Dr Matthew Jenkins, Department of Psychological Medicine , Our people, University of Otago, Wellington

Matthew Jenkins 186 Senior Research Fellow

Contact details

Email matthew.jenkins@otago.ac.nz

Twitter @Dr_MattJenkins

Qualifications

BSc Psychology (University of Birmingham, 2002–2005)
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology (Staffordshire University, 2010–2012)
PhD Physical Education – Applied Exercise Psychology (University of Otago, 2014–2017)
Papa Tikanga Level 3 – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (2024)
Kaitiaki Ahurea Award Level 2 – Te Rau Ora (2022)

Research interests

Health promotion within communities experiencing mental illness
Health service user experiences and co-design
The intersection between physical activity and holistic health
Nature connection and mental health
Motivational theory (Self-Determination Theory; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Qualitative and quantitative methodologies

Awards and distinctions

University of Otago Early Career Award for Distinction in Research (2023)
ISBNPA Annual Conference Oral Presentation Award finalist (2023)
University of Otago ‘Supervisor of the Year’ Award finalist (2022)
University of Otago Wellington ‘Emerging Researcher of the Year’ Award (2021)
University of Otago Wellington ‘Research Paper of the Year’ Award (2021)

Examples of current projects

Co-design project: Supporting the health and wellbeing of rangatahi living with psychosis

Matthew is currently leading a co-design project that aims to support and enhance the health and wellbeing of rangatahi experiencing early psychosis, amongst a team including collaborators from the University of Otago, Te Herenga Waka, Auckland University of Technology, and University of Canterbury. This group of researchers is dedicated to empowering rangatahi whai ora to have autonomy in their health and wellbeing, and elevating the importance of the lived experience voice in research. The project has greatly benefited from significant input from team members with experience of psychosis and/or mental distress.

Outputs of the project include research articles and conference presentations, a feature episode on the podcast ‘One in Four’, the video documentary ‘Te Hekenga Whaiora’ and several commissioned artworks by the League of Live Illustrators. These outputs - and other updates related to this project - can be seen at the website movingwithpsychosis.org

The project has received grants from Health Research Council NZ, Lottery Health Research, and the University of Otago Division of Health Sciences, with funding confirmed until June 2026.

He Kāinga Ora Housing Research

Through his role as a named investigator on a MBIE programme grant investigating the impacts of housing precarity and interactions with the housing system on the health and wellbeing of rangatahi and tamariki in Aotearoa led by Professor Nevil Pierse, alongside other members of the team at He Kāinga Ora/Healthy Housing.

UNILIFE-M project

Matthew leads the Aotearoa arm of an international research project spanning 30+ countries, which focuses on the relationship between lifestyle behaviours and student mental health.

More information on the UNILIFE-M project

Research communication

Matthew is passionate about disseminating research so that it creates impact. He produces and hosts an Otago-funded radio show and podcast called One in Four, which can be heard online and on Spotify. He has also written various media commentaries for outlets such as The Conversation and Otago Daily Times. Matthew is also a member of the Working Group for Research Impact within the Division of Health Sciences.

The Conversation articles

Otago Daily Times articles

Community engagement

Matthew is also passionate about creating community partnerships. He recently led the research project 'Moving in the Margins' in which his team investigated the role of physical activity subsidies offered by Wellington City Mission. Outputs for this project include a poster presentation and a research paper by student Ella Creagh. Matthew continues to support Wellington City Mission in their efforts to support manuhiri to become physically active.

Moving in the Margins - the role of physical activity subsidies offered by Wellington City Mission (PDF)

Ella Creagh research paper – Moving in the margins: A qualitative study into the role of physical activity in marginalised communities (PDF)

Matthew is currently working alongside the regional sports trust Nuku Ora to support meaningful and empowered change within communities through his role there as Partnership Manager, which he shares with his University of Otago mahi.

Early career support

Matthew continues to support early career researchers, which has included roles as member of the Division of Health Sciences Early to Mid-Career Management Committee, Postgraduate Co-ordinator for the Department of Psychological Medicine, Wellington, and the UOW Working Group for Research Impact.

