Dr Ross Roberts

I am a senior lecturer in sport & exercise psychology and a member of the Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance. My research interests centre on personality in relation to performance and health, with a specific focus on narcissism. In recent years I have received research funding from a variety of sources including the MoD, Rugby Football Union, UK Sport, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sport Wales, and the European Social Fund. Much of my work  is collaborative and involves organisations from the High Performance domain. Current and recent collaborators include the ECB, UK Sport, RFU, MoD, Mountain Training UK, and the Youth Justice Service. I am also a chartered psychologist and associated fellow of the British Psychological Society and a Health Care Professions Council registered sport & exercise psychologist. I have over 15 years’ experience working with high level performers and coaches in sport and military settings on a variety of performance-related issues, and also supervise aspirant psychology practitioners.

I am interested to hear from potential PhD candidates who wish to complete PhDs in relation to personality and performance

Personality and performance, especially narcissism

2021

• E-pub ahead of printForesee the glory and train better: Narcissism, goal-setting and athlete training
  Zhang, S., Roberts, R., Woodman, T., Pitkethly, A., English, C. & Nightingale, D., 2021, In : Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedInfluence of Vitamin D Supplementation by Simulated Sunlight or Oral D3 on Respiratory Infection during Military Training
  Harrison, S., Oliver, S., Kashi, D., Carswell, A., Edwards, J., Wentz, L., Roberts, R., Tang, J., Izard, R., Jackson, S., Allan, D., Rhodes, L., Fraser, W., Greeves, J. & Walsh, N., 1 Jul 2021, In : Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 53, 7, p. 1505-1516 12 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• Accepted/In pressThe 2×2 model of Perfectionism and Exercise Dependence
  Deck, S., Roberts, R. & Hall, C., 14 May 2021, (Accepted/In press) In : Personality and Individual Differences.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedVitamin D and the hepatitis B vaccine response: A prospective cohort study and a randomized, placebo-controlled oral vitamin D3 and simulated sunlight supplementation trial in healthy adults
  Kashi, D., Oliver, S., Wentz, L., Roberts, R., Carswell, A., Tang, J., Jackson, S., Izard, R. M., Allan, D., Rhodes, L., Fraser, W., Greeves, J. P. & Walsh, N., Feb 2021, In : European Journal of Nutrition. 60, 1, p. 475-491 17 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2020

• PublishedExercise behaviour, enjoyment and boredom
  Deck, S., Roberts, R., Hall, C. & Kouali, D., 1 Nov 2020, In : International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 18, 6, p. 779-793 15 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedI am great, but only when I also want to dominate: Maladaptive narcissism moderates the relationship between adaptive narcissism and performance under pressure
  Zhang, S., Roberts, R., Cooke, A. & Woodman, T., Aug 2020, In : Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 42, 4, p. 323-335
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• E-pub ahead of printPsychological Resilience Interventions to Reduce Recidivism in Young People: A Systematic Review
  Hodgkinson, R., Beattie, S., Roberts, R. & Hardy, L., 24 Jul 2020, In : Adolescent Research Review. 56 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedThe Effect of Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry on Speaking Performance
  Manley, H., Paisarnsrisomsuk, N. & Roberts, R., 1 Feb 2020, In : Personality and Individual Differences. 154, 109624.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2019

• PublishedCoaches Coaching Psychological Skills – Why Not? A Framework and Questionnaire Development
  Arthur, R., Roberts, R., Callow, N. & Glendinning, F., 30 Mar 2019, In : Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 41, 1, p. 10-23
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedDeveloping excellence in outdoor provision: Enhancing training pathways for outdoor qualifications: The Mountain Leader qualification
  Hardy, W., Roberts, R. & Hardy, L., 25 Sep 2019, Prifysgol Bangor University.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• PublishedInitial steps in the validation of the athlete development formulation survey
  Langham-Walsh, E., Anderson, D., Dunn, E., Gottwald, V., Hardy, J., Hardy, L., Lawrence, G., Lowery, M., Oliver, S., Roberts, R. & Woodman, T., 2019, Journal of Exercise, Movement, and Sport (SCAPPS refereed abstracts repository). p. 115
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
• PublishedPreliminary Validation of the Athlete Development Formulation Survey (ADFS)
  Dunn, E., Anderson, D., Langham-Walsh, E., Lowery, M., Hardy, L., Lawrence, G., Woodman, T., Gottwald, V., Hardy, J., Roberts, R. & Oliver, S., 18 Oct 2019.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
• PublishedWhen the Going Gets Tough, Who Gets Going? An Examination of the Relationship Between Narcissism, Effort, and Performance
  Roberts, R., Cooke, A., Woodman, T., Hupfeld, H., Barwood, C. & Manley, H., Feb 2019, In : Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 8, 1, p. 93-105
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2018

