Ph.D - Doctor of Philosophy in Health and Human Performance with Concentration in Biobehavioral Science (Exercise and Performance Psychology)

The Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance is a single college-wide Ph.D. program with 6 concentrations that are housed and administered by the three departments, according to the following organizational structure: The primary mission of the Ph.D. program in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Biobehavioral Science is to train future scholars by providing a stimulating environment to develop in-depth knowledge in the area of the specializations described below, and proficiency in designing and conducting research in the respective areas. Students are expected to be involved in research throughout their Ph.D. program, which requires approximately three to five years of full-time study for completion. Graduates of the program are trained to assume positions as post-doctoral research scientists, or entry level professorships at major colleges and universities throughout the country. The program of study is developed by the student and the supervisory committee based on the student’s background, interests, and career goals, as well as faculty expertise. This program prepares individuals for careers in universities, research, consulting, private industry, or health sciences. Performance and Exercise Psychology provides the basis for understanding emotions, cognitions, and behaviors in sport, exercise, and other performance settings. Given the development of performance and exercise psychology as distinct fields that emphasize both science and practice, courses and experiences are offered that are relevant to developing proficiency in both areas. Thus, the program is designed with two different streams for concentration course work and experiences depending upon the student’s interests in either performance or exercise psychology. Major topics of study in the Exercise Psychology specialization include a psychosocial emphasis on the acute and chronic effects of exercise on body image, eating disorders, exercise dependence, and psychological well-being (e.g., the effects of exercise on depression, self-esteem, anxiety, social physique anxiety, self-esteem, and mood). Other topics of interest include exercise adherence, exercise interventions, and various group dynamic topics (e.g., leadership, cohesion, social influence, and group size). Major topics of study in the Performance Psychology specialization include a cognitive-behavioral emphasis on the improvement of learning and performance conditions, emotion and attentional components of performance, information processing factors involved in complex movements, performance enhancement strategies, and understanding the development of the attention, anticipation, decision-making, and reacting skills necessary for expert performance in rapidly occurring events. The investigation of these areas has been facilitated by the recent laboratory additions of technologically advanced instrumentation used for psychophysiological assessment of brain (EEG) activity and visual search patterns. Research topics also include various psychological issues related to motivation, personality, and individual differences in emotional reactivity.