Recognition for outstanding research in exercise and sport psychology

Dr Thomas Curran, who graduated in 2014, is the recipient of the 2015 American Psychological Association Dissertation of the Year Award (Division 47). This award recognises outstanding student research that has the greatest potential for making a significant contribution to the theoretical and applied knowledge base in exercise and sport psychology.

Thomas' dissertation was entitled ‘Psychosocial mechanisms underpinning motivation in youth sport participants’. It investigated how and why some coach behaviours encourage children's engagement in youth sport, whereas other behaviours cause disaffection in youth sport. Studies within the dissertation indicated that children show a preference for self-governance over their behaviour in sport, which both contributes to and stems from their proactive engagement. Disaffection emerged as children sensed less self-governance and more external influence over their behaviour in youth sport. The central message from the work is that coaches should attempt to structure the youth sport environment so that children can motivate themselves. 

Whilst at York St John University, Thomas’ research was supervised by Professor Howard Hall and Dr Andy Hill in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences. He was supported during his PhD by EU Framework 7 funding awarded to Professor Hall as part of a large scale European collaborative project on ‘Promoting Adolescent Physical Activity’ (PAPA project). The award is a significant international accomplishment and further substantiates recent feedback received from the 2014 REF panel that York St John University is conducting world leading research in the area of sport and exercise psychology.

Thomas, who is now a Lecturer in Sport Psychology at the University of Bath, said:
"This is a fantastic accomplishment and is testament to the international reach and impact of the research conducted by the Motivation, Personality and Well-Being group in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at York St John University. The high quality research output continues to grow by the year and these are exciting times for the faculty."

Professor Howard Hall, Head of Research in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences added:
"This achievement has come about through a combination of Thomas’ own hard work, the support and mentoring he received from academic staff, and collaboration with international colleagues who were involved with the EU funded PAPA project. In addition, the challenge and support he received from other research students helped to create a vibrant environment where ideas could flourish.”

Thomas has been invited to present his research at the APA Annual Convention from 6-9 August 2015 in Toronto, Canada, where he will receive the award. As part of the award, Thomas will receive a plaque, a monetary gift, and his conference registration fee will be waived. In addition, the award and dissertation research will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of the Exercise and Sport Psychology Newsletter.