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Phrathep D, Donohue B, Renn BN, Mercer J, Allen DN. Sport and mental health performance optimization in an adolescent gymnast: A case evaluation. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1018861. [PMID: 36814896 PMCID: PMC9939460 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1018861] [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: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPPS) is a multi-component, sport-specific Family Behavior Therapy that has demonstrated improved sport performance, relationships, and mental health outcomes in adult and adolescent athletes with, and without, diagnosed mental health disorders in clinical trials. The current case trial demonstrates successful implementation of a novel component of TOPPS (i.e., talk aloud optimal sport performance imagery leading to dream mapping) in a biracial Latina and White adolescent gymnast without a mental health diagnosis. The participant demonstrated significant improvements from baseline to both post-treatment and 3-month follow-up in severity of mental health functioning, factors interfering with sports performance, and her relationships with teammates, coaches, and family. Results suggest it may be possible to optimize mental health through sport performance optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davy Phrathep
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Brad Donohue
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States,Correspondence: Brad Donohue
| | - Brenna N. Renn
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - John Mercer
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| | - Daniel N. Allen
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
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Boudreault V, Labossière S, Gauthier V, Brassard S, Couture S, Dionne F, Laurier C, Durand-Bush N. Symptoms of mental illness among university student-athletes during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Canada. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:1017376. [PMID: 36339640 PMCID: PMC9627313 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1017376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown disrupted the university sports season and had negative consequences on the academic and personal life of university student-athletes, resulting in several psychological challenges. The goal of this study is to document the symptoms of mental illness among university student-athletes during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Canada. It aims to (a) assess the prevalence of mental illness symptoms (anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and dangerous drinking) among university student-athletes and (b) identify which sociodemographic and sports characteristics, pandemic impacts, and levels of perceived stress most influence these symptoms. A total of 424 university student-athletes completed an online survey, which included questions on mental illness and the impact of the pandemic lockdown. The results revealed a notable prevalence of the symptoms of mental illness; depressive symptoms are reported by 37.9% of the participants, anxiety symptoms by 24.9%, dangerous drinking symptoms by 10.1%, and disordered eating by 8.6%. In addition, being female [OR = 0.56, 95% CI (0.33, 0.95)] or a member of a visible minority group [OR = 2.63, 95% CI (1.02, 6.78)] are significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. Low academic motivation has a significant negative influence on the presence of depressive [OR = 3.37, 95% CI (1.82, 6.25)] and anxiety symptoms [OR = 2.75, 95% CI (1.35, 5.62)]. However, the presence of perceived stress was strongly associated with depressive [OR = 7.07, 95% CI (3.26, 15.35)], anxiety [OR = 6.51, 95% CI (3.30, 12.84)], and dangerous drinking symptoms [OR = 5.74, 95% CI (2.51, 13.14)]. This study advocates for specific mental illness prevention and treatment resources tailored to the unique needs of university student-athletes. Accordingly, partnerships and practical interventions to support university student-athletes' mental health are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Boudreault
- Faculté des Sciences de l'Activité Physique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Véronique Boudreault
| | - Sophie Labossière
- Faculté d'Education, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Gauthier
- Département des Sciences Humaines, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Sophie Brassard
- Faculté d'Education, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sophie Couture
- Faculté d'Education, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Frédérick Dionne
- Département des Sciences Humaines, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Laurier
- Faculté d'Education, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Phrathep D, Donohue B, Renn BN, Mercer J, Allen DN. Controlled Evaluation of a Sport-Specific Performance Optimization Program in a Biracial Black and White Athlete Diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder and Agoraphobia. Clin Case Stud 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/15346501221117827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There are a very limited number of sport-specific mental health and sport performance interventions available for athletes of color. This study examined The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPPS) in a biracial adolescent athlete who was diagnosed with Agoraphobia and Social Anxiety Disorder. A multiple-baseline across behaviors case trial design was used to evaluate outcomes. A battery of psychological measures specific to mental health and sport performance was administered at baseline, post-intervention, and a 3-month follow-up. Social skill sets (i.e., positive assertion and negative assertion) were systematically targeted sequentially in a virtual format using HIPAA compliant video-conferencing technology to safeguard against contracting COVID-19. Results demonstrated improvement in negative and positive assertion skills when targeted by the intervention. Severity of concurrent symptoms associated with Social Anxiety Disorder and Agoraphobia Symptoms, general psychiatric functioning, relationships with coaches, teammates and family, and factors interfering with sports performance improved from pre- to post-intervention. These improvements were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Athlete ratings indicated their satisfaction with TOPPS was high, and intervention components were implemented with high integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John Mercer
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Donohue B, Phrathep D, Stucki KB, Kowal I, Breslin G, Cohen M, White S, Jefferson L, White T, Irvin J, Reese G, Kessler FHP, Kieslich da Silva A, Gabriel Santos da Silva F, Fothergill M, Robinson G, Allen H, Light A, Allen DN. Adapting an evidence-supported optimization program for mental health and sport performance in collegiate athletes to fit youth from ethnic/racial minority and low-income neighborhoods: A National Institutes of Health stage model feasibility study. Int J Psychiatry Med 2022; 57:226-247. [PMID: 33910408 DOI: 10.1177/00912174211006547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The current study addresses the need to empirically develop effective mental health interventions for youth from ethnic/racial minority and low-income neighborhoods. Using Stage Model evaluation methods supported by the National Institutes of Health in the US to address underutilization of mental healthcare among racial/ethnic minority youth, this feasibility study demonstrates empirical adaptation of an innovative sport-specific psychological intervention for use in youth from ethnic/racial minority and low-income neighborhoods. An international group of professionals familiar with sport performance and mental health intervention serving the target population experientially examined the adapted intervention protocols in workshops and provided feedback. Survey results indicated the professionals found the intervention components were easy to administer and likely to be safe, enjoyable, engaging and efficacious for youth mental health and sport performance. The protocols were revised based on feedback from these professionals and the intervention was examined in a case trial involving an Asian American youth who evidenced Social Anxiety Disorder. Case study results indicated the intervention could be implemented with integrity, and severity of psychiatric symptoms and factors interfering with sport performance decreased after intervention implementation. The participant's relationships with family, coaches and teammates were also improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Donohue