• UnpublishedA Prospective Study of The Developmental Biographies of Great British Pathway Athletes: Pathway to Podium
  Dunn, E., Langham-Walsh, E., Lowery, M., Hardy, L., Lawrence, G., Gottwald, V., Hardy, J., Oliver, S. & Roberts, R., 8 Jun 2018, (Unpublished).
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
• PublishedAnxiety and Fear in Sport and Performance
  Zhang, S., Woodman, T. & Roberts, R., 2018, Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology. Oxford University Press
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
• PublishedAnxiety and perceived psychological stress play an important role in the immune response after exercise
  Edwards, J., Walsh, N., Diment, B. & Roberts, R., 31 Jan 2018, In : Exercise Immunology Review. 24
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedHigh heart rate reactors display greater decreases in tear SIgA concentration following a novel acute stressor
  Hanstock, H., Edwards, J., Roberts, R. & Walsh, N., Mar 2018, In : Biological Psychology. 133, March, p. 85-88
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedInfluence of vitamin D supplementation by sunlight or oral D3 on exercise performance
  Carswell, A. T., Oliver, S. J., Wentz, L. M., Kashi, D. S., Roberts, R., Tang, J. C., Izard, R. M., Jackson, S., Allan, D., Rhodes, L. E., Fraser, W. D., Greeves, J. P. & Walsh, N. P., Dec 2018, In : Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 50, 12, p. 2555-2564
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedI’ll get there because I’m great, or am I? Narcissistic Vulnerability Moderates the Narcissistic Grandiosity – Goal Persistence Relationship
  Manley, H., Roberts, R., Beattie, S. & Woodman, T., Jan 2018, In : Personality and Individual Differences. 120, 1, p. 65-74
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedStructural validation of three German versions of behavioral and motivational scales in high-risk sports
  Frühauf, A., Hardy, W. A. S., Roberts, R., Niedermeier, M. & Kopp, M., Dec 2018, In : German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research. 48, 4, p. 467-477
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedThe Benefit of Punishment Sensitivity On Motor Performance Under Pressure
  Manley, H., Beattie, S., Roberts, R., Lawrence, G. & Hardy, L., Jun 2018, In : Journal of Personality. 86, 3, p. 339-352
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2017

• PublishedI am great and I want to dominate: Narcissism and performance under stress
  Zhang, S., Roberts, R., Cooke, A. & Woodman, T., 2017, Journal of Sports Sciences. sup1 ed. Vol. 35. p. s12
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
• PublishedKinesthetic imagery provides additive benefits to internal visual imagery on slalom task performance
  Callow, N., Jiang, D., Roberts, R. & Edwards, M., Feb 2017, In : Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 39, 1, p. 81-86
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedPass Me the ball: Narcissism in performance settings
  Roberts, R., Woodman, T. & Sedikides, C., 25 Jan 2017, In : International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedPsychological skills and “the Paras”: The indirect effects of psychological skills on endurance
  Arthur, R., Fitzwater, J., Roberts, R., Hardy, J. & Arthur, C., Oct 2017, In : Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. 29, 4, p. 449-465
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedThe darker side of personality: Narcissism predicts moral disengagement and antisocial behavior in sport
  Jones, B., Woodman, T., Barlow, M. & Roberts, R., 30 Jun 2017, In : Sport Psychologist. 31, 2, p. 109-116
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedThe moderating role of narcissism on the reciprocal relationship between self-efficacy and performance
  Beattie, S., Dempsey, C., Roberts, R., Woodman, T. & Cooke, A., May 2017, In : Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 6, 2, p. 199-214
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2016

