Personal profile
Summary
Dr. Sahen Gupta is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Sport Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, specialising in the development of high-performance teams, resilient athletes and cross-cultural sport psychology. He joined the School in 2021 while completing his Doctorate in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University, where his thesis focused on “Conceptualising, Measuring and Enhancing Resilience for Performance and Mental Health.”
A HCPC-licensed Chartered Psychologist and practitioner, Sahen brings a unique blend of research, teaching, and hands-on experience into the classroom. He has worked extensively in developmental to elite sport contexts, particularly in Olympic sport, ICC World Cups, international cricket and tennis, focusing on resilience training, mental health support, psychotherapy, and performance interventions. His work has been featured by major media outlets including BBC, The Times, and The Telegraph.
Through this commitment in research and applied work to development the Indian sport ecosystem, Sahen is the Founding Vice-President of Research at the Indian Sport Management Association (INSMA) and the Head of Research at Indian Sport Psychologists Association (INSPA), both National Governing bodies, as he leads efforts to bring research-driven insights into sport policy, governance, and performance systems in India. Sahen is committed to advancing human performance through applied psychological science
Research Interests
Sahen's research primarily focuses on the following major themes:
- Resilience for Mental health and high performance
- Cultural Sport Psychology
- Psychotherapy and mental health in sport
- Resilience and transferrability across contexts
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Intervention for an Elite Cricketer with Anxiety: A Multiple Baseline, Single-Case Study and Process Report
Gupta, S., 23 Mar 2026, (Early online) In: Journal of Sport Psychology in Action.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Impact of psychological skills training on mental toughness and psychological well-being among semi-elite Indian footballers: a first-of-its-kind randomised controlled trial
Parade, A., Gupta, S. & Rach, S. S., 7 Feb 2026, (Accepted for publication) In: Case Studies in Sport and Performance Psychology.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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EEG signatures of resilience across individuals with high and low anxiety
Gupta, S. & Reddy, J., 24 Mar 2025, In: NeuroRegulation. 12, 1, p. 12-28Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile141 Downloads (Pure) -
Research Methods in Applied Sport Psychology
McCarthy, P., Gupta, S. & Barker, J., 31 Oct 2025, 1st ed. New York: Routledge. 256 p.Research output: Book/Report › Book
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Risk and resilience in human emergencies: pedagogical directions from a psychosocial and neuropsychological paradigm
Gupta, S. & Reddy, K. J., 4 Mar 2025, Education and Pedagogical Experiences: Coping with Human Emergencies and Exploring Resilience Strategies. Thomas, K. A. & Kureethara, J. V. (eds.). 1st ed. London: Routledge, p. 172-190 19 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
Projects
- 1 Finished
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Experiences of elite female athletes with PCOS and menstrual disorders: Barriers & Facilitators
Gupta, S. (PI)
1/03/23 → 1/12/23
Project: Research
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BASES Psychology Division Day Keynote
Gupta, S. (Keynote speaker)
22 May 2024Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
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Indian Sport Management Association (External organisation)
Gupta, S. (Chair)
2024 → 2027Activity: Membership types › Membership of committee or panel
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Indian Sport Psychologists' Association (External organisation)
Gupta, S. (Chair)
2024 → …Activity: Membership types › Membership of committee or panel
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Prizes
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Best Overall Presentation Award
Gupta, S. (Recipient), 2022
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Best Student Presentation Award
Gupta, S. (Recipient), 2021
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Early Career Practitioner Applied Practice Award
Gupta, S. (Recipient), Nov 2022
Prize: National/international honour