Imagery Ability and Its Role in Optimizing Imagery-Based Interventions for Performance and Stress Regulation

Mental imagery is a widely used psychological technique in sport, exercise, and health contexts to enhance performance, regulate stress, and improve wellbeing. However, the effectiveness of imagery interventions depends heavily on an individual’s imagery ability (i.e., the ease and vividness with which they can generate and control mental images). Research has shown that individuals with higher imagery ability experience greater benefits from imagery interventions, while those with lower ability may experience lower or even no intended outcomes. Imagery ability is multidimensional, with individuals often differing in their capacity to image various modalities and content. Recent research highlights how profiles of positive and negative imagery ability predict stress responses and psychological resilience.

Building on previous research, this PhD project will aim to explore in more depth, how imagery ability influences the effectiveness of imagery-based interventions and whether targeted training can enhance imagery ability and improve outcomes. The project will draw on established frameworks such as the revised applied model of deliberate imagery use as well as techniques such as Layered Stimulus Response Training (LSRT) and PETTLEP imagery, which have been shown to improve imagery ability and intervention efficacy.

Potential Research Questions:

• How do imagery ability profiles moderate responses to guided imagery scripts?

• Which characteristics of imagery ability most strongly influence intervention effectiveness?

• What is the most effective way to enhance imagery ability using techniques such as LSRT and PETTLEP imagery?

Methods:

The project offers flexibility for the successful candidate to tailor the research focus to their interests within sport performance or stress regulation in other populations (e.g., students, exercisers). Possible approaches include:

• Cross-sectional studies comprehensively assessing imagery ability using different measures and other outcomes associated with higher imagery ability

• Experimental studies examining imagery ability’s moderating effects on guided imagery scripts on performance or stress related outcomes

• Intervention studies aimed to improve imagery ability and subsequent changes in outcomes associated with greater imagery ability

Training and Environment:

The candidate will join a leading research group in sport and performance psychology in the School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for conducting research in the area of stress, wellbeing, and performance. Training will include advanced quantitative methods, experimental design, and applied psychological skills, preparing the candidate for a career in academia, applied sport psychology, or health-related research.

Impact:

Findings from the project will inform best practice for imagery-based interventions in sport, exercise, and health settings, contributing to personalised evidenced-based approaches for performance enhancement and stress management.

This project is not associated with funding from the University of Birmingham. Applicants will need to obtain their own scholarship or other financial support to cover tuition fees and living costs. All interested candidates MUST contact the lead supervisor of this project by email, including a current CV and statement of interest BEFORE submitting a formal application.

Please note this research topic is also available for students applying for a research masters course: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/subjects/sport-and-exercise-sciences-courses/sport-exercise-and-rehabilitation-sciences-phd?preventScrollTop=true&location=United+Kingdom