Harrie Snijders

Harrie Snijders: A Dutch Sport Psychologist and Professor

Early life and Education

Professor Harrie Snijders was born and raised in Zevenbergen, in the Netherlands. He obtained a degree in psychology from Tilburg University in 1980. In 1989, he received his PhD in psychology from the same institution.

Dr. Snijders has published extensively on the psychology of sport and exercise and has received several awards, including the prestigious International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) Distinguished Scholar Award in 2000.

Career and Research

Professor Snijders has been a faculty member of Tilburg University since 1985, where he is currently a professor of sport psychology. His research interests include motivation, self-regulation, and expertise in sport and exercise.

He has published over 200 articles in scientific journals and has authored or edited several books on sport psychology. In addition, he has given keynote addresses at international conferences and has consulted with athletes, coaches, and organizations in a variety of sports.

Contributions to Sport Psychology

Professor Snijders has made significant contributions to the understanding of motivation in sport and exercise.

He has proposed several theories of athletic motivation, including the achievement goal theory and the self-determination theory.

His work has also provided insights into the role of self-regulation in athletic performance.

Professor Snijders has also developed several assessment tools for use in sport psychology, including the Athletic Motivation Scale and the Sport Emotion Profile.

Theories and Books

• Achievement Goal Theory: This theory suggests that athletes are motivated to achieve either mastery goals (a focus on improving skills) or performance goals (a focus on winning or outperforming others).


• Self-Determination Theory: This theory proposes that athletes are more likely to be motivated and engaged in sport when they feel competent, autonomous, and related to others.



• Self-Regulation: This refers to the ability of athletes to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve their goals. Professor Snijders has proposed several models of self-regulation in sport, including the self-regulatory model and the social cognitive model.

Professor Snijders has authored or edited several books on sport psychology, including Motivation in Sport and Exercise, Self-Regulation in Sport and Exercise, and Expertise in Sport and Exercise.

Impact and Conclusion

Professor Snijders is a leading researcher in the field of sport psychology. His work has had a significant impact on the understanding of motivation, self-regulation, and expertise in sport and exercise. His theories and assessment tools have been widely used by researchers, practitioners, and athletes around the world. He is a Fellow of the ISSP and a member of the editorial boards of several scientific journals.

In conclusion, Professor Harrie Snijders is a highly respected and influential sport psychologist. His research has made significant contributions to the field, and he continues to be a leading figure in the study of motivation, self-regulation, and expertise in sport and exercise.