Tjerk is a Senior lecturer in Sport Psychology within the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences and a BPS Chartered Psychologist.

Tjerk’s research focuses on the emotional and social dynamics that underpin the performance, wellbeing, and injury recovery of high-level sports performers. Specifically, his research examines how emotions shape performance in high-pressure environments through their social influence on others. This includes investigating how coaches’ and athletes’ emotional expressions impact the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours of those around them. He also examines emotion regulation strategies within teams, exploring the mechanisms through which they influence team processes and contribute to individual and team performance. Beyond his research on emotions, Tjerk’s research interests extend to the role of social support and the factors that influence its effectiveness across a range of demanding contexts. For example, in the context of injury, he examines how social support influences athletes’ emotional and behavioural responses to injury, enhances adherence to rehabilitation and facilitates a successful return to sport.

Tjerk’s research adopts both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches employing a variety of research designs. Experimental work is complemented by longitudinal, observational, and intervention studies to provide an insight into how emotions, emotion regulation strategies, and social support fluctuate, and shape the effective functioning of individuals and teams in high-performance environments. Tjerk is committed to conducting high-quality, impactful research and to supporting doctoral students to attain the highest possible standards of empirical research throughout their research training.