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Walton CC, Purcell R, Henderson JL, Kim J, Kerr G, Frost J, Gwyther K, Pilkington V, Rice S, Tamminen KA. Mental Health Among Elite Youth Athletes: A Narrative Overview to Advance Research and Practice. Sports Health 2024; 16:166-176. [PMID: 38173251 PMCID: PMC10916785 DOI: 10.1177/19417381231219230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Participation in sports during youth is typically beneficial for mental health. However, it is unclear whether elite sport contexts contribute to greater risk of psychological distress or disorder. The aims of this paper are to highlight conceptual issues that require resolution in future research and practice, and to examine the key factors that may contribute to the mental health of elite youth athletes (EYAs). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A narrative overview of the literature combined with the clinical and research expertise of the authors. STUDY DESIGN Narrative overview. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 5. RESULTS EYAs experience a range of biopsychosocial developmental changes that interact with mental health in a multitude of ways. In addition, there are various sport-specific factors that contribute to the mental health of EYAs that may become more prominent in elite contexts. These include - but are not limited to - patterns relating to athlete coping and self-relating styles, the nature of peer, parental, and coach relationships, organizational culture and performance pressures, and mental health service provision and accessibility. CONCLUSION A range of critical factors across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal domains have been shown to contribute to mental health among EYAs. However, this evidence is limited by heterogeneous samples and varied or imprecise terminology regarding what constitutes "youth" and "elite" in sport. Nevertheless, it is clear that EYAs face a range of risks that warrant careful consideration to progress to best practice principles and recommendations for mental health promotion and intervention in elite youth sport. SORT Level C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C Walton
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosemary Purcell
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jo L Henderson
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeemin Kim
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Gretchen Kerr
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua Frost
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate Gwyther
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vita Pilkington
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon Rice
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katherine A Tamminen
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zogg CK, Runquist EB, Amick M, Gilmer G, Milroy JJ, Wyrick DL, Grimm K, Tuakli-Wosornu YA. Experiences of Interpersonal Violence in Sport and Perceived Coaching Style Among College Athletes. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2350248. [PMID: 38227316 PMCID: PMC10792469 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.50248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Concern about interpersonal violence (IV) in sport is increasing, yet its implications remain poorly understood, particularly among currently competing college athletes. Objective To document the self-reported prevalence of IV in college sports; identify associated risk factors; examine potential consequences associated with athletes' psychosocial well-being, emotional connection to their sport, and willingness to seek help; and explore the associations between IV reporting and perceived variations in coaching styles. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study analyzes results of the 2021 to 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) myPlaybook survey, which was administered from July to December 2021 to 123 colleges and universities across the US. Participants were NCAA athletes aged 18 to 25 years who were current players on an NCAA-sanctioned team. Exposures Self-reported demographic characteristics (eg, athlete gender identity and sexual orientation) and perceived differences in supportive vs abusive coaching styles (eg, athlete autonomy, team culture, and extent of abusive supervision). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was self-reported experiences of IV in sport during the college sports career of currently competing college athletes. Types of IV considered were physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and neglect or abandonment. Outcomes potentially affected by IV were assessed with 4 questionnaires. Results A total of 4119 athletes (mean [SD] age, 19.3 [1.5] years; 2302 males [55.9%]) completed the survey (response rate, 21.2%). One in 10 athletes (404 of 4119 [9.8%]) reported experiencing at least 1 type of IV during their college sports career, of whom two-thirds (267 [6.5%]) experienced IV within the past 6 weeks. On multivariable analysis, female gender identity (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.46-3.13), nonheterosexual sexual orientation (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.01-2.42), increasing age beyond 18 years (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.30), increasing