Promoting physical activity in community and clinical populations
Being sufficiently physically active provides critical protection against a large number of lifestyle diseases and disorders (including cardio-vascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus, some cancers, obesity, depression, dementia), and fosters positive psychological well-being across the lifespan. However, most people do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity to maintain or improve health and что такое рецессия. In our research, we employ a range of theories and a diverse set of methodologies to understand and promote physical activity behaviour among a diverse range of populations, including community and clinical population groups. We design, implement and evaluate physical activity interventions with populations such as older adults in retirement villages, obese middle-aged men, school children, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Example projects:
Example publications:
Being sufficiently physically active provides critical protection against a large number of lifestyle diseases and disorders (including cardio-vascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus, some cancers, obesity, depression, dementia), and fosters positive psychological well-being across the lifespan. However, most people do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity to maintain or improve health and что такое рецессия. In our research, we employ a range of theories and a diverse set of methodologies to understand and promote physical activity behaviour among a diverse range of populations, including community and clinical population groups. We design, implement and evaluate physical activity interventions with populations such as older adults in retirement villages, obese middle-aged men, school children, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Example projects:
- 2019, Stamatakis, E., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Holtermann, A., Chau, J., Pereira Gale, J., Tudor-Locke, C., Maher, C., Koster, A., & Johnson, N. Development of a novel framework to maximise population health gains through high intensity incidental physical activity, NHMRC Ideas Grant. Amount awarded $886,550.
- 2019, Hill, K., Cavalheri, V., Gucciardi, D., Norman, R. [Chief Investigators], Cecins, N., Watson, C., & Winship, P. [Associate Investigators]. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much – optimising access to pulmonary rehabilitation in Perth. Research Translation Project (RTP) Round 13, WA Department of Health. Amount awarded $233,363.
- 2018: Veldhuijzen van Zanten, J., Ntoumanis, N., & Douglas, M. Longitudinal associations between fatigue, wellbeing, mobility, quality of life, and impact of Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Society. Amount awarded: 10,000 pounds.
- 2017. Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C.. Striding TowARds health and well-being Trial (START): Piloting a peer-led workplace walking intervention to increase walking, and improve health, well-being and work outcomes in physically inactive employees. WA Department of Health. Amount granted: $75,000.
- 2017. Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Stamatakis, E., Yardley, L., Quested, E., Parker, S., Ntoumanis, N., Pereira, G., Boyle, G.. The effects of a peer-led walking program on physical activity, health, well-being, and work outcomes in physically inactive employees. Cancer Council Western Australia. Amount granted: $96,053.
Example publications:
- Ntoumanis, N., Ng, Y.Y., Prestwich, A., Quested, E., Hancox, J.E., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Deci, E.L., Ryan, R.M., Lonsdale, R.M., & Williams G.C. (in press). A meta-analysis of self-determination theory-informed intervention studies in the health domain: Effects on motivation, health behavior, physical, and psychological health. Health Psychology Review.
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Quested, E., Smith, B. S., Nicholas, J., McVeigh, J. Fenton, S. A. M., Stamatakis, E., Parker, S., Pereira, G., Gucciardi, D, F., & Ntoumanis, N. (2020). Feasibility and preliminary effects of a peer-led motivationally-embellished workplace walking intervention: A pilot cluster randomized trial (the START Trial). Contemporary Clinical Trials, 91, 105969.
- Kritz, M., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Mullan, B., McVeigh, J., & Ntoumanis, N. (in press). Effective peer leader attributes for the promotion of walking in older adults. The Gerontologist.
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Quested, E., Smith, B. S., Nicholas, J., McVeigh, J. Fenton, S. A. M., Stamatakis, E., Parker, S., Pereira, G., Gucciardi, D, F., & Ntoumanis, N. (2020). Feasibility and preliminary effects of a peer-led motivationally-embellished workplace walking intervention: A pilot cluster randomized trial (the START Trial). Contemporary Clinical Trials, 91, 105969.
- Brooke, L.E., Gucciardi, D.F., Ntoumanis, N., & Lin, A. (2020). A qualitative investigation of perceived barriers to and enablers of sport participation for young people with first episode psychosis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 14, 293–306.
