Hayley Mills

Dr Hayley Mills

Reader in Exercise Psychology and is a BPS Chartered/HCPC registered Psychologist.

Hayley is a Reader is Exercise Psychology and is a BPS Chartered/HCPC registered Psychologist. Director of the Perinatal Physical Activity Research group and course director of MSc Applied Exercise and Health Science.

Her research interests broadly span the psychological processes of exercise participation, including physical activity behaviour change, communication and intervention. She has an established research interest in physical activity engagement during the perinatal journey. 

Course Director

•    MSc Applied Exercise and Health Science Module lead

•    Level 7 - Psychology of Exercise and Health Behaviour Change

•    Level 7 - Dissertations

•    Level 6 - Applied Exercise and Health Psychology

•    Level 5 - The Psychology of Exercise and Health

Hayley is an experienced postgraduate supervisor and examiner. With students having successfully completed both PhD and clinical doctorate studies. Many of Hayley's current projects focus on physical activity behaviour surrounding conception, pregnancy and postpartum periods. For example, exploring the knowledge and attitudes involved in making physical activity decisions and the potential impact of IVF conception on physical activity attitudes and behaviour. Hayley is also involved in a number of projects looking at the health professionals role in providing physical activity advice and guidance during the pregnancy and post-partum periods. Hayley's involvement in wider physical activity projects extends to populations such as those experiencing musculoskeletal issues, menopause, aneurysm and inactivity.

Research Projects

  • Development and feasibility of a swimming programme as a rehabilitation modality for people with chronic low back pain: A mixed methods project.. Researcher(s): Mrs Helen Oakes. Supervisor(s): Dr Marlize DeVivo, Dr Hayley Mills, Professor David Stephensen. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • Evaluating Mums’ Zone: a combined intervention of physical activity and social support for new mums.. Researcher(s): Dr Marlize DeVivo, Dr Hayley Mills. [Project report]
  • How to get the inactive active: Creating a successful physical activity interventions within a University setting. Researcher(s): Miss Laura Ackerley. Supervisor(s): Dr Abby Foad, Dr Hayley Mills, Professor Mike Weed. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • MOMentum lost: Unpicking maternal physical activity patterns. Researcher(s): Dr Marlize DeVivo, Dr Hayley Mills. [Project report]
  • Personalisation of physiotherapy care in chronic respiratory disease. Researcher(s): Ms Sarah O'Neill. Supervisor(s): Dr Kristy Howells, Dr Hayley Mills. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • Physical activity advice and guidance offered during fertility treatment. Researcher(s): Miss Stacey Draper. Supervisor(s): Dr Marlize DeVivo, Dr Hayley Mills. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • The Dance of Endurance: Safe and Effective Psychological and Physiological Postnatal Rehabilitation Methods (Interventions) for Professional Dancers. Researcher(s): Mrs Lucy McCrudden. Supervisor(s): Professor Angela Pickard, Dr Hayley Mills. [Postgraduate Research Project]

External positions

•    ukactive scientific advisory board member  

•    Trustee/co-founder – The Active Pregnancy Foundation

•    Core committee member - UK Chief Medical Officers expert committee for physical activity communication

•    Chair - UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines postpartum expert working group

•     Accreditations

•    Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist (British Psychological Society)

•    Registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist (Health and Care Professions Council)

•    Fellow (Higher Education Academy)

 

https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/science-engineering-and-social-sciences/psychology-and-life-sciences/sport-and-exercise-sciences/research/perinatal-physical-activity-research-group/Perinatal-Physical-Activity-Research-Group.aspx