year of NCAA eligibility beyond the first year (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.39), and participation in select sports (eg, volleyball: OR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.34-5.72]; ice hockey: OR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.17-6.95]) were independently associated with IV. When exposed to IV, college athletes reported experiencing consistently worse psychosocial outcomes, including increased burnout (mean difference on a 5-point Likert scale, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86; P < .001) and an expressed desire to consider quitting their sport (mean difference, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92; P < .001). They were not, however, less willing to seek help. Differences in coaching style were associated with differences in IV reporting. In risk-adjusted linear regression models, having a more supportive coach was associated with a 7.4 (95% CI, 6.4-8.4) absolute percentage point decrease in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV. In contrast, having a more abusive coach was associated with up to a 15.4 (95% CI, 13.8-17.1) absolute percentage point increase in athletes' probability of reporting experiencing IV. Conclusions and Relevance Results of this survey study suggest that IV is associated with marked changes in the psychosocial health and emotional well-being of college athletes, particularly those who identify as female and with nonheterosexual sexual orientations. Variations in coaching style have the potential to alter these associations. Ongoing efforts are needed to leverage the unique position that coaches hold to help reduce IV and create safe places where all college athletes can thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl K Zogg
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Edward B Runquist
- Department of Sports Medicine, Drexel School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Amick
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gabrielle Gilmer
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffery J Milroy
- Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro
| | - David L Wyrick
- Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro
| | | | - Yetsa A Tuakli-Wosornu
- Sports Equity Lab, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
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Sølvberg N, Torstveit MK, Solstad BE, Mountjoy M, Rosenvinge JH, Pettersen G, Sundgot-Borgen J. Risk factors for sexual harassment and abuse victimization among adolescent athletes and non-athletes: A one-year follow-up study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 147:106592. [PMID: 38113571 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between SHA and negative mental health increases the need to understand risk factors for SHA victimization, which is important for future development of prevention programs. OBJECTIVE To examine which combinations of demographic- and mental health factors were associated with subsequent SHA victimization, and the prevalence of elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students who experienced sexual revictimization. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Norwegian elite athletes and recreational athletes attending sport high schools, and reference students attending non-sport high schools (mean age: 17.1 years) were eligible for participation. METHODS The participants answered an online questionnaire at two measurement points one year apart, T1 and T2 (n = 1139, 51.1 % girls). After testing for measurement invariance, data were analyzed with Classification and Regression Tree analysis (CRT) using demographic- and mental health variables from T1 as independent variables, and SHA at T2 as outcome. RESULTS The combination of being a girl with high level of symptoms of eating disorders and other psychological symptoms was associated with subsequent reporting of SHA. Among the students with lifetime experience of SHA at T1 (n = 533, 58.3 %), 49.5 % reported revictimization at T2 (60.9 % girls, 32.2 % boys, p ≤ .001). The prevalence of SHA revictimization was lower among elite athletes (44.3 %) compared with recreational athletes (49.1 %) and reference students (59.4 %, p = .019). CONCLUSION The combination of female gender and mental health symptoms are risk factors for subsequent SHA victimization. These findings, and the high prevalence of SHA revictimization is important knowledge for developing preventive programs targeting elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Sølvberg
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Postboks 4014 Ullevål stadion, 0806 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monica Klungland Torstveit
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Bård Erlend Solstad
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Margo Mountjoy
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; International Olympic Committee Working Group on the Prevention of Harassment and Abuse in Sport, Lausanne, Switzerland; International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Jan H Rosenvinge
- Department of Psychology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Gunn Pettersen
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Postboks 4014 Ullevål stadion, 0806 Oslo, Norway.
