Research interests
As a clinical and exercise psychologist, Dr Mantis is interested in three areas:
a) Mental health and physical activity
b) Physical activity and health promotion
c) Psychological assessment
Specifically, research has shown that physical activity (PA) has various benefits on people’s mental and physical health. So, Dr Mantis is more interested in how PA helps athletes and non-athletes cope with issues such as depression, anxiety, and so on.
Dr Mantis is also interested in finding optimal ways of motivating individuals to engage in desired health behaviours (e.g., PA). For instance, how we frame PA and health messages (e.g., emphasis on gains or losses, etc.), how we deliver such messages (e.g., using images, music, etc.), and how we customise messages to individuals’ characteristics (e.g., providing tailored feedback to individuals depending on their personality traits) can moderate the magnitude of their motivation.
By identifying optimal ways of promoting health behaviours, we can help individuals adopt a healthier lifestyle (e.g., convincing sedentary people to be more active), follow recommended plans (e.g., helping injured athletes adhere to a rehab program), and so on.
Finally, assessing psychological variables (e.g., personality) that can influence individual responses to behavior change interventions is another area of his research interests. For example, what tests of personality assess specific traits of individuals more accurately and how these traits relate to specific lifestyles?
Dr Mantis is happy to supervise any projects that belong to the above research areas.
Postgraduate students who have completed their MSc dissertation under Dr Mantis' supervision are shown below:
1. Emily Field (2020)
Dissertation Title: Investigating the Functional Effect of Positive and Negative Statements on Semi-Professional Athletes
2. Claire Cocking (2020)
Dissertation Title: Exploring the Effect of Imagery on Footballers’ Ability During Penalty Shots
3. Lauren Chapman (2020)
Dissertation Title: Investigating the Stigma Against Mental Health Issues Within an Amateur Rugby Union Community
4. Rio Jade Novis (2019)
Dissertation Title: Exploring Physiological and Psychological Effects of Exercise in Cancer Patients and Survivors