James Black

Biography

James is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research interests primarily focus on individual differences and mental health in performance settings, including sport, education, and the workplace. In particular, he is interested in the personality trait of perfectionism and the mental health concern of burnout. He currently leads and collaborates on several international research projects examining these topics. Beyond his research, James has worked as a consultant for businesses on projects including the evaluation of health and wellbeing interventions. Alongside his research, James has experience as an educator in higher education. Prior to joining the department as a Lecturer in 2025, he served as an Assistant Lecturer, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students across a range of modules in sport and exercise psychology and research methods. His teaching was recently recognised with an Excellence in Education award.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science York St John University (2022)

• MSc Sport & Exercise Psychology University of Essex (2023)