Mary D Fry

Mary D Fry
  • Professor
  • School of Education and Human Sciences, Department of Educational Psychology

Contact Info

Biography —

Mary Fry is a professor in sport and exercise psychology and is the Director of the KU Sport and Exercise Psychology Lab. Her research focuses on creating a caring and task-involving climate for individuals (e.g., athletes, coaches, exercisers) in physical activity settings and the social, psychological, and physical benefits of experiencing such a climate. Dr. Fry completed her graduate degrees at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (MS) and Purdue University (PhD). She serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, the Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, and she is on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. She serves on the National Advisory Board for the Positive Coaching Alliance and has served on the Executive Board for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Dr. Fry and her colleagues have authored, "A Coach's Guide to Maximizing the Youth Sport Experience: Work Hard, Be Kind."

Education —

Physical Education, Texas Wesleyan University, 1984
Sport Psychology/Pedagogy, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, 1990
Sport & Exercise Psychology, Purdue University, 1994

Research —

Mary Fry's research interests focus on how a caring and task-involving climate can be fostered in physical activity settings that help participants optimize both their experience and performance. Dr. Fry employs Achievement Goal Perspective Theory and a Caring Framework to examine the benefits of creating a positive and supportive climate for athletes and exercisers of all ages and ability levels. This research focus extends to training coaches, exercise leaders, and administrators in developing motivational techniques to help create positive physical activity climates for all.

Research interests:

  • Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • Motivational Climate
  • Caring Climate
  • Motivation in Physical Activity
  • Achievement Goal Perspective Theory.

Teaching —

Teaching interests:

  • sport and exercise psychology
  • motivation in physical activity
  • stress management
  • team building.

Selected Publications —

Brown, T. C., Fry, M. D., & Moore, W. E. (2017). A motivational climate intervention and exercise-related outcomes: A longitudinal perspective [Journal Articles]. Motivation Science, 3, 337–353.

Fontana, M. S., & Fry, M. D. (2017). Creating and validating the shame in sport questionnaire [Journal Articles]. Journal of Sport Behavior , 40, 278–296.

Fontana, M. S., Fry , M. D., & Cramer, E. (2017). Exploring the relationship between athletes’ perceptions of the motivational climate to their compassion, self-compassion, shame, and pride in adult recreational sport [Journal Articles]. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science  , 21, 101–111.

Chamberlin, J., & Fry, M. D. (2017). High school athletes’ perceptions of the motivational climate in their off-season training programs [Journal Articles]. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31, 736–742.

Moore, W. E., & Fry, M. D. (2017). National franchise members’ perceptions of the exercise psychosocial environment, ownership, and satisfaction  [Journal Articles]. Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology, 6, 188–198.

Moore, W. E., & Fry, M. D. (2017). Physical education students’ ownership, empowerment, and satisfaction with PE and physical activity [Journal Articles]. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 88, 468–478.

Hogue, C. M., Fry, M. D., & Fry, A. C. (2017). The differential impact of motivational climates on adolescents’ psychological and physiological stress responses [Journal Articles]. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 30, 118–127.

Breske, M. P., Fry, M. D., & Hogue, C. M. (2017). The effects of goal priming on cortisol responses in an ego-involving climate [Journal Articles]. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 32, 74–82.

Iwasaki, S., & Fry, M. D. (2016). Female adolescent soccer players’ perceived motivational climate, goal orientations, and mindful engagement [Journal Articles]. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 27, 222–231.

Claunch, J., & Fry, M. D. (2016). Native American football coaches’ experience of a motivational climate collaboration with sport psychology researchers [Journal Articles]. International Journal of Sport Science & Coaching, 11, 482–495.

Fry, M. D., & Brown, T. C. (2015). A caring/task-involving climate intervention for youth sport camp leaders [Journal Articles]. Journal of the Kansas Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 47–54.

Moore, W. E. W. G., Brown, T. C., & Fry, M. D. (2015). Psychometric properties of the Abbreviated Perceived Motivational Climate in Exercise Questionnaire [Journal Articles]. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 19(4), 186–199. https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2015.1072819

Brown, B. C., & Fry, M. D. (2014). College exercise class climates, physical self concept, and psychological well-being [Journal Articles]. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 8, 299–313.

Brown, B. C., & Fry, M. D. (2014). Evaluating the pilot of Strong Girls: A life skills/physical  activity program for third and fourth grade girl [Journal Articles]. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 26, 52–65.

Brown, B. C., & Fry, M. D. (2014). Motivational climate, staff and members’ behaviors, and members’ psychological well-being at a large national fitness franchise [Journal Articles]. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 85, 208–217.

Moore, W. W. E. G., & Fry, M. D. (2014). Psychometric support for the Ownership in Exercise and Empowerment in Exercise Scale [Journal Articles]. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 18, 1–173.

Fry, M. D. (2014). Sport and Exercise Psychology as a Venue to Develop “Difference  Makers [Book Chapters]. In Exercise and Sports for the Curious: Why Study Exercise and Sports.

