Sally Akehurst

Biography

I am Head of Sport, Outdoor and Exercise Science, a Discipline Area within the College of Life and Natural Sciences. The Discipline Area spans sport and exercise science, sport coaching, education, management and development, physical activity and health, sport therapy and rehabilitation and outdoor activity leadership and management, adventure sports coaching and outdoor learning in the environment.  I lead a team of 24 academics across three sites both in Derby and Buxton and enjoy the dynamic, team ethos we have with regard future looking, quality focussed, delivery of expertise in all three areas of learning and teaching, research and consultancy services. We are driven by passion for our subject and fuelled by curiosity, always seeking to enhance our provision and endeavor. I am also an active researcher within sport and exercise psychology and provide consultancy services in applied sport pscyhology for athletes, coaches and officials. We have numerous partners in the Region with regard applied services and work collaboratively with colleagues in terms of research activity.   

Research Interest

My research investigates performing under pressure in relation to individual differences. My early work focused on the mechanisms by which performance breaks down under pressure and then moved towards exploring the influence of individual difference factors. In particular, my research focuses on the relationship between confidence, effort and anxiety and the interaction of narcissism and trait self-consciousness on choking.