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Quested, E., Biddle, S. J. H., Kritz, M., Olson, J., Burton, E., Cerin, E., Hill, K. D., McVeigh, J., & Ntoumanis, N. (2019). Trial feasibility and process evaluation of a motivationally-embellished group peer led walking intervention in retirement villages using the RE-AIM framework: The Residents in Action Trial (RiAT). Health Psychology & Behavioral Medicine, 7:1, 202-233
- Carr, R.M., Prestwich, A., Kwasnicka, D., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Gucciardi, D.F., Quested, E., Hall, L.H2, & Ntoumanis, N. (2019). Dyadic interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour: systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Psychology Review, 13, 91-109.
- Maiorana, A. & Ntoumanis, N. (2017). Physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease: challenges in measurement and motivation. Heart Lung and Circulation, 26, 1001-1003.
- Quested, E., Ntoumanis, N., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Hagger, M. S., & Hancox, J. (2016). Evaluating quality of implementation in physical activity `interventions based on theories of motivation: Current challenges and future directions. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10, 252-269. DOI: 10.1080/1750984X.2016.1217342.
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Shepherd, S. O., Ntoumanis, N., Wagenmakers, A. J. M., & Shaw, C. S. (2016). Intrinsic motivation in two exercise interventions: Associations with fitness and body composition. Health Psychology, 35, 195-198.
Physical activity and the physical environment
The quality of our experiences is shaped to a large extent by the environment which we are in. We conduct research to explore how aspects of the physical environment (both positive and negative features) drive or hamper engagement in physical activity and the responses people derive from participation in physical activity and sedentary behaviours. In this research, we use a range of methodologies, including randomised controlled trials and Ecological Momentary Assessment, and employ a range of measures to assess aspects of the environment (both perceptions and actual features). The findings from this research are important to inform the design of effective physical activity intervention and future public health and urban planning policy.
Example projects:
1. Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Ntoumanis, N., Burton, E., Hill, K., Cerin, E., Biddle, S.J.H. Promoting walking, less sitting, and better mental health in older adults (2016-2018). Funded by Healthway.
The Curtin Emotion Mapping project: With colleagues from the Department of Spatial Science (Dr Ori Gudes and Dr David McMeekin) and the School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work (Dr Joanne McVeigh), we have developed a social media app which is designed to geotag emotions, in addition to assessing the context in which emotions are experienced. The app is currently being piloted to assess the interrelationships between emotions, geographical space and movement behaviours (including physical activity and sedentary behaviours measured objectively) in an adult population. These findings can be used to identify movement-emotion hotspots, and will also further understanding of the extent to which emotional responses from movement related behaviours are shaped by the physical environment.
Example publications:
The quality of our experiences is shaped to a large extent by the environment which we are in. We conduct research to explore how aspects of the physical environment (both positive and negative features) drive or hamper engagement in physical activity and the responses people derive from participation in physical activity and sedentary behaviours. In this research, we use a range of methodologies, including randomised controlled trials and Ecological Momentary Assessment, and employ a range of measures to assess aspects of the environment (both perceptions and actual features). The findings from this research are important to inform the design of effective physical activity intervention and future public health and urban planning policy.
Example projects:
1. Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Ntoumanis, N., Burton, E., Hill, K., Cerin, E., Biddle, S.J.H. Promoting walking, less sitting, and better mental health in older adults (2016-2018). Funded by Healthway.
The Curtin Emotion Mapping project: With colleagues from the Department of Spatial Science (Dr Ori Gudes and Dr David McMeekin) and the School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work (Dr Joanne McVeigh), we have developed a social media app which is designed to geotag emotions, in addition to assessing the context in which emotions are experienced. The app is currently being piloted to assess the interrelationships between emotions, geographical space and movement behaviours (including physical activity and sedentary behaviours measured objectively) in an adult population. These findings can be used to identify movement-emotion hotspots, and will also further understanding of the extent to which emotional responses from movement related behaviours are shaped by the physical environment.
Example publications:
- Park, S., Ntoumanis, N. Fenton, S.A.M., Stenling, A., Veldhuijzen Van Zanten, J.J.C.S., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2019). A person-centred analysis of motivation for physical activity and perceived neighbourhood environment in residents of assisted living facilities. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 89, 257-278.
- Kinnafick, F. –E., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2014). The effects of the physical environment and levels of physical activity on affective states. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 38, 241-251.
Weight management
We are interested in how individuals self-regulate dietary temptations, how they manage their weight-related goals alongside other life goals, and how significant others in their lives (e.g., romantic partners) support or undermine weight management efforts. We also conduct interventions that aim to facilitate physical activity and healthy eating.
