Rate My Professor Alex Lawrence

Alex Lawrence is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University, located at the Coffs Harbour campus. He holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons) from the University of Gloucestershire. Lawrence's research specializations encompass physical activity promotion, goal-setting theory applications in exercise behaviour, health literacy, and adherence to physical activity guidelines. His contributions are evidenced through collaborations in multidisciplinary teams focusing on behavioural science and public health interventions within sport and exercise domains.

Lawrence has co-authored several influential publications that have shaped discourse in health promotion and sports science. Key works include 'Updating goal-setting theory in physical activity promotion: a critical conceptual review' (Swann et al., 2021), cited 279 times, which provides a comprehensive synthesis of goal-setting advancements for physical activity behaviour change; 'The (over)use of SMART goals for physical activity promotion: a narrative review and critique' (Swann et al., 2023), cited 134 times, offering a critical analysis and alternatives to conventional SMART goal frameworks; 'The career destination, progression, and satisfaction of exercise and sports science graduates in Australia' (Stevens et al., 2018), cited 25 times, investigating graduate trajectories; 'Perceptions of the role, value and barriers of sports scientists in Australia among practitioners, employers and coaches' (Stevens et al., 2021), cited 14 times; and 'The effects of open, do-your-best, and specific goals on commitment and cognitive performance' (Pilcher et al., 2022), cited 11 times. Additionally, he is first author on the recent scoping review 'The Relationship Between Health Literacy and Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines in Adults' (Lawrence et al., 2025). Collectively, his research has accumulated over 288 citations on ResearchGate, highlighting his impact on academic and practical advancements in physical activity interventions. Lawrence teaches in shared units across health disciplines and contributes to the Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise research group at the university.