significant expansion in terms of professional services. This growth is attributable to an increased understanding of the intricate links between emotional factors and physical performance in a variety of settings, including sports and exercise. With the rise of professional and college sports, sports psychology became integral in addressing issues such as motivation, performance anxiety, and the overall mental and emotional well-being of athletes.
The increased attention towards mental health in athletics coincided with a societal spike in mental health awareness and expansion of clinical psychology. As more Americans participated in sports and leisure activities, and as professional athletes became more prominent figures in society, the need for specialized psychological services rose sharply. Consequently, psychological research in the context of sport and exercise benefited from greater professional engagement, leading to enhanced service delivery and support for both professional and amateur athletes.
The connection between athletic participation and academic performance among college students is also a focus area within sport psychology. Professionals in this field study whether being an athlete helps or hinders academic achievements and how it impacts study habits. Ultimately, the fifth period of sport psychology marked a transformation where the importance of mental conditioning paralleled physical training, emphasizing holistic athletic development.