Areas of specialization and research interests

Dr. Weiss's research has focused on the psychological and social development of children and adolescents through participation in sport and physical activity, with particular interests in the areas of self-perceptions, motivation, observational learning, moral development, and the influence of significant others (parents, peers, coaches) on youth participation.

Education

• Ph.D., 1981, Michigan State University
• M.A., 1976, University of California, Santa Barbara
• B.A., 1974, University of California, Santa Barbara

Biographical abstract

Maureen R. Weiss has recently joined the School of Kinesiology as a Professor and is the Co-director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. Dr. Weiss was formerly a Professor in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Her research is focused on the psychological and social development of children and adolescents through participation in sport and physical activity, with particular interests in self-perceptions, motivation, observational learning, character development, and social relationships (parents, peers, coaches).

Professor Weiss has published over 110 refereed articles and book chapters in her areas of expertise. She has edited or co-edited 4 books on youth sport and physical activity: Competitive Sport for Children and Youths (Gould & Weiss, 1986), Advances in Pediatric Sport Sciences: Behavioral Issues (Gould & Weiss, 1987), and Worldwide Trends in Youth Sport (De Knop, Engstrom, Skirstad, & Weiss, 1996), and Developmental Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Lifespan Perspective (Weiss, 2004). She was also a guest editor for a special issue of Pediatric Exercise Science on Social Psychological Factors Influencing Children's Physical Activity (1993).

Currently she is conducting a longitudinal study of positive youth development through sport, funded by Philip Morris Youth Smoking Prevention Programs (PMYSP). Specifically this research is examining the impact and uniqueness of The First Tee life skills education programs on youth participants’ learning and transfer of interpersonal, self-management, goal setting, and resistance skills. Children and adolescents ages 11 to 18 years are followed over time to assess knowledge and use of these life skills in developmental contexts such as school, home, and social situations.

Weiss has served as past-president of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA), president for the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP), and president of the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). She was editor of Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (1993-1996), associate editor of Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (1998-2005), and psychology section editor of Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (1990-1993). Other professional services include secretary-treasurer of NASPSPA, chair of the Sport Psychology Academy (AAHPERD) and chair of the Youth Sport Coalition (AAHPERD). She is a fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology, and the Research Consortium of AAHPERD.

Weiss has given over 90 invited lectures, 130 research presentations, and 100 workshops for coaches, administrators, and teachers. She has mentored 21 doctoral students; the graduates hold faculty positions in higher education, public schools, or serve as research consultants. She has also chaired 31 master's theses and advised over 50 other master's students, who contribute to the field as coaches, teachers, and health and fitness professionals.

Dr. Weiss received bachelor of arts degrees in kinesiology and psychology, and a master of arts degree in kinesiology, from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Her Ph.D. in education was obtained at Michigan State University, where she also served as a research assistant and clinician for three years with the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports. Dr. Weiss has been an invited scholar and lecturer in Australia, Israel, Belgium, Canada, England, New Zealand, Thailand, Spain, France, Czech Republic, and Austria, as well as for numerous universities and professional organizations across the United States.

Weiss coached age-group sports for 5 years in softball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field to children and youth ages 7 to 17 years in Southern California. Research and its applications were implemented frequently through Weiss’s role as Director of the Children's Summer Sports Program at the University of Oregon from 1982-1997, a developmental skills program serving youth 5 to 13 years of age. Maureen competed at the college level in basketball, tennis, and softball, remains active in aerobic activities, and is an avid fan of professional baseball.

Congressional hearing

University of Virginia News. (2006, June 28). U.Va. Professor Maureen Weiss Testifies Before U.S. House on Character-Building and Youth Sports. [.pdf] Retrieved July 11, 2007 from http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?id=108.

