Background: 

Professor in Sport Psychology, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education)

Qualifications:

PhD

P.G.G.E. BA Joint Hons

Professional Qualifications:

BPS Chartered Psychologist since 2000.

Brief biography:

Professor Nichola Callow is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education).

As Pro Vice-Chancellor she has strategic responsibility for teaching & learning, the student experience, student employability and providing academic contribution to student recruitment. She also has a key leadership role for the delivery of the North Wales Medical School.
 
Nichola graduated with a BSc degree in Physical Education and Psychology, a PGCE in Outdoor Activities and Science and a PhD in Sport Psychology from Bangor University in 1991, 1992 and 2000. She received a Personal Chair in 2012.
 
Nichola is a British Psychology Society Chartered Psychologist with an international reputation for her research related to imagery for sport performance and she also conducts research in the areas of leadership, group dynamics, and resilience. Her research has a translational focus (theory to practice) at an elite and professional level and she has secured significant research funding from City Football Services whose portfolio includes Manchester City Football Club.

Executive Assistant, Donna Williams d.l.williams@bangor.ac.uk

Position: Professor/ Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education)

Email: n.callow@bangor.ac.uk

Phone: (01248) 38 8243

Location: Main University Building

Web: Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance

Video profile: Watch Prof Nichola Callow's video profile

Teaching Modules

• MSc Supervisory Experience
• MSc Independent study/dissertations

Research areas:

Cognitive and motivational effects of imagery. Group dynamics, in particular, leadership, collective efficacy and communication. Interventions with rheumatology patients (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia)

Funding:

Callow, N., Hardy, J.T., & Beattie, S. The development of resilience in young people within communities through sport participation - ESRC DTP PhD/ City Football Services £50,000.

2017-2020 Callow, N., Hardy, J.T., & Beattie, S. From the Class Room to Cambodia: Resilience in Adventure Expeditions. KESS maxi PhD £67,270         

2015-2021 Callow, N., & Hardy, J.T. Team effectiveness in academy football players. City Football Services (Manchester) £107,225

Callow, N., Hardy, J.T., & Arthur, C.A. (March, 2012). The effect of transformational supervision on student engagement, retention and success. The Higher Education Academy Doctoral Training Programme £54,516.

2009-2012 Callow, N., Edwards, M., & Rafal, R. Neural networks involved in visual and kinaesthetic movement imagery. Bangor University 125th Anniversary PhD studentship £45,000.

2010-2013 Arthur, C. Callow, N. & Hardy, L. Transformational leadership in a youth expedition context. KESS maxi PhD £55,470.

2010-11 Callow, N., Mawn, L.Arthur, C.A., & Hardy, J. Development and assessment of a transformational leadership inventory in higher education. Higher Education Academy Network for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Pedagogic Research and Development Fund. £2,972.

2008-2011 Callow, N., Arthur, C.A., & Hardy, J. Transformational Leadership and student learning experiences. Drapers' Company and Thomas Howell's Education Fund/SSHES £58,000.

2009-2013 Callow, N., & Roberts, R. Coach education and psychological skills. Sports Council for Wales/SSHES £72,700.

2025

• E-pub ahead of printReview and Analysis of Successful PSA Interventions: An Applied Perspective
  McWilliam, A., Beattie, S. & Callow, N., 19 Feb 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: The Journal of Psychology.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

• PublishedWritten Emotional Disclosure Can Promote Athletes’ Mental Health and Performance Readiness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  Davies, P. A., Gustafsson, H., Callow, N. & Woodman, T., 27 Nov 2020, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 11, 599925.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

• PublishedAction dual-tasks reveal differential effects of visual imagery perspectives on motor performance
  Callow, N., Edwards, M. G., Jones, A. L., Hardy, L. & Connell, S., 1 Jun 2019, In: Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology. 72, 6, p. 1401-1411
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• 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 › peer-review