Brown, T. C., & Fry, M. D. (2013). Association between females’ perceptions of college aerobic class motivational climates and their responses [Journal Articles]. Women and Health, 53(8), 843–857. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2013.835298

Iwasaki, S., & Fry, M. D. (2013). The efforts of sport psychology professionals to assist sport administrators in evaluating youth sport programs [Journal Articles]. Sport Psychologist, 24, 360–371.

Newton, M., Watson, D., Fry, M. D., Gano-Overway, L., Kim, M., & Givernau, M. (2007). The impact of caring in physical activity [Journal Articles]. Urban Review , 39, 281–299.

Walling, M. D., Duda , J. L., & Crawford , T. (2002). Goal orientations, outcome, and responses to youth sport competition among high/low perceived ability athletes  [Journal Articles]. International Journal of Sport Psychology , 14, 140–156.

Walling, M. D., & Martinek, T. (1995). Learned helplessness in a sixth grade physical education student: A case study [Journal Articles]. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education , 14, 454–466.

Duda, J. L., Chi, L., Newton, M. L., Walling, M. D., & Catley, D. (1995). Task and ego orientation and intrinsic motivation in sport [Journal Articles]. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 26, 40–63.

Walling, M. D., Duda, J. L., & Chi, L. (1993). The perceived motivational climate in sport questionnaire: Construct and predictive validity [Journal Articles]. 15, 172–183.

Selected Presentations —

Hogue, C. M., Fry , M. D., & Fry , A. C. (3/31/2017). Adolescents' physiological stress responses to motivational climate in a physical education setting. Society for Health and Physical Education. Boston, MA

Fry , M. D., Thompson, J., Iwasaki, S., & Reid , C. (12/31/2017). Bridging theory, research and practice in youth sports: Sport psychology's partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance to enhance youth sport. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Tyler, E., Warlick, C., Cole, B. P., & Fry, M. D. (12/31/2017). Collegiate student-athletes' perceptions of their sport team climate and level of hope. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Fontana, M., & Fry, M. D. (12/31/2017). Exploring the relationship between motivational climate and shame. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Glover , K., & Fry , M. D. (12/31/2017). Helping a women's intersport network provide a winning experience for girls in their summer sport camps. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Chamberlin, J., Fry, M. D., & Iwasaki, S. (12/31/2017). Influence of high school athletes' perceptions of the motivational climate on athletic identity and academic endeavors. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Tyler, E. J., Warlick , C., Fry , M. D., & Cole , B. (12/31/2017). Relationship between student-athletes' perceptions of climate, locker room talk and sexual behaviors. American Psychological Association. Washington D.C

Breske , M., Fry, M. D., Fry, A. C., & Hogue , C. M. (12/31/2017). The effects of goal priming on cortisol responses in an ego-involving climate. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Hogue, C. M., & Fry , M. D. (12/31/2017). The Impact of the motivational climate in high school physical education classes on state cognitive stress & coping appraisals, life stress, and internalized shame. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Easton, L., Fry, M. D., & Iwasaki, S. (12/31/2017). The relationship of fitness center members' goal orientations and perceptions of the motivational climate to variables related to well-being and motivational responses. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Orlando, FL

Fontana , M., & Fry, M. D. (9/30/2016). Creating and validating the shame in sport questionnaire. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Fry , M. D., Solomon, G., Iwasaki, S., Madeson, M., Vanorsby , H., Meisinger , R., ...Haberer , J. (9/30/2016). Division I athletes' perceptions of their team climate, mental skills, and mindfulness. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Chamberlin, J., Fry, M. D., & Iwasaki, S. (9/30/2016). High school athletes' perceptions of the motivational climate in their off-season training programs. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Hogue, C., & Fry, M. D. (9/30/2016). Leader observations of participant behaviors during a motivational climate intervention - a qualitative Investigation. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Iwasaki, S., & Fry, M. D. (9/30/2016). Male high school athletes' perceptions of their team climate and mindful engagement. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Iwasaki, S., Fry, M. D., Vanorsby , H., & Breske, M. (9/30/2016). Master swimmers' perceptions of the climate in their training facilities and their motivational responses. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Hogue, C., Fry, M. D., & Fry, A. (9/30/2016). Physiological and psychological stress responses to a motivational climate intervention. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Claunch , J., & Fry, M. D. (9/30/2016). Setting the stage for a motivational climate collaboration. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Easton , L., Iwasaki , S., & Fry, M. D. (9/30/2016). The relationship of members' perceptions of the motivational climate to their psychological well-being at a university medical center fitness facility. Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Phoenix, AZ

Fry, M. D. (12/31/2016). The power of a caring and task-involving climate in sport. Children International. Guatemala City, Guatemala

Awards & Honors —

Budig Teaching Professorship

University of Kansas

2018

Outstanding Mentor, McNair Scholars Program

University of Kansas

2017

KU Keeler Professorship

University of Kansas

2010

Fellow

Association of Applied Sport Psychology

2009

Grants & Other Funded Activity —

Big XII Fellowshi[. $3000.00. (1/1/2014 - 12/31/2015). Other. Status: Funded

Service —

Dr. Mary Fry assists coaches, teachers and administrators with developing strategies to foster a more caring and task-involving environment for their athletes and participants. In addition, Mary has a strong interest in incorporating Positive Life Skills in physical activity settings to help individuals live more joyful lives.