Example projects:
Example publications:
We are interested in how individuals self-regulate dietary temptations, how they manage their weight-related goals alongside other life goals, and how significant others in their lives (e.g., romantic partners) support or undermine weight management efforts. We also conduct interventions that aim to facilitate physical activity and healthy eating.
Example projects:
- 2020, Quested, E., Hunt, K., Ntoumanis, N., Kerr, D., MacDonald, M. Using sport as a vehicle to address unmet health and well-being needs of disadvantaged overweight and obese men in remote, rural and regional Australia. Funder: Department of Health, Men and Women’s Health Strategy, $115,161, June 2020 – July 2022
- 2020, Quested, E., Maiorana, A., Ntoumanis, N., & Hillis, G. Harnessing the appeal of professional sport to improve health for men with cardiovascular disease. Amount awarded: The Australian Heart Foundation (Vanguard Award) (2022-2022). Amount awarded $149,503.
Example publications:
- Kwasnicka, D., Ntoumanis, N., Hunt, K., Gray, C. M., Newton, R. U., Gucciardi, D. F., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Olson, J. L., McVeigh, J., Kerr, D. A., Wyke, S., Morgan, P. J., Robinson, S., Makate, M., & Quested, E. (in press). A gender-sensitised weight loss and healthy living program for overweight and obese men in Australian Football League settings (Aussie-FIT): A pilot randomised controlled trial. PLOS Medicine.
- Quested, E., Kwasnicka, D., Thogersen-Ntoumani, C., Gucciardi, D., Kerr, D., Hunt, K., Robinson, S., Morgan, P., Newton, R., Gray, C., Wake, S., McVeigh, J., & Ntoumanis, N. (2018). Protocol for a gender-sensitised weight loss and healthy living programme for overweight and obese men delivered in Australian Football League settings (Aussie-FIT): A feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 8:e022663.
- Mullan, B., Ntoumanis N., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., & Lipp, O.V. (2017). "It's a bit more complicated than that": A broader perspective on determinants of obesity. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 40, e124.
- McKee, H., Ntoumanis, N., Taylor, I.M. (2014). An ecological momentary assessment of lapse occurrence in dieters. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 48, 300-310.
- McKee, H., & Ntoumanis, N. (2014). Developing self-regulation for dietary temptations: intervention effects on physical, self-regulatory and psychological outcomes. Journal of Behavioural Medicine, 37, 1075–1081.
- Ng, Y.Y., Ntoumanis, N., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani. (2014). Autonomy support and control in weight management: What important others do and say matter. British Journal of Health Psychology, 19, 540-552.
Motivation (Basic and Applied Research)
Our research examines how motivational factors within an individual as well as in the social context influence behaviour, achievement, and psychological well-being. We primarily focus on creating conditions that support self-endorsed behaviour change. We work with elite and recreational athletes in field settings. We also conduct laboratory work on goal strivings in sport.
Example project:
Example publications:
Our research examines how motivational factors within an individual as well as in the social context influence behaviour, achievement, and psychological well-being. We primarily focus on creating conditions that support self-endorsed behaviour change. We work with elite and recreational athletes in field settings. We also conduct laboratory work on goal strivings in sport.
Example project:
- 2019, Ntoumanis, N., Sedikides, C., Gucciardi, D., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., & Jackson, B. Facilitating the attainment of difficult goals: From theory to intervention, ARC, Discovery Projects, 2019. Amount awarded $365,068.
Example publications:
- Teixeira, P. J., Marques, M. M., Silva, M. N., Brunet, J., Duda, J., Haerens, L., La Guardia, J., Lindwall, M., Londsdale, C., Markland, D., Michie, S., Moller, A. C., Ntoumanis, N., Patrick, H., Reeve, J., Ryan, R. M., Sebire, S., Standage, M., Vansteenkinste, M., . . . Hagger, M. S. (in press). Classification of techniques used in self-determination theory-based interventions in health contexts: An expert consensus study. Motivation Science.
- Sheldon, K., Sedikides, C., Ntoumanis, N., Corcoran, M., & Liudmila, T. (in press). Narcissism and social motives: Successful pursuit of egosystem goals boosts narcissism. Self & Identity.
