Motivation and Health Behaviours: to explore why health goal failures occur despite the presence of motivation

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Project Detail:
Motivation plays a fundamental role in predicting a variety of health behaviours, such as physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet. Despite individuals being motivated to pursue healthy behaviours, there are countless times when people fail in adhering to their health goals. The present project aims to explore why these lapses occur despite the presence of motivation. For example, are certain types of motivation more robust against temptation, compared to other motives? Does satisfying a motive in one domain have detrimental consequences in another life context? Findings from the project will identify fundamental motivational mechanisms that can be used to inform effective health interventions.

This is an open call for candidates who are sponsored or who have their own funding. If you do not have funding, you may still apply, however Institutional funding is not guaranteed. Outstanding candidates (UK/EU/International) without funding will be considered for funding opportunities which may become available in the School.

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Sports Science, Psychology or a related discipline.

A Masters qualification or research assistant experience in one of these areas is also desirable. In addition, applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as confidence in quantitative research methods.

Contact details:
Name: Dr Ian Taylor
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44(0)1509 223274

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercises and Health Sciences

Please quote reference number: SSEHS/IT/1

Application details:
Reference number: SSEHS/IT/1
Preferred Start date: Flexible

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Ian Taylor