Dr Naomi Ellis

Associate Professor Of Health Research

Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

Following an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science and Psychology (University of Gloucestershire), I completed an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology (University of Chichester) and a PhD entitled: “It’s all different now...life has turned around for the better”: A qualitative investigation into the impact of physical activity as a therapy for mental health problems (Staffordshire University).

Originally from Winchester in Hampshire, I joined Staffordshire University as a lecturer in 2008 where I teach on both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Since that time I have been involved with a number of research projects relating to physical activity and mental health, green space and health; health in mid-life; sport and mental health in prisons.

Professional memberships and activities

British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences
British Psychological Society
Higher Education Academy (Fellow)

Academic qualifications

PhD: 2008, University of Staffordshire, “It’s all different now...life has turned around for the better”: A qualitative investigation into the impact of physical activity as a therapy for mental health problems.

MSc : 2003, University College Chichester, Sport and Exercise Psychology

PGDip: 2010, Staffordshire University, Psychology

BSc (Hons): 2002, University of Gloucestershire, Sport and Exercise Science with Psychology

Research interests

My main research interest is in the area of physical activity and mental health, I have undertaken a number of research project within this field, both within clinical and the general population. My focus is on qualitative research methods, with particular expertise in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. I am also currently involved with research projects looking at: green space and health; health in mid-life; volunteering; sport and mental health in prisons.

Teaching

Undergraduate:
Research and Professional Development I (module tutor)
Research and Professional Development II (module tutor)
Research and Professional Development III (module tutor)
Sociology of Health and Physical Activity (module leader)
Physical Activity and Public Health (module tutor)
Fitness instruction and Personal Training (module tutor)
Placement (module tutor)

Postgraduate:
Physical Activity for Health and Disease Prevention (module leader)
Research Methods and Data Analysis (psychology) (module tutor)
Research Methods and Data Analysis (public health) (module leader)
Research Project (module tutor)

Publications

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Ellis, N. J., Gidlow, C. and Davey, R. (under review). “Advertise in the chippy”: the importance of ‘scoping’ within social marketing for the promotion of positive mental health: a case study. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

Ellis, N., Crone, D., Davey, R., & Grogan, S. (2007). Exercise as an adjunct therapy in psychosis: A critical review. British Journal of Clinical Psychology 46(1): 95-111

Gidlow, C., Johnston, L., Crone, D., Ellis, N. and James, D. (2006). A systematic review of evidence of the relationship between socio-economic position and physical activity. Health Education Journal 65(4): 366-395.

Conference Presentations

  • Ellis, N. J., Gidlow, C. & Davey, R. (2009). Promoting physical activity for mental health: A pilot study using social marketing techniques. 3rd International Conference for Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise, 10-12th June: Roehampton University

  • Ellis, N. J., Grogan, S., Crone, D., Davey, R. (2008). Community based physical activity groups for mental health. British Heart Foundation National Conference (BHFNC), 19th November: East Midlands Conference centre

  • Ellis, N. J., Davey, R., Grogan, S., & Crone, D. (2008). Service users’ opinions of the use of physical activity as a therapy in mental health. Division of Health Psychology annual conference (British Psychological Society), 9-12th September: University of Bath

  • Ellis, N. J., Crone, D., Grogan, S., & Davey, R. (2008). A qualitative investigation into the opinions of service users’, service providers’ and carers’ on the use of physical activity as an adjunct therapy for mental health. Qualitative Methods in Psychology (QMiP) Section Inaugural Conference, 2-4 September: University of Leeds

  • Ellis, N. J., Davey, R., Grogan, S., & Crone, D. (2008). The benefits of incorporating physical activity into a service for early onset psychosis: A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. International Mental Health Conference, 26-28th August: King’s College London.

  • Ellis, N. J., Grogan, S, Davey, R., & Crone, D. (2007). Using IPA to Analyse Accounts of Exercise as an Adjunct Therapy in Psychosis. 7th Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Conference. 4-6th July: University of East Sussex.

  • Ellis, N. J., Grogan, S., Davey, R., & Crone, D. (2007). The opinions of service users’ on the use of a sports group as an adjunct therapy for psychosis. 10th Annual Achieving Excellence in Public Health Conference, 10th May 2007: The International Centre, Telford.

Workshop Presentations

Ellis, N. J., Gidlow, C. J. & Davey, R. (2008). Social Marketing for the promotion of physical activity for mental health. The Feel Good Factor Physical Activity and Mental Health. 3rd Annual Conference for the Physical activity Network for the West Midlands. 20th October: Birmingham City Football Club

Ellis, N. J. (2008). Using physical activity within mental health services: the important role of mental health professionals. ‘Lets get physical’ Mental Health in Higher Education conference, 22nd May: University of Middlesex

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021