Selected research publications

from over 110 total publications

Books

Weiss, M.R. (2004). Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan perspective. Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

De Knop, P., Engstrom, L.M., Skirstad, B., & Weiss, M.R. (Eds). (1996). Worldwide trends in youth sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Gould, D., & Weiss, M.R. (Eds.) (1987). Advances in pediatric sport sciences, Vol. 2: Behavioral issues. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Weiss, M.R., & Gould, D. (Eds.) (1986). Sport for children and youths. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Book chapters

Weiss, M.R., Bhalla, J.A., & Price, M.S. (in press). Developing positive self-perceptions through youth sport participation. In O. Bar-Or & H. Hebestreit (Eds.), The encyclopaedia of sports medicine, Vol. X: The young athlete. Oxford: Blackwell Science, Ltd.

Reeve, R.E., & Weiss, M.R. (2006). Sports and physical activities. In G.G. Bear & K.M. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention, and intervention (pp. 485-498). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Weiss, M.R., Smith, A.L., & Stuntz, C.P. (2006). Moral development in sport and physical activity: Theory, research, and intervention. Chapter to appear in T.S. Horn (Ed.), Advances in sport psychology (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Weiss, M.R., & Amorose, A.J. (2006). Motivational orientations and sport behavior. Chapter to appear in T.S. Horn (Ed.), Advances in sport psychology (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Weiss, M.R., & Raedeke, T.D. (2004). Developmental sport psychology: Research status on youth and directions toward a lifespan perspective. In M.R. Weiss (Ed.), Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan perspective (pp. 1-26). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

Weiss, M.R., & Stuntz, C.P. (2004). A little friendly competition: Peer relationships and psychosocial development in youth sport and physical activity contexts. In M.R. Weiss (Ed.), Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan perspective (pp. 165-196). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

Weiss, M.R., & Williams, L. (2004). The why of youth sport involvement: A developmental perspective on motivational processes. In M.R. Weiss (Ed.), Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan perspective (pp. 223-268). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

Weiss, M.R. (2004). Motivating kids in physical activity. In C.B. Corbin, R.P. Pangrazi, & B.D. Franks (Eds.), Physical fitness & activity: Selected topics, vol. 2 (pp. 157-166). Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway, Publishers.

Weiss, M.R. (2003). Social influences on children’s psychosocial development in youth sports. In R.M. Malina & M.A. Clark (Eds.), Youth sports – Perspectives for a new century (pp. 109-126). Monterey, CA: Coaches Choice.

McCullagh, P., & Weiss, M.R. (2002). Observational learning: The forgotten psychological method in sport psychology. In J. Van Raalte & B.W. Brewer (Eds.), Exploring sport and exercise psychology, 2nd ed. (pp. 131-149). Washington DC: American Psychological Association.

Weiss, M.R., & Ferrer Caja, E. (2002). Motivational orientations and sport behavior. In T.S. Horn (Ed.), Advances in sport psychology (2nd ed., pp. 101-183). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Weiss, M.R., & Smith, A.L. (2002). Moral development in sport and physical activity: Theory, research, and intervention. In T.S. Horn (Ed.), Advances in sport psychology, 2nd ed. (pp. 243-280). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

McCullagh, P., & Weiss, M.R. (2001). Modeling: Considerations for motor skill performance and psychological responses. In R.N. Singer, H. A. Hausenblas, & C. M. Janelle (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (2nd ed., pp. 205-238). New York: Wiley.

Weiss, M.R. (2001). Developmental sport psychology. In N.J. Smelser & P.B. Baltes (Eds.), International encyclopedia of the social and behavioral sciences (pp. 3620-3624). Oxford, UK: Elsevier Science Limited.

Weiss, M.R., Amorose, A.J., & Allen, J.B. (2000). The young elite athlete: The good, the bad and the ugly. In B.L. Drinkwater (Ed.), The encyclopaedia of sports medicine, Vol. VIII: Women in sport (pp. 409-440). Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications, Ltd.

Weiss, M.R. (1999). A ‘Field of Dreams’: Reflections on a career in youth sports research and practice. In J. L. Haubenstricker & D.L. Feltz (Eds.), 100 Years of Kinesiology: History, Research, and Reflections (pp. 183-213). East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University Printing.

Weiss, M.R., & Ebbeck, V. (1996). Self-esteem and perceptions of competence in youth sport: Theory, research, and enhancement strategies. In O. Bar-Or (Ed.), The encyclopaedia of sports medicine, vol. VI: The child and adolescent athlete (pp. 364-382). Oxford: Blackwell Science, Ltd.

