Sport and Exercise Psychology Research
Sport and exercise psychology research.
Michelle's research in sport and exercise psychology explores the psychological processes and contemporary issues that shape children's development in sport, physical education, and physical activity.
Research interests
Keywords
- Sport
- Psychology
- Exercise psychology
- Physical education
- Physical activity
- Inclusion
- Mental health
- Coaching
Biography
About Michelle
Michelle Bird is a postgraduate researcher in sport and exercise psychology. She completed a BSc in Sport, Fitness and Coaching, where she developed an interest in athletic development and sport and exercise psychology. This led to an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology with Health Sciences University, which she completed in 2025.
Her master's dissertation explored how teachers develop pedagogical confidence to support primary children with ADHD in physical education. This work is now being developed for publication, with the aim of sharing practical insights that can help inform teachers and schools. Alongside this, Michelle is undertaking a PhD with Health Sciences University. Her current project explores how visual instructional strategies can support attention in PE for primary school children with ADHD.
Alongside her PhD, Michelle works full time as Head of Athlete Development at an independent school, teaching children from Year 3 to Year 11 in physical education and supporting pupils with their academic development up to Year 13. Balancing research with practice keeps the project grounded in ideas that are thoughtful, realistic, and useful for teachers and pupils.