LAB MEMBERS
The Exercise and Sport Psychology area has nearly 700 sq. ft. of dedicated laboratory space for faculty and graduate student research. Ph.D. students are expected to take directed research each year to support their own research initiatives. Masters level students are also expected to be involved with research in the lab as this will provide the experience needed to complete their thesis. In addition, interested undergraduates can speak to the director of the lab about serving for a semester as a research assistant in the lab. This experience serves as fieldwork credit for non-certification majors and provides an excellent introduction to the research process as well as the workings of the graduate program.
Location
Department of Kinesiology and Health Education
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, D3700
Bellmont Hall, Room 849
Austin, Texas 78712
Phone: 512-232-6027
Fax: 512-471-0946
Current Research
There are three general areas of research that are emphasized within the Exercise and Sport Psychology Lab. The first area of research centers on exercise and mental health, with a primary aim of testing both cognitive and physiological mechanisms for the mood enhancing effects of a single bout of exercise. Related projects are focused on testing the impact of chronic exercise on physical and general self-esteem. This research has investigated both aerobic and resistance exercise. The second area of research centers on the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating. Ongoing projects include the I-CAN! Project, Initiatives for Children's Activity and Nutrition. This research project targets children's behavior with school based interventions that are designed to increase physical activity and promote healthy eating. The third area of research focuses on diabetes prevention across the state of Texas through the promotion of physical activity.
Walk Texas! provides physical activity, evaluation, and nutrition technical assistance and expertise to state-funded community diabetes service projects as well as to the Diabetes Program/Council at the Department of State Health Services. Students involved in the Exercise and Sports Psychology Lab have opportunities to assist with research studies to gain valuable research experience.