He is a strong advocate for undergraduate and postgraduate students, aiming to provide enjoyable and impactful research experiences. He is interested in supervising Masters or PhD students whose research areas align with those outlined above. Partnering organisations

Partnering organisations

Publications

Chinn, V., Creagh, E., Gardiner, T., Drysdale, B., Ramritu, P., Mansoor, Z., Every-Palmer, S., & Jenkins, M. (2024). Lived experience of health and wellbeing among young people with early psychosis in Aotearoa New Zealand. Community Mental Health Journal. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s10597-024-01259-6 Journal - Research Article

Every-Palmer, S., Grant, M. L., Thabrew, H., Hansby, O., Lawrence, M., Jenkins, M., & Romans, S. (2024). Not heading in the right direction: Five hundred psychiatrists’ views on resourcing, demand, and workforce across New Zealand mental health services. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 58(1), 82-91. doi: 10.1177/00048674231170572 Journal - Research Article

Creagh, E., Jenkins, M., Skirrow, P., & Huthwaite, M. (2023). Moving in the margins: A qualitative study into the role of physical activity in marginalised communities. Journal of Sport & Exercise Science, 7(4), (pp. 83). doi: 10.36905/jses.2023.04.01 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Jenkins, M., Chinn, V., Gardiner, T., Drysdale, B., Ramritu, P., Mansoor, Z., Creagh, E., & Every-Palmer, S. (2023). Te Hekenga Whaiora: A co-designed system of support for the health of young people experiencing first episode psychosis. Journal of Sport & Exercise Science, 7(4), (pp. 68-69). doi: 10.36905/jses.2023.04.01 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Smith, K. A., Ostinelli, E. G., Ede, R., Allard, L., Thomson, M., Hewitt, K., … Jenkins, M., … Every-Palmer, S., & Cipriani, A. (2023). Assessing the impact of evidence-based mental health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic: Systematic review and qualitative evaluation. JMIR Mental Health, 10, e52901. doi: 10.2196/52901 Journal - Research Article

2024

Journal - Research Article

2023

Journal - Research Article

Jenkins, M., Wilson, O. W. A., Richards, J., Huthwaite, M., Skirrow, P., Grant, E., & Every-Palmer, S. (2023). The association between motivation and physical activity among forensic and rehabilitation inpatients in Aotearoa New Zealand. Journal of Sport & Exercise Science, 7(2), 9-17. doi: 10.36905/jses.2023.02.02

Creagh, E., Jenkins, M., Huthwaite, M., & Skirrow, P. (2023). Moving in the margins: A qualitative study into the role of physical activity in marginalised communities. Journal of Sport & Exercise Science, 7(1), 35-43. doi: 10.36905/jses.2023.01.05

Perry, M. A., Jones, B., Jenkins, M., Devan, H., Neill, A., & Ingham, T. (2023). Health system factors affecting the experience of non-invasive ventilation provision of people with neuromuscular disorders in New Zealand. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, 20, 4758. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20064758

Perry, M. A., Jenkins, M., Jones, B., Bowick, J., Shaw, H., Robinson, E., … Neill, A., & Ingham, T. (2023). “Me and ‘that’ machine”: The lived experiences of people with neuromuscular disorders using non-invasive ventilation. Disability & Rehabilitation, 45(11), 1847-1856. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2076939

Journal - Research Other

Jenkins, M., Gardiner, T., Pekepo, C., Ramritu, P., Drysdale, B., Every-Palmer, S., & Chinn, V. (2023). Developing a system of health support for young people experiencing first-episode psychosis: Protocol for a co-design process. JMIR Research Protocols, 12, e44980. doi: 10.2196/44980

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Creagh, E., Jenkins, M., Skirrow, P., & Huthwaite, M. (2023). Moving in the margins: A qualitative study into the role of physical activity in marginalised communitie. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) Annual Meeting. (pp. 1144). International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://2023.isbnpa.org