2017

• 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 › peer-review

2016

• PublishedImagery and self-efficacy in the injury context
  Wesch, N., Callow, N., Hall, C. & Pope, J. P., May 2016, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 24, p. 72-81
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2015

• PublishedThe neural substrates for the different modalities of movement imagery
  Jiang, D., Edwards, M. G., Mullins, P. & Callow, N., Jul 2015, In: Brain and Cognition. 97, p. 22-31
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedTransformational Leadership and Task Cohesion in Sport: The Mediating Role of Inside Sacrifice
  Cronin, L. D., Arthur, C. A., Hardy, J. T. & Callow, N., 1 Feb 2015, In: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 37, p. 23-36
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2013

• 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 › peer-review
• PublishedTransformational leadership and task cohesion in sport: The mediating role of intrateam communication
  Smith, M. J., Arthur, C. A., Hardy, J., Callow, N. & Williams, D., Mar 2013, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 14, 2, p. 249-257
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedWatch me if you can: imagery ability moderates observational learning effectiveness
  Roberts, R. J., Lawrence, G. P., Callow, N. & Roberts, R., 5 Sept 2013, In: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 7
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2012

• 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 › peer-review

2011

• PublishedDevelopment and validation of a trait measure of robustness of self-confidence.
  Beattie, S. J., Hardy, L. J., Savage, J., Woodman, T. & Callow, N., 1 Mar 2011, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 12, 2, p. 184-191
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe moderating role of imagery ability on observational learning and performance
  Lawrence, G. P. & Callow, N., 1 Jun 2011.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• 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 › peer-review

2010

• PublishedBetter out than in: the influence of anger regulation on physical performance.
  Davis, P. A., Woodman, T. & Callow, N., 1 Oct 2010, In: Personality and Individual Differences. 49, 5, p. 457-460
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedCoach education related to the delivery of imagery: two interventions.
  Roberts, R. J., Callow, N., Roberts, R., Bringer, J. & Langan, E., 1 Sept 2010, In: Sport Psychologist. 24, 3, p. 277-299
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• 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 › peer-review
• 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 › peer-review

2009

• PublishedActive rheumatoid arthritis: a case study approach investigating hypnotherapy and imagery within a biopsychosocial framework.
  Bennett, B. M., Callow, N. & Jones, J. G., 1 Jan 2009, p. I63-I64.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• 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
• PublishedDifferential involvement of the motor cortex during visual imagery of movement.
  Connell, S., Callow, N., Hardy, L., Edwards, M. & Fourkas, A., 1 Jan 2009.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedEmotions and Sport Performance: An Exploration of Happiness, Hope, and Anger
  Woodman, T., Davis, P. A., Hardy, L. J., Callow, N., Glasscock, I. & Yuill-Proctor, J., 1 Apr 2009, In: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 32, 2, p. 169-188
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedEmotions in Sport Performance: Beyond anxiety.
  Davis, P. A., Woodman, T. & Callow, N., 1 Jan 2009.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedMeasurement of Transformational Leadership and its Relationship with Team Cohesion and Performance Level.
  Hardy, J. T., Hardy, L. J., Callow, N., Smith, M. J., Hardy, L., Arthur, C. A. & Hardy, J., 1 Oct 2009, In: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. 21, 4, p. 395-412
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe effects of reward on autonomously regulated behaviours on endurance performance and RPE.
  Mawn, L., Callow, N. & Marcora, S. M., 1 Jan 2009.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe role of anger regulation in physical performance
  Davis, P. A., Woodman, T. & Callow, N., 1 Jan 2009.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedTwo coach imagery interventions.
  Callow, N., Roberts, R., Bringer, J. & Langan, E., 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 use during rehabilitation from injury: A case study of an elite athlete
  Callow, N., Hare, R. & Evans, L., 1 Jan 2008, In: Sport Psychologist. 22, 4, p. 405-422
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMeasurement of transformational leadership and its relationship with cohesion and performance level
  Callow, N., Smith, M., Hardy, L. & Hardy, J., 1 Jul 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 › peer-review
• PublishedThe relationship between transformational leadership behaviours and perceptions of role value in interactive sports teams
  Bell, D. J., Clark, C., Hardy, J., Hardy, L., Callow, N. & Arthur, C., 1 Jul 2008.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe use of imagery and hypnotherapy as complementary and alternative therapies in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
  Bennett, B. M., Callow, N. & Jones, J. G., 1 Jan 2008.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedVisual imagery perspective issues: An update
  Roberts, R. J., Roberts, R. & Callow, N., 1 Jan 2008.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2007

