Chen-an Yu

Dr. Chen-an Yu is a Lecturer in Exercise Psychology at the University of Chichester, UK. He holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham (2015), an M.Ed. from National Taiwan Sport University (2008), and a B.A. from National Chengchi University (2006). His research focuses on the motivational determinants of physical activity in chronic disease populations, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and the application of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in exercise interventions. He has expertise in objective physical activity measurement using accelerometry and has contributed to the PARA study examining SDT-based interventions to improve physical activity levels in RA patients. His work also extends to youth sport coaching through the PAPA project, aiming to enhance motivational climates in grassroots football. Dr. Yu has published extensively in journals like Translational Behavioral Medicine, Arthritis Research & Therapy, and Psychology of Sport and Exercise, with over 15 peer-reviewed articles. He serves as a peer reviewer for PeerJ and has presented at international conferences such as EULAR and ECSS.

Education:

• PhD in Exercise Psychology, University of Birmingham (2011–2015)
• M.Ed. in Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University (2006–2008)
• B.A. in Political Science, National Chengchi University (2002–2006)

Research Interests:

• Self-Determination Theory applications in clinical populations
• Physical activity promotion in rheumatoid arthritis
• Positive psychology in sport and exercise
• Motivational climate in youth sport coaching
• Objective physical activity measurement methodologies
• Implementation science for health behavior change

Key Research Contributions: His work demonstrates significant associations between motivational climate, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular health in RA patients. Recent studies highlight how autonomy-supportive coaching behaviors and proactive personality traits influence athlete career development. Current projects include validating SDT-based interventions for chronic disease populations and evaluating Empowering Coaching™ programs in youth football.

Lab/Affiliations: Involved in the PARA study team at the University of Birmingham and contributes to the PAPA project’s coaching education initiatives. Collaborates internationally with institutions like MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research.