Jenkins, M., Chinn, V., Gardiner, T., & Every-Palmer, S. (2023). A co-designed system of support for the health of young people experiencing first episode psychosis. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) Annual Meeting. (pp. 56). International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://2023.isbnpa.org

2022

Journal - Research Article

Beaglehole, B., Williman, J., Bell, C., Stanley, J., Jenkins, M., Gendall, P., Hoek, J., Rapsey, C., & Every-Palmer, S. (2022). Thriving in a pandemic: Determinants of excellent wellbeing among New Zealanders during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional survey. PLoS ONE, 17(3), e0262745. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262745

Jenkins, M., Lee, C., Houge Mackenzie, S., Hargreaves, E. A., Hodge, K., & Calverley, J. (2022). Nature-based physical activity and hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing: The mediating roles of motivational quality and nature relatedness. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 783840. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.783840

Gomes, I. C., de O. Tavares, V. D., Oliveira Neto, L., Agrícola, P. M. D., Jenkins, M., Smith, L., & de Oliveira Duarte, Y. A. (2022). Associations between levels of physical activity and mortality in older adults: A prospective cohort study. Sport Sciences for Health, 18, 1061-1070. doi: 10.1007/s11332-021-00891-z

Bell, C., Williman, J., Beaglehole, B., Stanley, J., Jenkins, M., Gendall, P., Rapsey, C., & Every-Palmer, S. (2022). Psychological distress, loneliness, alcohol use and suicidality in New Zealanders with mental illness during a strict COVID-19 lockdown. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 56(7), 800-810. doi: 10.1177/00048674211034317

Becker, I., Maleka, M. D., Stewart, A., Jenkins, M., & Hale, L. (2022). Community reintegration post-stroke in New Zealand: Understanding the experiences of stroke survivors in the lower South Island. Disability & Rehabilitation, 44(12), 2815-2822. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1839792

2021

Journal - Research Article

Hargreaves, E. A., Lee, C., Jenkins, M., Calverley, J. R., Hodge, K., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2021). Changes in physical activity levels pre-, during and post-lockdown COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand and the explanatory role of daily hassles. Frontiers in Psychology, 642954, 642954. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.642954

Tavares, V. D. O., Schuch, F. B., Vancampfort, D., Jenkins, M., Rego, M. L. M., Galvāo-Coelho, H. L., & Cabral, D. A. R. (2021). Does being overweight play a role in the reduced inhibitory control of patients receiving treatment for substance use disorder? Physiology & Behavior, 241, 113587. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113587

Bell, C., Williman, J., Beaglehole, B., Stanley, J., Jenkins, M., Gendall, P., Rapsey, C., & Every-Palmer, S. (2021). Challenges facing essential workers: A cross-sectional survey of the subjective mental health and well-being of New Zealand healthcare and 'other' essential workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. BMJ Open, 11(7), e048107. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048107

Jenkins, M., Hoek, J., Jenkin, G., Gendall, P., Stanley, J., Beaglehole, B., Bell, C., Rapsey, C., & Every-Palmer, S. (2021). Silver linings of the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand. PLoS ONE, 16(4), e0249678. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249678

Jenkins, M., Houge Mackenzie, S., Hodge, K., Hargreaves, E. A., Calverley, J. R., & Lee, C. (2021). Physical activity and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown: Relationships with motivational quality and nature contexts. Frontiers in Sports & Active Living, 3, 637576. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2021.637576

Every-Palmer, S., Cunningham, R., Jenkins, M., & Bell, E. (2021). The Christchurch mosque shooting, the media, and subsequent gun control reform in New Zealand: A descriptive analysis. Psychiatry, Psychology & Law, 28(2), 274-285. doi: 10.1080/13218719.2020.1770635

Hale, L. A., Jenkins, M. L., Mayland, B., Buttery, Y., Norris, P., Butler, M., … Kayes, N. (2021). Living with dementia: The felt worth of support workers. Ageing & Society, 41, 1453-1473. doi: 10.1017/S0144686X19001636