• PublishedDevelopment and validation of the trait robustness of self-confidence inventory (TROSCI)
  Beattie, S., Hardy, L., Woodman, T. & Callow, N., 1 Sept 2007.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedImagery use during rehabilitation from injury: A case study of an elite athlete
  Evans, L., Hare, R. & Callow, N., 1 Sept 2007.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• 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
• PublishedResearch and practice in imagery and observation in sport: an integrative approach
  Callow, N., Cummings, J., Edwards, M. & Holmes, P. S., 1 Sept 2007.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2006

• PublishedEffects of Dynamic and Static Imagery on Vividness of Imagery, Skiing Performance, and Confidence.
  Callow, N., Roberts, R. & Fawkes, J. Z., 1 Feb 2006, In: Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity. 1, 1
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedImagery in sport and health psychology
  Callow, N., 1 Jan 2006.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedImagery use by injured athletes: A qualitative analysis.
  Driediger, M., Hall, C. & Callow, N., 1 Mar 2006, In: Journal of Sports Sciences. 24, 3, p. 261-271
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• 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
• PublishedThe development and validation of the VMIQ-2
  Roberts, R., Callow, N., Markland, D. & Hardy, L., 1 Mar 2006.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2005

• PublishedA critical analysis of Applied Imagery Research
  Callow, N., Hardy, L., Hackfort, D. (Editor), Duda, J. L. (Editor) & Lidor, R. (Editor), 1 Jan 2005, Handbook of Research in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychlogy: International Perspectives. 2005 ed. Fitness Information Technology, p. 21-42
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
• PublishedA Cross-Cultural Examination of the Factor Structure of the Scale for Effective Communication in Team Sports.
  Sullivan, P. J. & Callow, N., 1 Jun 2005, In: Group Dynamics: Theory, research and practice. 9, 2, p. 87-92
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• 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
• PublishedEfficacy of visual imagery perspectives on task that require perceptual information for their successful completion
  Roberts, R., Callow, N. & Hardy, L., 1 Oct 2005.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedGroup Dynamics in sport and exercise
  Callow, N., Beauchamp, M., Carron, A. V., Eys, M. A., Callow., N. & Greenlees, I., 1 Jan 2005.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedRe: Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist effects on skeletal muscle: How hormonal therapy in prostate cancer affects muscular strength
  Marcora, S., Oliver, S. J., Callow, N., Lemmey, A. & Stuart, N., 1 Nov 2005, In: Journal of Urology. 174, 5, p. 2068-2069
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe effect of kinesthetic imagery on the sport confidence of flat-race horse jockeys.
  Callow, N. & Waters, A., 1 Jul 2005, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 6, 4, p. 443-459
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• 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

2004

• PublishedPsychological effects of progressive resistance training in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy
  Callow, N., Marcora, S. M., Oliver, S. J., Lemmey, A. B. & Stuart, N., 1 Jul 2004.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedSaliva flow rate, total protein concentration and osmolality as potential markers of whole body hydration status during progressive acute dehydration in humans.
  Walsh, N. P., Montague, J. C., Callow, N. & Rowlands, A. V., 1 Feb 2004, In: Archives of Oral Biology. 49, 2, p. 149-154
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe relationship between the use of kinaesthetic imagery and different visual imagery perspectives
  Callow, N. & Hardy, L., 1 Feb 2004, In: Journal of Sports Sciences. 22, 2, p. 167-177
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2003

