Psychology of Peak PerformanceSemester Course

Psychology of Peak Performance, DIS Copenhagen semester course
Major Discipline(s)
Human Development, Psychology
Type
Elective Course
Available
Fall/Spring semester
Credit(s)
3

What is ‘peak performance’ and how is it developed, enhanced, and maintained? This course explores the development and maintenance of optimal performance in diverse domains such as business, performing arts, sports, the military, or any other sphere of action with a performance component. Using theoretical perspectives and research findings from performance psychology, this dynamic course is supplemented with Scandinavian and European case examples as regards application.

Emphasis is given to motivation, personality, teamwork, imagery, self-talk, stress management and other domains pertaining to peak performance. Human factors as well as the effect of cultural values and expectations (with examples from a Scandinavian context) are explored as regards individuals, teams, and groups. Both difficulties in achieving success as well as methods for optimizing success are considered.

Related Discipline(s)

This course would also be of interest to the following discipline(s):
Leadership Studies, Organizational Behavior

Faculty

Jørn Ravnholt Petersen

DIS Copenhagen Semester Faculty

M.S. (Psychology of Exercise and Physical Education. Pennsylvania State University, U.S.A. (1983). B.P.H.E. (Physical and Health Education. Laurentian University, Canada (1980). Consultant in Performance and Sports Psychology to international athletes and performing artists from all over Europe, Columbia, China, and North America. Works with The Danish National School of Performing Arts, The Royal Danish Ballet, and Danish Music Conservatories. In addition, he works with business executives and managers, doctors and physiotherapists. Five times appointed Sport Psychologist for the Danish Olympic Team at the Summer and Winter Olympics (1992-2002). Has given presentations across Europe and South Africa and taught more than 200 registered courses in Sport Psychology (DIF) and worked with more than 30 different Danish National Teams (Team Danmark, Danish Elite Sport Institution). External lecturer in Sport Psychology at University of Southern Denmark (2002– 2008). With DIS since 2016.