• PublishedNarcissism and performance under stress : Every piece of narcissism matters
  Zhang, S., Roberts, R., Woodman, T. & Hardy, L., 2016, 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Sciences. p. 20-21
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
• PublishedPersonality and group functioning: Managing a Narcissist's ego (Chapter 6)
  Dempsey, C., Ong, C. W., Woodman, T. & Roberts, R. J., 17 Jun 2016, Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology: Practitioner Case Studies. Cotterill, S., Weston, N. & Breslin, G. (eds.). 2016 ed. Wiley
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
• PublishedRevisiting the Exercise Imagery and Exercise Dependence Relationship
  Divine, A., Roberts, R. & Hall, C., 27 Apr 2016, In : International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedThe Leader Ship is Sinking: A Temporal Investigation of Narcissistic Leadership
  Ong, C. W., Roberts, R., Arthur, C., Woodman, T. & Akehurst, S., Apr 2016, In : Journal of Personality. 84, 2, p. 237-247
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2015

• PublishedContemporary personality perspectives in sport psychology
  Woodman, T. & Roberts, R. J., 9 Mar 2015, Contemporary Advances in Sport Psychology: A Review. Mellalieu, S. & Hanton, S. (eds.). 2015 ed. Routledge, p. 1-27
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2014

• PublishedNot all players are equally motivated: The role of narcissism.
  Roberts, R. J., Woodman, T., Lofthouse, S. & Williams, L., 15 Dec 2014, In : European Journal of Sport Science. 15, 6, p. 536-542
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedPersonality and performance: Beyone the Big 5
  Roberts, R. J., Woodman, T., Schinke, R. J. (ed.), McGannon, K. R. (ed.) & Smith, B. (ed.), 19 Nov 2014, International handbook of sport psychology. 2016 ed. Routledge
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2013

• PublishedPerfectionism and the 'Yips': An Initial Investigation
  Roberts, R. J., Rotherham, M., Maynard, I., Thomas, O. & Woodman, T., 1 Mar 2013, In : Sport Psychologist. 27, 1, p. 53-61
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedPerformance improvements from imagery: evidence that internal visual imagery is superior to external visual imagery for slalom performance
  Callow, N., Roberts, R. J., Hardy, L. J., Jiang, D. & Edwards, M. G., 21 Oct 2013, In : Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 7
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedWatch me if you can: imagery ability moderates observational learning effectiveness
  Roberts, R. J., Lawrence, G. P., Callow, N. & Roberts, R., 5 Sep 2013, In : Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 7
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2012

• PublishedPhysiological and Psychological Illness Symptoms at High Altitude and Their Relationship With Acute Mountain Sickness: A Prospective Cohort Study
  Hardy, L. J., Arthur, C. A., Roberts, R. J., Oliver, S. J., Sanders, S. J., Williams, C. J., Smith, Z. A., Lloyd-Davies E.*, N. V., Roberts, R., Arthur, C., Hardy, L. & Macdonald, J. H., 1 Jul 2012, In : Journal of Travel Medicine. 19, 4, p. 210-219
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedPsychological Skills Do Not Always Help Performance: The Moderating Role of Narcissism
  Roberts, R. J., Woodman, T., Hardy, L. J., Davis, L. & Wallace, H. M., 2 Oct 2012, In : Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. 25, 3, p. 316-325
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedVisual imagery perspectives and preference: Conceptualization and measurement
  Roberts, R. J., Callow, N. & Roberts, R., 1 Jan 2012, In : Journal of Mental Imagery. 36, p. 31-39
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2011

• PublishedThere Is an “I“ in TEAM: Narcissism and Social Loafing
  Woodman, T., Roberts, R. J., Hardy, L. J., Callow, N. & Rogers, C. H., 1 Jun 2011, In : Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 82, 2, p. 285-290
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2010

• PublishedCoach education related to the delivery of imagery: two interventions.
  Roberts, R. J., Callow, N., Roberts, R., Bringer, J. & Langan, E., 1 Sep 2010, In : Sport Psychologist. 24, 3, p. 277-299
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedImagery research: an investigation of three issues.
  Roberts, R. J., Callow, N. & Roberts, R., 1 Jul 2010, In : Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 11, 4, p. 325-329
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedInteractive effects of different visual imagery perspectives and narcissism on motor performance.
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Callow, N., Hardy, L. J., Woodman, T. & Thomas, L., 1 Aug 2010, In : Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 32, 4, p. 499-517
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedPutts that get missed on the right: Investigating lateralized attentional biases and the nature of putting errors in golf.
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R. & Turnbull, O. H., 12 Feb 2010, In : Journal of Sports Sciences. 28, 4, p. 369-374
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedTest performance strategies (TOPS): Instrument refinement using confirmatory factor analysis.
  Roberts, R. J., Hardy, L. J., Hardy, L., Roberts, R., Thomas, P. R. & Murphy, S. M., 1 Jan 2010, In : Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 11, 1, p. 27-35
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2009

