Sanna Nordin-Bates

Roles & Affiliations: Sanna Nordin-Bates holds the academic rank of Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Sport Psychology at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm. She serves as Director of Studies for the Doctoral Program and is affiliated with the Department of Physical Activity and Health. Her work combines teaching, research, and collaboration with institutions like the Royal Swedish Ballet School and international universities.

Education & Career: She completed her PhD in Sports Science (2002–2005) with a focus on mental imagery in dance, followed by post-doctoral research on talent development in dancers (2005–2011). Her career spans over two decades in sport and performance psychology.

Research Interests: Nordin-Bates focuses on perfectionism in aesthetic performers (dance, gymnastics), imagery, early specialization, and motivational dynamics. Key areas include the psychological impacts of perfectionism on creativity, performance anxiety, and disordered eating.

Collaborations & Partnerships: She collaborates with global institutions, including Leeds Beckett University, York St John University, and Australian Ballet School. Her work emphasizes safeguarding dancer welfare and exploring autonomy-supportive training environments.

Advising & Supervision: Supervises PhD student Charlotte Downing (thesis on early specialization). Teaches courses like Applied Sport Psychology and Talent Development and Motivation across undergraduate and graduate programs.

Publications: Over 90 articles, including recent works on psychological safety in ballet, perfectionism in track and field, and systematic reviews on early specialization. Her research bridges sport science and artistic performance, emphasizing holistic well-being.