Sport and Exercise Psychology

Sport and exercise psychology staff interests are wide-ranging and include areas of sport, exercise and health psychology in various population groups across the lifespan. Specific examples of current research activities include life skill development in academy golfers, psychological factors involved in recovery from ACL surgery, nature of the goal revision processes and exercise effects in classical musicians.

Main Areas of Research Include:

  • Consultant and professional practice effectiveness
  • Effects of exercise on health
  • Emotions (emotion expressions), emotion regulation and body language
  • Life skill development
  • Mental toughness and hardiness
  • Motivation
  • Psychological well-being
  • Psychology of sports injuries
  • Reflective practice
  • Risk communication and behavioural change
  • Self-confidence
  • Self-identity and career transitions
  • Social support
  • Stress and performance
  • Use and function of goals

Psychology Staff:

Dr Harry Bowles
Dr Declan Connaughton 
Professor Lynne Evans
Professor Sheldon Hanton
Dr Andy Lane
Dr Mikel Mellick
Dr Tjerk Moll
Dr Richard Neil
Dr Katie Thirlaway
Dr Owen Thomas
Dr David Wasley