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Greither T, Ohlert J. Empowering and disempowering climate and experiences of psychological violence in artistic gymnastics. GERMAN JOURNAL OF EXERCISE AND SPORT RESEARCH 2023. [PMCID: PMC10266307 DOI: 10.1007/s12662-023-00886-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
In light of the continuing debate about coach-perpetrated violence and the maltreatment of athletes in the elite sports context, empowering and ethical approaches to coaching need to be investigated and proposed as evidence-based effective alternatives. This study aims to investigate the associations between motivational coaching climates and athletes’ experiences of psychological violence, as well as their effects on well-being. Using an anonymous cross-sectional online survey, artistic gymnasts’ perceptions of empowering and disempowering coach-created motivational climates, experiences of psychological violence in sport, well-being, and depressive symptoms were recorded quantitatively. Results indicate that a more disempowering climate predicts psychological violence, while an empowering climate was not a significant predictor. Regarding mental health outcomes, an effect of psychological violence on depressive symptoms and well-being was found, but no effect was found for the disempowering climate. Explorative analysis suggested that psychological violence mediates the relationship between disempowering coaching and mental health outcomes. Based on these findings, coach education should focus on prevention of psychological violence and minimization of disempowering climates. Further research should investigate the relations and effects of psychological violence and coaching climates more thoroughly, including the role of an empowering climate as a potential beneficiary alternative coaching method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Greither
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, Department Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Child- and Youth Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jeannine Ohlert
- Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- The German Research Center for Elite Sport Cologne—momentum, Cologne, Germany
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Daignault I, Deslauriers-Varin N, Parent S. Profiles of Teenage Athletes' Exposure to Violence in Sport: An Analysis of Their Sport Practice, Athletic Behaviors, and Mental Health. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:7754-7779. [PMID: 36748675 PMCID: PMC10170556 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221148216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Violence in sport is a major social issue generating great interest in research over the last 10 years. Studies to date highlight various forms and manifestations of violence in the lives of teenagers practicing individual or team sports, in competitive and recreational contexts. Although allegations of sexual violence involving coaches most often reach media attention, psychological and physical violence involving teammates, parents, and coaches are also prevalent. While profiles of offenders in the sport context have contributed to a better understanding of the issue, similar profiles need to be elaborated for young victims to delineate varying degrees of risk, adaptation, and needs. Latent class analyses were conducted to empirically identify different patterns of exposure to violence in sport from a sample of 1057 athletes aged 14-17 years. Teenagers participated in an online survey assessing their experiences of violence using the Violence Toward Athletes Questionnaire. Results highlighted three different profiles of victimization in the sport context: (a) a non-victimized profile constituting only 37% of the sample; (b) a profile representing 52% of the sample that is mainly exposed to psychological violence by teammates, coaches, and parents; and (c) a "poly-victimized" profile, representing 10% of the sample, that is exposed to all forms of violence at the hands of various perpetrators (teammates, coaches, and parents). The identified profiles were compared according to different indicators of sport practice, athletic behaviors, and mental health. This study delineates the influence of single and multiple forms of violence and its compound consequences on mental health and sport-related behaviors, thus portraying various degrees of need for tailored prevention and intervention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Daignault
- Université de Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Center for Comparative Criminology, Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nadine Deslauriers-Varin
- International Center for Comparative Criminology, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Québec, QC, Canada
- Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Parent
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Québec, QC, Canada
- Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montréal, QC, Canada
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Forsdike K, Donaldson A, Seal E. Responding to Violence Against Women in Sport: Challenges Facing Sport Organizations in Victoria, Australia. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2022; 93:352-367. [PMID: 33296293 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2020.1844857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Violence against women is a global epidemic. Such violence occurs in sport, although previous research has focused on child/youth sexual abuse or elite sport. Despite sport being identified as having a role in preventing violence against women, little is known about how sport organizations respond to violence against adult women in community sport. Methods: Twenty-two individual participants from 12 sports organizations based in Victoria, Australia participated in this empirical and applied Concept Mapping study to explore the perceived challenges sports organizations face in responding to violence against women. Concept Mapping is a mixed-method participatory approach and we analyzed the results using a socio-ecological framework. Results: Sports administrators considered training-related challenges as the most important but most difficult to address. Challenges related to organizational capacity/social environment were perceived as easier but less important to address. Conclusions: Key initiatives can be developed to support sport organizations to respond to violence against women in sport, but they will need assistance to prioritize initiatives addressing the most important challenges given a perceived lack of capacity to do so.
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