Ben Walker
Thesis Title: Developing an understanding of the mental health and wellbeing challenges and facilitators across the UK Para-Athlete life-course
There has been growing interest into athlete mental health in recent years, with reviews describing an urgent need to improve our understanding of mental health issues among sportspeople to promote awareness of these matters and to enhance signposting to, and links with, support services to ensure prompt access to treatment and support. Evidence and interventions have emerged regarding mental health in Olympic sport, however, the nuances of para-sport that may impact upon athlete mental health are yet poorly understood. Research is urgently needed to better understand issues relating to mental health and well-being among para-athletes to inform the development of specific resources, education, and support. Accordingly, this programme of research aims to develop an understanding of the mental health and well-being challenges and facilitators of the UK para-athlete life-course (in collaboration with the English Institute of Sport) and to generate a comprehensive toolkit to guide future researchers, practice, and policy.
Biography
Ben completed his undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, graduating in 2015 with first-class honours, before studying MSc Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University in 2015, and returning to Loughborough to study MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology in 2016. Since, Ben has been practicing as a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist following completion of the British Psychological Society’s Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology in 2021.
Sport & Exercise Science
Loughborough University
2021 Cohort, 1+3
Supervisory Team
Dr Jamie Barker
Dr Carolyn Plateau