Constantine Mantis

Summary

Dr Mantis is a lecturer in clinical psychology.

Originally from Meligalas-Messinia, Greece, Dr Mantis obtained a BA in Psychology from Panteion University (Greece, 2003); then moved to Washburn University where he received a MA in Clinical Psychology (USA, 2007); and eventually, he moved to Iowa State University where he was awarded a PhD in Exercise Psychology (USA, 2017).

Moreover, Dr Mantis has worked as a private practitioner (Greece, 2009-2012). In August 2017, though, he moved to the University of Hull where he worked as a lecturer until August 2022. Since then, he has been working as a lecturer in Teesside University until today.

Regarding affiliations, Dr Mantis has been a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) of the British Psychological Society since June, 2017; and a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) since March, 2019.

Teaching Experience

Dr Mantis currently teaches Mental Health and Wellbeing (Level 4), Introduction to Counselling and Counselling Theories (Level 4), Psychological Research Design and Analysis (Level 4), Clinical Skills in Psychology (Level 5), as well as Applied Counselling Skills and Theory (Level 5).

In the past, he has also taught Sport, Health and Exercise Psychology (Level 4), Psychology in Sport Rehabilitation (Level 6), Contemporary Issues in Health and Exercise Psychology (Level 6), and Psychology of Health and Disease (Level 7), Applied Psychology in Sport Science (Level 6), Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology (Level 6), and Concepts of Fitness and Wellness (Level 6)

Research interests

As a clinical and exercise psychologist, Dr Mantis is interested in three areas:

a) Mental health and physical activity

b) Physical activity and health promotion

c) Psychological assessment

Specifically, research has shown that physical activity (PA) has various benefits on people’s mental and physical health. So, Dr Mantis is more interested in how PA helps athletes and non-athletes cope with issues such as depression, anxiety, and so on.

Dr Mantis is also interested in finding optimal ways of motivating individuals to engage in desired health behaviours (e.g., PA). For instance, how we frame PA and health messages (e.g., emphasis on gains or losses, etc.), how we deliver such messages (e.g., using images, music, etc.), and how we customise messages to individuals’ characteristics (e.g., providing tailored feedback to individuals depending on their personality traits) can moderate the magnitude of their motivation.

By identifying optimal ways of promoting health behaviours, we can help individuals adopt a healthier lifestyle (e.g., convincing sedentary people to be more active), follow recommended plans (e.g., helping injured athletes adhere to a rehab program), and so on.

Finally, assessing psychological variables (e.g., personality) that can influence individual responses to behavior change interventions is another area of his research interests. For example, what tests of personality assess specific traits of individuals more accurately and how these traits relate to specific lifestyles?