Coaching and Sport Psychology research examines the psycho-social and pedagogical aspects of sport participation from the perspective a variety of actors (e.g. athlete, coaches, officials) in a range of sport physical activity settings.

Key areas of research include:

  • Positive psychology with a focus on self-determination theory, autonomy-supportive learning environments, and mental toughness
  • Coach development using psycho-social and pedagogical frameworks such as workplace learning theories
  • Conceptualisations of leadership and culture in performance sport settings
  • The learning of sport participants in varying settings (e.g. action sports, Indigenous sport) through pedagogical and socio-cultural approaches
  • The development of mental skills for performance enhancement, life satisfaction, and self-worth
  • Sport for development.

Learn more about coaching and sport psychology research below.

Current and previously funded research projects (HMNS-led)

Current projects

Title

Investigators

Funding Scheme

Duration

Research in high performance coaching and sporting organisations

Steven Rynne

Cliff Mallett

Brisbane Broncos
Rugby League Club
Limited
2023-2024

Elevate Coach Program

Cliff Mallett

Steven Rynne

 

 

Australian Sports
Commission

2021–2024

Mental performance in competition
training program for coaches

Cliff Mallett

Steven Rynne

Australian Sports
Commission
2021–2024

Previous  projects

Title

Investigators

Funding Scheme

Duration

Connecting through sportSteven RynneMulticultural Australia
Ltd
2021-2023
High performance coach
development: Harnessing cross
cultural advantages

Steven Rynne

Bob Crudginton

Cliff Mallett

Australia-Japan
Foundation
2020-2022
Mitigating the impacts of Relative
Age Effect in junior rugby league:
Evaluating an intervention

Cliff Mallett

Bob Crudgington

Vincent Kelly

Mike Castle

Rugby League Research Projects2019-2022

Creating a thriving community for young people through junior rugby league

Cliff Mallett

Matthew Sanders

James Kirby

Steven Rynne

 

 

Rugby League Research Projects

2017–2019

WaterAid & IWC WASH and Sports for Development in PNG

Stephanie Hanrahan

International WaterCentre

2018–2019

Top of page