• PublishedApplying the SECTS to a British Sample
  Sullivan, P. & Callow, N., 1 Oct 2003.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe conceptualization and measurement of collective efficacy
  Callow, N., Hardy, L., Markland, D. & Shearer, D., 1 Sept 2003.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe effects of dehydration status on cognitive functioning and perceptions of effort.
  Callow, N., Hardy, L., Rowlands, A., Worth, S., Cook, M., Kendall, B., Parfitt, G. & Thompson, K., 1 Apr 2003, In: Journal of Sports Sciences. 21, 4, p. 264-265
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• 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

2002

• PublishedSaliva flow rate, total protein concentration and osmolality as potential markers of whole body hydration status during progressive acute dehydration and rehydration in humans
  Walsh, N., Montague, J., Callow, N. & Rowlands, A., 1 Dec 2002.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe effect of kinaesthetic imagery on sport confidence
  Waters, A. & Callow, N., 1 Jul 2002.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe effects of dehydration on cognitive functioning and rates of perceived exertion
  Callow, N., Hardy, L. & Rowlands, A., 1 Jul 2002.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2001

• PublishedApplied Imagery Application
  Sordoni, C. A., Hall, C., Munroe, K. J., Gammage, K. L. & Callow, N., 1 Jan 2001.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedImagery perspectives: Current knowledge, applied implications, and future research directions.
  Callow, N., 1 Jan 2001.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedThe effect of a motivational general-mastery imagery intervention on the sport confidence of four high level junior badminton players.
  Callow, N., Hardy, L. & Hall, C., 1 Jan 2001, In: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 72, 4, p. 389-400
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedTheory into Practice: Experiences of providing psychological support to a range of high level performers
  Williams, T., Callow, N., Evans, L. & White, A., 1 Jan 2001.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedTypes of imagery associated with sport confidence in netball players of varying skill levels
  Callow, N. & Hardy, L. J., 1 Mar 2001, In: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. 13, 1, p. 1-17
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• The development of resilience in young people within communities through sport participation - ESRC DTP PhD/ City Football Services

  01/10/2020 – 11/01/2024 (Finished)

• Further extension to Post Doc research with Prof N Callow

  01/04/2018 – 30/04/2020 (Finished)

• KESS II Phd with Outlook Expeditions - BUK2133

  01/11/2017 – 31/08/2023 (Finished)

• PhD research with Nicky Callow

  01/05/2016 – 31/05/2020 (Finished)

• HEA Doctoral Programme

  01/02/2013 – 31/01/2016 (Finished)

• Development and assessment of a transformational leadership questionnaire in higher education

  01/08/2010 – 31/07/2011 (Finished)

• Sport Psychology PhD (including work placement with the Sports Council for Wales and completion of a coach related sport psychology research programme)

  01/10/2009 – 31/07/2014 (Finished)

• Transformational Leadership and Student Learning Experiences

  25/05/2009 – 31/05/2012 (Finished)

• Imagery Intervention Of Students' Verbal

  01/10/2007 – 17/06/2009 (Finished)

• Esf - Phd 04/07 - Sportsresourse.Org

  03/11/2004 – 30/11/2007 (Finished)

Appointments:

September 2022 - Present: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education)

June 2019 to August 2022: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning) / Head, College of Human Sciences.

2014 - 2019: Dean, College of Human Sciences.

External Examining

PhD/MPhil in the UK, Australia and Canada

School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, Canada

University of Malaysia

MSc Exercise and Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University

BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences, Birmingham University

Keynote and Invited Addresses

Callow, N., (October, 2012). Imagery and Sport: Research from the repetative. Keynote. Imagery and Creativity Conference, Trinity Laben, London, UK.

Callow, N., (April, 2010). Imagery: Application in sport and health psychology. Keynote. British Association of Sport and Exercise Psychology Student Conference, Aberystwyth University, UK

Peer Reviews

Reviewer for a variety of sport and main stream psychology journals

Hobbies and Interests

Mountain Biking, Skiing, and drinking red wine