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Elster MJ, Parsons AS, Collins S, Gusic ME, Hauer KE. 'We're like Spider-Man; with great power comes great responsibility': Coaches' experiences supporting struggling medical students. MEDICAL TEACHER 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38588710 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2024.2337250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical students can experience a range of academic and non-academic struggles. Coaching is a valuable strategy to support learners, but coaches describe working with struggling learners as taxing. Transformative learning theory (TLT) provides insights into how educators grow from challenging experiences to build resilience. This study explores how coaches evolve as educators through supporting struggling students. METHODS This qualitative study grounded in an interpretivist paradigm used interviews of longitudinal medical student coaches at two academic institutions. Interviews, using TLT as a sensitizing concept, explored coaches' experience coaching struggling learners. We performed thematic analysis. RESULTS We interviewed 15 coaches. Coaches described supporting students through multi-faceted struggles which often surprised the coach. Three themes characterized coaches' experiences: personal responsibility, emotional response, and personal learning. Coaches shouldered high personal responsibility for learners' success. For some, this burden felt emotional, raised parental instincts and questions about maintaining boundaries with learners. Coaches evolved their coaching approach, challenged biases, and built skills. Coaches learned to better appreciate the learner point of view and employ resources to support students. DISCUSSION Through navigating learner struggles, educators can gain self-efficacy, learn to understand learners' perspectives, and evolve their coaching approach to lessen their personal emotional burden through time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha J Elster
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew S Parsons
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Sally Collins
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Karen E Hauer
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
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Sankey C, Wallace L, Caperchione CM. Understanding the role of coaches in supporting the mental health of elite athletes. J Sci Med Sport 2023; 26:399-404. [PMID: 37468420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elite sport coaches often rely on their discretion when assisting athletes struggling with mental health, with clear guidelines yet to be broadly adopted. This study aimed to explore how coaches perceive their role in athlete mental health and their role clarity. DESIGN This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. METHODS 17 Australian elite level swimming coaches were interviewed, focusing on their perceived experiences with athlete mental health and any discrepancies between what their role is currently and what they perceive it should be. Thematic analysis was used to analyse results. RESULTS Analysis revealed that coaches perceive their role to include open communication, actively observing their athletes' mood, and acknowledging their potential mental health knowledge deficits. They also indicated a lack of clarity for when to refer an athlete on to a medical professional. Athletes were perceived as responsible for maintaining self-awareness and help-seeking, whilst the organisational role included providing education and funding. Barriers for supporting athlete mental health included a lack of resources and poor mental health literacy. Coaches suggested a variety of recommendations to ameliorate these barriers including education and redesigning systems of support. CONCLUSIONS Australian swimming coaches would greatly benefit from formal guidelines on how to identify, manage, and support athlete mental health. These guidelines should be established with input from coaches and key staff, in addition to clinical professionals and utilising evidence-based measures, including consideration of boundaries around coaches as non-mental health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Sankey
- Faculty of Health, Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Lee Wallace
- Faculty of Health, Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Cristina M Caperchione
- Faculty of Health, Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
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Nikolaidis PT, Son’kin VD. Sports Physiology in Adolescent Track-and-Field Athletes: A Narrative Review. Open Access J Sports Med 2023; 14:59-68. [PMID: 37404686 PMCID: PMC10317547 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s417612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to review the physiological aspects of adolescent track-and-field (TAF) athletes. A search of Scopus on 27/12/2022 using the syntax ABS (track-and-field) AND ABS (children) OR ABS (adolescent) showed 121 documents, and 45 were considered for further analysis. In addition, handsearching was conducted to identify Russian literature missing in Scopus. Differences were shown in performance characteristics among disciplines, especially between throwers and the other athletes. The sex difference in performance (ie, a better performance in boys than in girls) started in early adolescence. A relative age effect was more pronounced in athletes under 13 years old. Despite the wide use of nutritional supplements, an insufficient intake of vitamins has been found. The age of training onset and body weight were identified as risk factors for problems with menarche. The inclusion of track-and-field training programs in physical education was beneficial for health and physical fitness. The need to collaborate closely with parents and coaches was identified, especially, regarding education in topics such as the age of training onset, relative age effect, and doping. In conclusion, the existence of many disciplines with different anthropometric and physiological characteristics highlighted the need for a discipline-specific approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentine D Son’kin
- Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism (SCOLIPE), Moscow, Russia
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Leviton A, Patel AD, Loddenkemper T. Self-management education for children with epilepsy and their caregivers. A scoping review. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 144:109232. [PMID: 37196451 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Self-management education programs have been highly successful in preparing people to manage medical conditions with recurring events. A detailed curriculum for epilepsy patients, and their caretakers, is lacking. Here we assess what is available for patients who have disorders with recurring events and offer an approach to developing a potential self-care curriculum for patients with seizures and their caregivers. Among the anticipated components are a baseline efficacy assessment and training tailored to increasing self-efficacy, medication compliance, and stress management. Those at risk of status epilepticus will also need guidance in preparing a personalized seizure action plan and training in how to decide when rescue medication is appropriate and how to administer the therapy. Peers, as well as professionals, could teach and provide support. To our knowledge, no such programs are currently available in English. We encourage their creation, dissemination, and widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Leviton
- Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Anup D Patel
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Childrens Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
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Moore MA, Reynolds JF, Durand J, Trainor K, Caravaglia G. Mental Health Literacy of Australian Youth Sport Coaches. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:871212. [PMID: 35498514 PMCID: PMC9039291 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.871212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matt A. Moore
- Department of Social Work, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Matt A. Moore
| | - Jerry F. Reynolds
- Department of Social Work, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, United States
| | - Jessica Durand
- Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, Westfield, IN, United States
| | - Kristin Trainor
- Department of Social Work, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, United States
| | - Gina Caravaglia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, United States
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The knowledge level of Taekwondo coaches regarding physical training methods in Jordan. Sci Sports 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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A Content Analysis of Mental Health Literacy Education for Sport Coaches. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL SPORT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1123/jcsp.2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sport coaches can play an influential role in athletes’ mental health help seeking through purposeful communication, destigmatization of mental health concerns, and supportive relationships. To positively engage in these behaviors, coaches require mental health knowledge (or literacy), positive attitudes about that knowledge, and self-efficacy to use that knowledge. Guided by a multidimensional health literacy framework, we conducted a content analysis of web content and scholarly literature to identify health education programming for coaches that addressed athlete mental health. A purposive sample of Olympic National Governing Bodies, collegiate athletic associations, high school sport associations, youth sport governing bodies, and the scholarly literature were analyzed. We found inconsistent programming regarding a range of mental health disorders, behaviors critical to mental health promotion, and critical components of mental health literacy. Implications and next steps for mental health literacy support for coaches are discussed.
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Smith A, Haycock D, Jones J, Greenough K, Wilcock R, Braid I. Exploring Mental Health and Illness in the UK Sports Coaching Workforce. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249332. [PMID: 33322222 PMCID: PMC7764556 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is growing international concern about the mental health of those who work in sport, including coaches. However, we currently know little about the prevalence of mental illness and the experience of mental health among coaches, and their perceptions and use of workplace mental health support services. Little is also known about coaches' disclosure of mental illness to, and seeking help from, work colleagues. We explore these issues using data from 202 coaches who responded to the first United Kingdom survey of mental health in the sport and physical activity workforce. In total, 55% of coaches reported having ever experienced a mental illness, and 44% currently did, with coaches in grassroots/community settings being most likely to experience mental illness. Depression and anxiety were the most commonly reported conditions and many coaches preferred to access mental health support outside of the organisation for whom they worked or volunteered, with decisions to seek help from others in the workplace being shaped by complex organisational and personal considerations. The findings suggest there is an important public health challenge which needs to be met among coaches, so that we can better address a question of fundamental importance: 'who is looking after the people looking after the people'?
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Smith
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (D.H.); (K.G.); (R.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - David Haycock
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (D.H.); (K.G.); (R.W.)
| | - Jon Jones
- Thrive Approach, The Quadrangle, 1 Seale Hayne, Howton Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ, UK;
| | - Kenny Greenough
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (D.H.); (K.G.); (R.W.)
| | - Rachel Wilcock
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (D.H.); (K.G.); (R.W.)
| | - Ian Braid
- DOCIAsport, Sussex Innovation Centre, University of Sussex, Science Park Square, Brighton BN1 9SB, UK;
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Kim SSY, Hamiliton B, Beable S, Cavadino A, Fulcher ML. Elite coaches have a similar prevalence of depressive symptoms to the general population and lower rates than elite athletes. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2020; 6:e000719. [PMID: 32341800 PMCID: PMC7173988 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and life stress in elite coaches. The secondary aim was to explore the associations of depressive symptoms and life stress with demographic and lifestyle variables. Methods National-level coaches were invited to participate in an online survey. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R). Life stress was measured using daily life hassle frequency and severity scores calculated from the Daily Hassles Questionnaire, with associations evaluated using linear regression. Results Of 110 potential participants, 69 completed and two partially completed surveys were received. The majority of respondents were male (77%), coaching individual sports (70%) and aged under 50 (71%). Overall, 14% of coaches reported at least moderate depressive symptoms according to the CESD-R. Those contemplating retirement were more likely to show depressive symptoms. Reported life stress was higher in females and in those contemplating retirement. There was a strong association between life stress and the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms (p=0.006). Conclusions Depressive symptoms are as prevalent in elite coaches as in general population, with potential risk factors including high levels of life stress and impending retirement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Beable
- Axis Sports Medicine Specialists, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alana Cavadino
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland-City Campus, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark L Fulcher
- Axis Sports Medicine Specialists, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Population Health, The University of Auckland-City Campus, Auckland, New Zealand.,New Zealand Football, Football House, QBE Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand
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