Journal - Research Other

Gendall, P., Hoek, J., Stanley, J., Jenkins, M., & Every-Palmer, S. (2021). Changes in tobacco use during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand [Brief report]. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 23(5), 866-871. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntaa257

2020

Journal - Research Article

Every-Palmer, S., Jenkins, M., Gendall, P., Hoek, J., Beaglehole, B., Bell, C., Williman, J., Rapsey, C., & Stanley, J. (2020). Psychological distress, anxiety, family violence, suicidality, and wellbeing in New Zealand during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE, 15(11), e0241658. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241658

Jenkins, M., Hargreaves, E. A., & Hodge, K. (2020). Examining the relationships among cognitive acceptance, behavioral commitment, autonomous extrinsic motivation, and physical activity. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 42(3), 177-184. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2018-0276

Hargreaves, E. A., Hayr, K. T., Jenkins, M., Perry, T., & Peddie, M. (2020). Interrupting sedentary time in the workplace using regular short activity breaks: Practicality from an employee perspective. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 62(4), 317-324. doi: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001832

Journal - Research Other

Maddison, R., Hargreaves, E. A., Jiang, Y., Calder, A. J., Wyke, S., Gray, C. M., … Jenkins, M., & Marsh, S. (2020). Rugby Fans in Training New Zealand (RUFIT-NZ): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle program for overweight men delivered through professional rugby clubs in New Zealand. Trials, 21, 139. doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-4038-4

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Jenkins, M. (2020, December). Mental health and physical activity COVID-19. Verbal presentation at the Men's Health Colloquium: Advancing Advocacy to Enhance Men's Health in NZ, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2019

Journal - Research Article

Hale, L., Mayland, E., Jenkins, M., Buttery, Y., Norris, P., Butler, M., … Ngocha-Chaderopa, E., … Kayes, N. (2019). Constructing normalcy in dementia care: Carers' perceptions of their roles and the supports they need. Gerontologist, 60(5), 905-915. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnz151

Jenkins, M., Hargreaves, E. A., & Hodge, K. (2019). The role of psychological flexibility in physical activity maintenance. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 41, 185-193. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2018-0311

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Hale, L., Kayes, N., Norris, P., Jenkins, M., Mayland, B., Buttery, Y., … Sezier, A. (2019). Enhancing person centre care in dementia: Physiotherapists valuing and respecting paid support workers to collaboratively improve patient outcomes. Proceedings of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) Congress. PL-2147. Retrieved from https://www.wcpt.org

Jenkins, M., Hargreaves, E., Rehrer, N., & Falcous, M. (2019). The experiences of electric bike users within the Dunedin community. In S. Mandic & K. Coppell (Eds.), Proceedings of The Active Living and Environment Symposium (TALES): Linking Transport, Health and Sustainability. (pp. 58). Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago. [Abstract]

2017

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Jenkins, M., Hodge, K., & Hargreaves, E. (2017). Using single-case designs to assess physical activity interventions: Observations and lessons learned from a multiple-baseline design study. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting. (pp. 485). ISBNPA. Retrieved from https://www.isbnpa.org

Awarded Doctoral Degree

Jenkins, M. (2017). ACTing with self-determination: Psychological flexibility and motivation for physical activity (PhD). University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/7622

2016

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Jenkins, M., Hargreaves, E. A., & Hodge, K. (2016). Exploring the role of acceptance and commitment in physical activity motivation and behaviour. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 15th Annual Scientific Meeting. (pp. 663). ISBNPA. Retrieved from https://www.isbnpa.org

Jenkins, M., Hargreaves, E., & Hodge, K. (2016). Acceptance, commitment and motivation: Exploring the role of mindfulness in physical activity behaviour. Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ISPAH). (pp. 539). Retrieved from http://www.ispah2016.org/

2015

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Jenkins, M., & Hargreaves, E. (2015, August-September). Motivation and mindfulness: Psychological flexibility and autonomous motivation for physical activity. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.