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Leprince C, Maurin M, Carling C. Consideration of Mental Health and Well-Being in High-Level Sport: When Will a Coach-Centred Approach Be Introduced? Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02044-x. [PMID: 38811435 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Coverage of problems relating to mental health and well-being is gaining ground in the sports sector today, both in the media and in the scientific literature. Despite exposure to numerous stressors and suffering from poor mental health, coaches have in general been largely overlooked in the scientific literature. Previous studies have mainly focused upon athlete populations. The absence of research means that there are real shortcomings in both understanding the mechanisms involved in the deterioration of coaches' mental health and well-being and in the lack of specific support systems available. This paper first describes findings from the recent, albeit quite scarce, research investigating mental health and well-being in coaches. It then proposes a number of avenues for research and support protocols, both of which are currently ongoing at the French Football Federation Research Centre. The aim is to help support these key participants in the sports sector who arguably have not been given sufficient consideration until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Leprince
- French Football Federation Research Centre, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France
- Sport, Expertise and Performance Laboratory (EA 7370), INSEP, Paris, France
| | - Mathéo Maurin
- French Football Federation Research Centre, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France
- Laboratory on Vulnerabilities and Innovation in Sport (L-VIS), University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Christopher Carling
- French Football Federation Research Centre, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France.
- Sport, Expertise and Performance Laboratory (EA 7370), INSEP, Paris, France.
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Frost J, Walton CC, Purcell R, Fisher K, Gwyther K, Kocherginsky M, Rice SM. The Mental Health of Elite-Level Coaches: A Systematic Scoping Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38341831 PMCID: PMC10859359 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elite-level coaches are exposed to multiple performance, organisational and personal stressors which may contribute to reduced mental health and wellbeing. This systematic scoping review examined the current body of evidence to explore what is known about the mental health of elite-level coaches (i.e. wellbeing and mental ill-health), the risk and protective factors that influence coach mental health, and the relationship between mental health and coaching effectiveness. METHODS The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A systematic search was undertaken and updated in September 2022 using six electronic databases. RESULTS 12,376 studies were identified and screened, with 42 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. Despite the paucity of high-quality research, findings indicated that 40% of the included studies examined themes connected to wellbeing, with 76% assessing the nature or prevalence of mental ill-health in elite-level coaches. Among studies exploring mental ill-health, coach burnout was the primary focus, while scant research examined symptoms associated with clinical disorders (e.g. anxiety and depression). Overall, psychological outcomes for elite-level coaches were shaped by risk and protective factors operating at the individual, interpersonal, organisational and societal level. Preliminary evidence was also found to suggest that poor mental health may contribute to reduced coaching effectiveness. It is proposed that coaching effectiveness could therefore be employed as a 'hook' to engage elite-level coaches in greater consideration of their mental health needs. CONCLUSION Alongside the development of methodologically robust research, there is a need to examine dynamic individual (e.g. psychological skills), interpersonal (e.g. strong social supports) and organisational (e.g. workload) factors that aim to preserve the mental health and optimise the efficacy of elite-level coaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Frost
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Courtney C Walton
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosemary Purcell
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Krista Fisher
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate Gwyther
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Kocherginsky
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon M Rice
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
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Baumann L, Schneeberger AR, Currie A, Iff S, Seifritz E, Claussen MC. Mental Health in Elite Coaches. Sports Health 2024:19417381231223472. [PMID: 38246889 DOI: 10.1177/19417381231223472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Coaches play an important role in promoting mental health in elite sports. However, they themselves are exposed to risks affecting their mental health, and their fears and worries are often overlooked. Moreover, it remains unclear how coaches' mental health affects their athletes' mental health. OBJECTIVE To create a compilation of the literature on (1) elite coaches' mental health and (2) how coaches' mental health influences elite athletes' mental health. Building on this, recommendations for improving coaches' psychological well-being should be elaborated upon and discussed. DATA SOURCES A literature search was conducted up to November 30, 2021, using the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and SportDiscus. STUDY SELECTION Studies reporting elite coaches' mental health symptoms and disorders and the influence of elite coaches' mental health on elite athletes' mental health were included. STUDY DESIGN Scoping review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. DATA EXTRACTION Data regarding elite coaches' mental health, as well as their influence on athletes' mental health and performance, were included in a descriptive analysis. The PRISMA guidelines were used to guide this review. RESULTS Little research has been done on elite coaches' mental health disorders, although studies confirm that they do experience, for example, symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression. The influence of coaches' mental health on their athletes is underinvestigated, with research focused mainly on the influence of coaches' stress. CONCLUSION Knowledge about coaches' mental health is still limited. Coaches' poor mental health diminishes coaching performance and might impair athletes' mental health. Coaches should receive more support, including sports psychiatric care and education on the importance of mental health. This could improve the mental health of both coaches and athletes, and positively affect athlete performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baumann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Alan Currie
