Dr Paul Freeman

School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex

Paul is programme lead on BSc Sports and Exercise Science and co-programme lead on MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology. He is Chartered Psychologist and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Paul’s research interests focus on cognitive and social factors (including cognitive appraisals, social support, and motivation) underpinning performance under pressure and physical activity behaviour. He possesses excellent methodological and statistical skills, and has conducted laboratory-based experiments, survey designs, single-subject multiple baseline designs, qualitative research (focus groups and interviews), and systematic literature reviews.

Paul has received research funding from a range of organisations, including the International Olympic Committee, Active Essex, Essex County Council, and the Economic and Social Research Council. He is currently co-lead of the evaluation team working on the Essex Local Delivery Pilot funded by Sport England. He has also designed and delivered a range of workshops on topics such as Behaviour Change Models and Psychological Skills Training.