Sports and exercise psychology

Our focus within the Sport and Exercise Psychology Research Group is on the psychological factors underpinning the performance and wellbeing of a range of population groups, for example athletes, coaches, mental health staff, and mental health service users.

Additionally, there is a strong focus on practitioner development and well-being, and the use of counselling approaches for practitioners and clients alike.

Areas of research

• Professional practice development in sport psychology
• The use of counselling skills with clients and practitioners alike
• Anxiety and coping strategies in athletes and coaches
• Quantum change in high-performance individuals

Recent and current projects

• Exploration of stressors and coping strategies in elite athletic coaches - ‘Do we practice what we preach?'
• The Use of Counselling Principles and Skills to Develop Practitioner - Athlete Relationships by Practitioners Who Provide Sport Psychology Support
• Predictors of alcohol consumption in university athletes.

Collaborations

Current and recent collaborations include:

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• University of Northampton
• St Marys University
• University College Dublin

Please contact Dr Stephen Pack and Dr Matt Jewiss for more information on Sports and Exercise Psychology.