- Regional Affective Disorders Service, Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
- Exercise Sport and Rehabilitation Therapies, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | - Samuel Iff
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Malte Christian Claussen
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinic for Depression and Anxiety, Psychiatric Centre Münsingen, Switzerland
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Abstract
There is growing understanding of the extent of mental health problems, and related mental health needs, among elite athletes. However, far less attention has been paid to mental health among elite coaches and high-performance support staff, the latter including strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, sport psychologists, and other allied health workers in the daily training environment (high-performance support staff are referred to collectively as "entourage" throughout this article). The scarcity of research examining mental health among elite coaches and entourage warrants urgent attention, particularly given these individuals share similar performance demands and role-related stressors as elite athletes. This article reviews the available literature on this topic, including (1) an empirical study conducted by the authors with a sample of coaches and entourage from Australia's national high-performance sport system and (2) a case example to illustrate sport-specific and general risk factors that are likely to impact mental health in elite sporting environments. Avenues for supporting mental health among coaches and entourage are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Purcell
- The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Joshua Frost
- The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Vita Pilkington
- The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Frost J, Walton CC, Purcell R, Rice SM. Supporting The Mental Health Of Elite-Level Coaches Through Early Intervention. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2023; 5:100734. [PMID: 37645386 PMCID: PMC10461153 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Current evidence indicates that elite-level coaches encounter a range of performance, organizational, and personal stressors that may influence or compromise mental health. With exposure to these stressors, supports need to be established to protect and preserve the mental health of elite-level coaches. Given the paucity of evidence available, this article proposes a number of considerations that should be taken into account when developing a mental health and rehabilitation framework for high-performance coaches. We argue that early intervention should be positioned at the core of this framework, to address the onset of symptoms prior to the emergence of a mental disorder or mental health crisis. Mental health screening and monitoring of coaches, the psychological safety of high-performance environments, the mental health literacy of coaches, and the tailored pathways to support are discussed. Beyond these strategies, it is proposed that rehabilitation and reintegration should be addressed to assist coaches who are currently experiencing mental ill health or have left their role due to mental health reasons. Although further research is needed to implement evidence-based strategies, it is recommended that a future mental health framework should incorporate the perspectives of coaches to ensure it is consistent with their needs and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Frost
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Courtney C. Walton
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosemary Purcell
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon M. Rice
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
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Wright SA, Walker LF, Hall EE. Effects of workplace stress, perceived stress, and burnout on collegiate coach mental health outcomes. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:974267. [PMID: 37181249 PMCID: PMC10166841 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.974267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Given the continuously changing job demands of coaches, coach burnout continues to be an important area of study. Coaching literature highlights the role occupational stressors play in the development and management of burnout. However, research highlights the potential need for the field to differentiate feelings of burnout from those of other sub-clinical mental health indicators (e.g., anxiety, depression). This study sought to examine the relationship between workplace stress, perceived stress, coach burnout, coach well-being, and sub-clinical health issues (anxiety, stress, depression). Methods One hundred forty-four NCAA collegiate coaches completed online questionnaires measuring the proposed variables. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypothesis that burnout would serve as a partial mediator between workplace and perceived stress and mental health indicators (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being). Results Workplace stress and perceived stress were positively associated with both burnout subscales. Additionally, perceived stress alone exhibited a positive association with depression, anxiety, and stress and a negative association with well-being. While there was a positive significant relationship between disengagement and depression in the model and a negative significant relationship between disengagement and well-being, most relationships between the two burnout subscales and mental health outcomes were negligible. Discussion It can be concluded that while workplace and perceived life stressors may impact feelings of burnout and mental health indicators directly, burnout does not appear to exhibit a strong effect on perceptions of mental health and well-being. In line with other research studies, it may be worth considering whether burnout should be considered another type of clinical mental health issue instead of as a direct contributor to coach mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren F. Walker