• PublishedAwareness and Motivation to Change Negative Self-Talk.
  Hardy, J. T., Hardy, L. J., Roberts, R. J., Hardy, J., Roberts, R. & Hardy, L., 1 Dec 2009, In : Sport Psychologist. 23, 4, p. 435-450
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedCoaches’ use of imagery with their athletes: Two interventions
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Callow, N., Bringer, J. & Langan, E., 1 Jan 2009.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedExamining the (potential) role of imagery in the pseudoneglect-motor performance relationship.
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Turnbull, O. H. & Brett, R., 1 Jan 2009.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedInteractive effects of different visual imagery perspectives and narcissism on motor performance.
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R. & Thomas, L., 1 Jan 2009.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2008

• PublishedImagery perspectives and modalities: An investigation of three issues
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R. & Callow, N., 1 Jul 2008.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedImagery research 2003-2007: Bangor and SCW collaborations
  Roberts, R. J. & Roberts, R., 13 Feb 2008.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedMovement imagery ability: Development and assessment of a revised version of the vividness of movement imagery questionnaire.
  Roberts, R. J., Callow, N., Hardy, L., Markland, D. A. & Bringer, J., 1 Apr 2008, In : Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 30, 2, p. 200-221
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedVisual imagery perspective issues: An update
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R. & Callow, N., 1 Jan 2008.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2007

• PublishedInteractive effects of different visual imagery perspectives and narcissism on motor performance
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Callow, N., Hardy, L. & Woodman, T., 1 Jan 2007.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedInvestigating the role of personality in the effects of different visual imagery perspectives on performance
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Callow, N. & Hardy, L., 1 Jan 2007.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedMovement imagery ability: Measurement, Perspectives and modalities
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Callow, N., Hardy, L., Markland, D. & Bringer, J., 1 Jan 2007.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2006

• PublishedEffects of dynamic and static imagery on vividness of imagery, skiing performance and confidence.
  Roberts, R. J., Callow, N., Roberts, R. & Fawkes, J. Z., 1 Feb 2006, In : Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity. 1, 1, p. Article 2
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
• PublishedMeasuring imagery ability: The vividness of movement imagery questionnaire – 2
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Callow, N., Markland, D., Hardy, L. & Bringer, J., 1 Jan 2006.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2005

• PublishedEffects of different visual imagery perspectives on the performance of tasks where line is important
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R., Callow, N. & Hardy, L., 1 Jan 2005.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe relationship between imagery, anxiety, and performance in Gaelic footballers
  Roberts, R. J., Callow, N., Roberts, R. & Davis, J. P., 1 Jan 2005.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2003

• PublishedThe effects of motivational imagery on physical performance and RPE in a controlled sport setting
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R. & Callow, N., 1 Jan 2003.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2020

• EDP GB Hockey feedback session 1

  Pathway2Podium Feedback session 1. Present: Head of Talent, Head EDP Coaches, Head of GB Support, EDP S&C coach, EIS Pathways Senior Scientist and SSHES Senior Lecturer (GL).

  27 Jan 2020

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2019

• Canoe Slalom Pathway to Podium Project Quarter 2 Feedback

  Presentation of findings from the second quarter of the Pathway to Podium project.

  29 Jul 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
• Canoe Sprint Pathway to Podium Project Quarter 1 Feedback

  Presentation of findings from first quarter of the Pathway to Podium project.

  10 May 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
• Canoe Slalom Pathway to Podium Project Quarter 1 Feedback Session

  Presentation of findings from first quarter of the Pathway to Podium project.

  10 Apr 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• KESS II MRes with The Outdoor Partnership- BUK2153

  01/07/2018 – 28/02/2020 (Finished)

• Review of culture in elite sport

  01/03/2017 – 31/08/2017 (Finished)

• KESS II Phd with Mountain Training UK Inc Ltd- BUK269

  01/10/2016 – 01/09/2020 (Finished)

• PhD Studentship

  14/07/2015 – 28/02/2022 (Active)

• Biomedical vacation scholarship 2009

  01/06/2009 – 31/12/2010 (Finished)

When not working I can usually be found running in the mountains of North Wales