Refereed articles

Weiss, W.M., & Weiss, M.R. (in press). Sport commitment among competitive female gymnasts: A developmental perspective. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.

Weiss, W.M., & Weiss, M.R. (2006). A longitudinal analysis of commitment among competitive female gymnasts. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 7, 309-323.

Moran, M.M., & Weiss, M.R. (2006). Peer leadership in sport: Links with friendship, peer acceptance, psychological characteristics, and athletic ability. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 18, 97-113.

Weiss, M.R., & Amorose, A.J. (2005). Children’s self-perceptions in the physical domain: Between- and within-age variability in level, accuracy, and sources of perceived competence. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 27, 226-244.

Weiss, M.R., & Gill, D.L. (2005). What goes around comes around: Re-emerging themes in sport and exercise psychology. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 76 (Supplement), S71-S87.

Weiss, M.R., & Fretwell, S.D. (2005). The parent-coach/child-athlete relationship in youth sport: Cordial, contentious, or conundrum? Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 76, 286-305.

Weiss, W.M., & Weiss, M.R. (2003). Attraction- and entrapment-based commitment among competitive female gymnasts. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 25, 229-247.

Stuntz, C.P., & Weiss, M.R. (2003). Influence of social goal orientations and peers on unsportsmanlike play. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 74, 421-435.

Ferrer-Caja, E., & Weiss, M.R. (2002). Cross-validation of a model of intrinsic motivation with students enrolled in high school elective courses. Journal of Experimental Education, 71, 41-68.

Weiss, M.R., & Smith, A.L. (2002). Friendship quality in youth sport: Relationship to age, gender, and motivation variables. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 24, 420-437.

Halliburton, A.L., & Weiss, M.R. (2002). Sources of competence information and perceived motivational climate among adolescent female gymnasts varying in skill level. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 24, 396-419.

Ferrer-Caja, E., & Weiss, M.R. (2000). Predictors of intrinsic motivation among adolescent students in physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71, 267-279.

Price, M.L., & Weiss, M.R. (2000). Relationships among coach burnout, coach behaviors, and athletes’ psychological responses. The Sport Psychologist, 14, 391-409.

Weiss, M.R. (2000). Motivating kids in physical activity. President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest, 3(11), 1-8.

Babkes, M.L., & Weiss, M.R. (1999). Parental influence on cognitive and affective responses in children's competitive soccer participation. Pediatric Exercise Science, 11, 44-62.

Weiss, M.R., & Smith, A.L. (1999). Quality of friendships in youth sport: Measurement development and validation. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 21, 145-166.

Ebbeck, V., & Weiss, M.R. (1998). Determinants of children's self-esteem: Influence of perceived competence and affect. Pediatric Exercise Science, 10, 285-298.

Weiss, M.R. (1998). "Passionate collaboration": Reflections on the status and future directions of applied sport psychology in the coming Millennium. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 10, S11-S24.

Amorose, A.J., & Weiss, M.R. (1998). Coaching feedback as a source of information about perceptions of ability: A developmental examination. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 20, 395-420.

Weiss, M.R., McCullagh, P., Smith, A.L., & Berlant, A.R. (1998). Observational learning and the fearful child: Influence of peer models on swimming skill performance and psychological responses. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 69, 380-394.

Weiss, M.R., Ebbeck, V., & Horn, T.S. (1997). Children's self-perceptions and sources of physical competence information: A cluster analysis. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 19, 52-70.

Weiss, M.R., Smith, A.L., & Theeboom, M. (1996). "That's what friends are for": Children's and teenagers' perceptions of peer relationships in the sport domain. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 18, 347-379.

Gibbons, S.L., Ebbeck, V., & Weiss, M.R. (1995). Fair Play for Kids: Effects on the moral development of children in physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 66, 247-255.

Theeboom, M., De Knop, P., & Weiss, M.R. (1995). Motivational climate, psychological responses, and motor skill development in children's sport: A field-based intervention study. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 17, 294-311.

August 2007