- Department of Exercise Science, Elon University, Elon, NC, United States
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Pilkington V, Rice SM, Walton CC, Gwyther K, Olive L, Butterworth M, Clements M, Cross G, Purcell R. Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Health Symptoms and Well-Being Among Elite Sport Coaches and High-Performance Support Staff. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:89. [PMID: 35792942 PMCID: PMC9259770 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background There is growing understanding of mental health needs in elite athletes, but less is known about the mental health of coaches and support staff who work within elite sport settings. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of mental health symptoms in elite-level coaches and high-performance support staff (HPSS) and compared rates against published elite athlete samples. A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was administered to coaches and HPSS working in Australia’s high-performance sports system. Main outcomes were scores on validated measures of psychological distress, probable ‘caseness’ for a diagnosable psychological condition, alcohol consumption and sleep disturbance. Results Data were provided by 78 coaches (mean age = 46.4 years, 23.8% female) and 174 HPSS (mean age = 40.0 years, 56.7% female). Overall, 41.2% of the sample met probable caseness criteria, 13.9% reported high to very high psychological distress, 41.8% reported potential risky alcohol consumption and 17.7% reported moderate to severe sleep disturbance, with no statistically significant differences between coaches and HPSS. The most robust correlates of psychological distress and probable caseness were dissatisfaction with social support and dissatisfaction with life balance, while poor life balance was also associated with increased alcohol consumption and poor social support with sleep disturbance. Coaches and HPSS reported similar prevalence of mental health outcomes compared to rates previously observed in elite athletes, with the exception of higher reporting of alcohol consumption among coaches and HPSS. Conclusions Elite-level coaches and HPSS reported levels of psychological distress and probable caseness similar to those previously reported among elite-level athletes, suggesting that these groups are also susceptible to the pressures of high-performance sporting environments. Screening for mental health symptoms in elite sport should be extended from athletes to all key stakeholders in the daily training environment, as should access to programs to support mental health and well-being.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-022-00479-y.
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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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Purcell R, Pilkington V, Carberry S, Reid D, Gwyther K, Hall K, Deacon A, Manon R, Walton CC, Rice S. An Evidence-Informed Framework to Promote Mental Wellbeing in Elite Sport. Front Psychol 2022; 13:780359. [PMID: 35250720 PMCID: PMC8890033 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Elite athletes, coaches and high-performance staff are exposed to a range of stressors that have been shown to increase their susceptibility to experiencing mental ill-health. Despite this, athletes may be less inclined than the general population to seek support for their mental health due to stigma, perceptions of limited psychological safety within sport to disclose mental health difficulties (e.g., selection concerns) and/or fears of help-seeking signifying weakness in the context of high performance sport. Guidance on the best ways to promote mental health within sporting environments is increasing, though current frameworks and position statements require greater focus on a whole of system approach, in which the needs of athlete, coaches and high-performance staff are considered within the context of the broader ecological system in which they operate and perform. This paper synthesizes existing research, reviewed for translatability by mental health professionals working in elite sport, to provide an evidence-informed framework with real world utility to promote mentally healthy environments for all stakeholders in elite sporting organizations, from athletes through to administrators. Recommendations are provided to positively impact the mental wellbeing of athletes and support staff, which may in turn influence athletic performance. This framework is intended to provide sporting organizations with evidence-informed or best practice principles on which they can develop or progress their policies to support mental health promotion and prevent the onset of mental health difficulties. It is intended that the framework can be adapted or tailored by elite sporting organizations based upon their unique cultural, contextual and resourcing circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Purcell
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vita Pilkington
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Serena Carberry
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Reid
- Focus Coaching, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Gwyther
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Hall
- Australian Football League, Docklands, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Deacon
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ranjit Manon
- Australian Football League, Docklands, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Courtney C. Walton
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Youth Mood Clinic, Orygen Youth Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
Athletes commonly experience mental health symptoms. However, prevalence estimates require refinement so that symptoms are interpreted in context and diagnostic labels are accurately applied. Further prevalence studies are also needed in subgroups within sport, in particular female athletes, athletes with disabilities, and coaches. Existing consensus-based and evidence-based therapies must be adapted not only to the individual athlete but also to the ecology of sports. Filling the gaps in our knowledge on what treatment modifications may be required for the individual athlete and how services should be designed to deliver treatment most effectively will require well-designed studies that use standardized terminology and defined outcome measures.
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