- Bhavsar, N., Bartholomew, K. J., Quested, E., Gucciardi, D. F., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Reeve, J., Sarrazin, P., & Ntoumanis, N. (2020). Measuring psychological need states in sport: Theoretical considerations and a new measure. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 47, 101617
- Sedikides, C., Ntoumanis, N., & Sheldon, K. M. (2019) I am the chosen one: narcissism in the backdrop of Self-Determination Theory. Journal of Personality, 87, 70-81.
- Bhavsar, N., Ntoumanis, N., Quested, E., Gucciardi, D., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Ryan, R., Reeve, J., & Bartholomew, K. J. (2019). Conceptualizing and testing a new tripartite measure of coach interpersonal behaviors. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 44, 107-120.
- Cheon, S.H, Reeve, J., Lee, Y., Ntoumanis, N., Gillet, N., Kim, B.R., & Song, Y.G. (2019). Expanding autonomy psychological need states from two (satisfaction, frustration) to three (dissatisfaction): a classroom-based intervention study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111, 685-702.
- Ntoumanis, N., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Quested, E., & Chatzisarantis, N., (2018). Theoretical approaches to physical activity promotion. In O. Braddick (Ed.) Oxford Research Encyclopaedia of Psycholology. In O. Braddick (Ed.) Oxford Research Encyclopaedia of Psychology. Oxford University Press. DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.212
- Ntoumanis, N., Quested, E., Reeve, J., Cheon, S.H. (2018). Need supportive communication: Implications for motivation in sport, exercise, and physical activity. In B. Jackson, J.A. Dimmock, & J. Compton (Eds.), Persuasion and communication in sport, exercise, and physical activity (pp. 155-169). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
- Ntoumanis, N., & Sedikides, C. (2018). Holding on (to the goal) or letting it go and move on? A tripartite model of goal striving. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 27, 363-368.
- Ntoumanis, N., Healy, L.C., Sedikides, C., Duda, J.L., Stewart, B., Smith, A., & Bond, J. (2014). When the going gets tough: The “why” of goal striving matters. Journal of Personality, 8, 225-236.
Anti-doping
Our research examines the psychological factors that predict doping-related intentions and doping use. We apply theories of motivation and morality to study doping-related cognitions and actions. We are also testing anti-doping interventions aimed at coaches and athletes.
Example projects:
1. Ntoumanis, N., Gucciardi, D., Backhouse, S., Barkoukis, V., Quested, E., & Patterson, L. An Intervention to Optimize Motivational Climates and Prevent Current and Future Willingness to Dope in Adolescent Sport: A Cross-Cultural Project. Funded by the International Olympic Committee.
2. Jalleh, G., Donovan, R.J., Gucciardi, D.F., Barkoukis, V., & Kavussanu, M. (2015-2017). Evaluation of a psychological anti-doping intervention for athletes, ARC, Discovery Projects, 2015.
Example publications:
Our research examines the psychological factors that predict doping-related intentions and doping use. We apply theories of motivation and morality to study doping-related cognitions and actions. We are also testing anti-doping interventions aimed at coaches and athletes.
Example projects:
1. Ntoumanis, N., Gucciardi, D., Backhouse, S., Barkoukis, V., Quested, E., & Patterson, L. An Intervention to Optimize Motivational Climates and Prevent Current and Future Willingness to Dope in Adolescent Sport: A Cross-Cultural Project. Funded by the International Olympic Committee.
2. Jalleh, G., Donovan, R.J., Gucciardi, D.F., Barkoukis, V., & Kavussanu, M. (2015-2017). Evaluation of a psychological anti-doping intervention for athletes, ARC, Discovery Projects, 2015.
Example publications:
- Nicholls, A. R., Morley, D., Thompson, M.A., Huang, C., Abt, G., Rothwell, M., Cope, E., & Ntoumanis, N. (in press). The effects of the iPlayClean education programme on doping attitudes and susceptibility to use banned substances among high-level adolescent athletes from the UK: A cluster-randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Drug Policy
- Chan, D. K. C., Tang, C. W. T., Gucciardi, D. F., Ntoumanis, N., Dimmock, J. A., Donovan, R. J., Hardcastle, S. J., & Hagger, M. S. (2020). Psychological and behavioural factors of unintentional doping: A preliminary systematic review. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 18, 273-295.
- Barkoukis, V., Brooke, L., Ntoumanis, N., Smith, B., & Gucciardi, D.F. (2019). A qualitative investigation of the role of athletes’ entourage on athletes’ doping-related decisions. Journal of Sports Sciences, 21, 2483-2491.
