Martin Turner

PhD Candidate in Sport and Exercise Psychology

I graduated from Staffordshire University in 2007 with a 1st class (Hons) degree in Sport Studies. I then joined the MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology course at Staffordshire University as a distance learning student, graduating with Distinction. I also received two awards on completion of the MSc, one for best dissertation, and one for best overall academic profile. While studying for my MSc, I worked full-time in insurance, where I undertook various administration activities. I left that job to begin my PhD studies here at Staffordshire University in 2010, supervised by Dr Marc Jones.

2011. PGC Research Methods; Staffordshire University.

2010. Primary Practicum Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Centre for REBT, University of Birmingham.

2010. MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (Distinction); Staffordshire University.

2008. Introduction to Counselling Skills; Sutton Coldfield College.

2007. BSc (Hons) Sport Studies. First Class degree including First Class Dissertation; Staffordshire University.

My expertise is as a sport and exercise psychologist within the areas of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Counseling, and Stress (e.g., Challenge & Threat States). My PhD examines the relationship between psychophysiological responses to competitive situations and performance.

I currently practice as a probationary (Undergoing BASES Supervised Experience) sport psychology consultant in providing sport psychology support to Nottingham Forest Football Club Academy, and Staffordshire County Cricket Emerging Player Program (on behalf of Sport and Exercise). I have also worked with a prominent non-league football club, and have provided sport psychology support (under the supervision of Dr Jamie Barker and Dr Marc Jones) for a range of other sports including; archery, rugby, cricket and cycling. I have also provided sport psychology education to Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Sports College (Burton-on-Trent) as part of the Gifted and Talented Youth Scheme.

My current PhD research is examining the relationship between psychophysiological responses to competitive situations and performance. Based on the Theory of Challenge & Threat States in Athletes (Jones et al., 2009), the research examines people’s psychophysiological responses to stressful encounters using impedance cardiography and psychological self-report measures. I am also interested in using Single-Case Designs to determine psychological intervention efficacy and effectiveness, the use of mental skills (such as REBT) to maintain and enhance performance, and the use of psycho-education to raise awareness and encourage the use of mental skills in athletes.

Cotterill, S., McCarthy, P. J., Turner, M., & Barker, J. B. (2010). Reflections on working in professional and semi-professional sport academies: Case studies in football and cricket. Symposium delivered at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology conference. London, UK.

Undergraduate:

Level 5 Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology (teach 2 seminar groups) 
Level 5 Statistics Support Workshops 
Level 6 Professional Practice Skills in Sport & Exercise Psychology (6 seminars)