- Boardley, I., Grix, J., Ntoumanis, N., Smith, A. (2019). A qualitative investigation of coaches’ doping confrontation efficacy beliefs. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 45, 101576.
- Boardley, I., Smith, A., Ntoumanis, N., Gucciardi, D.F., Tyler, H. (2019). Perceptions of coach doping confrontation efficacy and athlete susceptibility to intentional and inadvertent doping. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sport, 29, 1647–1654.
- Ntoumanis, N., Barkoukis, V., Gucciardi, D.F., & Chan, D.K.C. (2017). Linking coach interpersonal style with athlete doping intentions and doping use: A prospective study. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 39, 188-198.
- Ntoumanis, N., Gucciardi, D.F., Backhouse, S.H., Barkoukis, V., Quested, E., Patterson, L., Smith, B., Whitaker, L., Pavlidis, G., & Kaffe S. (2017). An intervention to optimize coach motivational climates and reduce athlete willingness to dope (CoachMADE): Protocol for a cross-cultural cluster randomized control trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1-12.
- Chan, D.K.C., Ntoumanis, N., Gucciardi, D.F., Donovan, R.J., Dimmock, J.A., Hardcastle, S.J., & Hagger, M.S. (2016). What if it really was an accident? The psychology of unintentional doping. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50, 898–899.
- Matosic, D., Ntoumanis, N., Boardley, I.D., & Stenling, A., & Sedikides, C., (2016). Linking narcissism, motivation, and doping attitudes in sport: a multilevel investigation involving coaches and athletes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 38, 556 -566.
- Ntoumanis, N., Ng, J.Y.Y., Barkoukis, V., & Backhouse, S. (2014). Personal and situational predictors of doping use in physical activity settings: A meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 44, 1603-1624.
Body image
Body image is a complex multi-faceted construct and plays a critical role to engagement in health behaviours. Indeed, body image problems can play a major role in eating disorders, disordered eating behaviour, and in the avoidance of physical activity. In our research, we examine how body image-related factors are implicated in a range of both adaptive and maladaptive behaviours, thoughts and emotions. This work is conducted with patients with eating disorders, young adults, adolescents, and women undergoing the menopausal transition.
Example project:
Example publications:
Body image is a complex multi-faceted construct and plays a critical role to engagement in health behaviours. Indeed, body image problems can play a major role in eating disorders, disordered eating behaviour, and in the avoidance of physical activity. In our research, we examine how body image-related factors are implicated in a range of both adaptive and maladaptive behaviours, thoughts and emotions. This work is conducted with patients with eating disorders, young adults, adolescents, and women undergoing the menopausal transition.
Example project:
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Cartwright, F., & O’Toole, S. Understanding motivation-related mechanisms of change during psychological treatment for eating disorders. Funded by the Hollywood Private Hospital Research Foundation (2015-2017).
Example publications:
- Ntoumanis, N., Stenling, A., Quested, E., Nikitaras, N., Olson, J., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani (2020). Self-compassion and need frustration moderate the effects of upward appearance comparisons on body image discrepancies. The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 154, 292-308.
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Ntoumanis, N., Carey, R., Dodos, L., Quested, E., & Chatzisarantis, N. (2017). A diary study of appearance social comparisons and need frustration in young women. Personality and Individual Differences, 122, 120-126. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.10.020
- Ntoumanis, N., Guerrero, M., Gadeke, C., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., (2018). Do exerciser weight status and perceived motivation predict instructors’ motivation and beliefs about the exerciser? A test of motivation contagion effects. Body Image, 26, 10-18.
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Dodos, L., Ntoumanis, N., & Chatzisarantis, N. (2017). A diary study of self-compassion, upward social comparisons and body image-related outcomes. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 9, 242-258.2.
- Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Ng, J. Y., Ntoumanis, N., Chatzisarantis, N., Vlachopoulos, S., Katartzi, E., & Nikitaras, N. (2016). ‘Mum’s the Word’: Predictors and Outcomes of Weight Concerns in Pre-Adolescent and Early Adolescent Girls. Body Image, 16, 107-112. Doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.12.004.
- Pearce, G., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., & Duda, J. L. (2014). Body image during the menopausal transition: A systematic scoping review. Health Psychology Review, 8, 473-489. DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2013.848408.