- Psychology Department, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Davy Phrathep
- Psychology Department, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | | | - Igor Kowal
- Psychology Department, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Gavin Breslin
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Well Being, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Maya Cohen
- Psychology Department, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Semaj White
- HEROS Advocacy Group, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | | | - Troy White
- HEROS Advocacy Group, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Al Light
- Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Daniel N Allen
- Psychology Department, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Phrathep D, Donohue B, Kraus S, Paul M, Mercer J. A Controlled Evaluation of a Sport-Specific Performance Optimization Program in an Athlete Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Within the Context of COVID-19. Clin Case Stud 2021; 21:209-234. [PMID: 35664370 PMCID: PMC9081019 DOI: 10.1177/15346501211048508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent athletes with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) experience unique challenges that impact their sport performance, such as making errors due to poor concentration. The current multiple-baseline across behaviors case trial (i.e., positive assertion and negative assertion) is an evaluation of The Optimum Performance Program in Sports in an adolescent athlete diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. Intervention skill sets were targeted sequentially in a virtual format to safeguard against COVID-19 contraction. A battery of psychological measures was administered at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Results indicated negative and positive assertion skills improved, but only when targeted, and severity of ADHD and ODD symptom severity, general mental health symptoms, and factors interfering with sport performance decreased from pre- to post-intervention and these improvements were maintained at 1-month follow-up. Similar improvements occurred in relationships with coaches, teammates, and family. Treatment integrity and consumer satisfaction were high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davy Phrathep
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Brad Donohue
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Shane Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Michelle Paul
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - John Mercer
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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Controlled Evaluation of an Optimization Approach to Mental Health and Sport Performance. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL SPORT PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1123/jcsp.2017-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Athletes experience unique stressors that have been indicated to compromise their mental wellness and sport performance, yet they underutilize mental health services. Indeed, very few mental health interventions for athletes have been developed to fit sport culture, and well-controlled mental health outcome research in athlete populations is warranted. In this randomized controlled trial, a sport specific optimization approach to concurrent mental health and sport performance (The Optimum Performance Program in Sports; TOPPS) was examined. Seventy-four collegiate athletes (NCAA = 42; club = 11; intramural = 21) formally assessed for mental health diagnostic severity were randomly assigned to TOPPS or campus counseling/psychological services as usual (SAU) after baseline. Dependent measures assessed general mental health, mood, mental health factors affecting sport performance in training, competition and life outside of sports, days using substances, sexual risk behaviors, happiness in relationships, relationships affecting sport performance, and contributions of relationship to sport performance. Intent to treat repeated measures analyses indicated that participants in TOPPS consistently demonstrated better outcomes than SAU up to 8-months post-randomization and for mental health/substance use measures, particularly when diagnostic criteria were most severe. Recommendations are provided in light of the results to assist sport-specific mental health intervention development and implementation within athlete populations.
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Gavrilova Y, Donohue B, Galante M. Mental Health and Sport Performance Programming in Athletes Who Present Without Pathology: A Case Examination Supporting Optimization. Clin Case Stud 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1534650116689302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Athletes are exposed to unique stressors that often negatively impact the way they think, behave, and feel in athletic, academic, and social domains. The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPPS), an adaptation of Family Behavior Therapy, is an innovative approach to optimization science that has demonstrated positive outcomes in student-athletes evidencing substance use disorders. However, this approach has yet to be evaluated in athletes who are interested in optimizing their mental health and sport performance, but have no indication of pathology. We describe the administration of TOPPS in a female student-athlete who presented for intervention with no assessed mental health pathology. Although experimental methodology was uncontrolled, many of the methodological features in this examination were advanced. Treatment integrity was reliably assessed and the athlete demonstrated significant improvements in psychometrically validated measurements of mental health and sport performance from baseline to 5-months post-treatment, including psychiatric domains (somatization, obsessive–compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism), relationships with teammates, family members, coaches, and peers, and measures of sport performance. Future directions are reported in light of the results.
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Chow GM, Donohue B, Pitts M, Loughran T, Schubert KN, Gavrilova Y, Diaz E. Results of a Single Case Controlled Study of The Optimum Performance Program in Sports in a Collegiate Athlete. Clin Case Stud 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/1534650114548313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a sport-specific adaptation of Family Behavior Therapy (i.e., The Optimum Performance Program in Sports [TOPPS]) in a collegiate athlete was examined, including a controlled evaluation of several of its intervention components utilizing multiple-baseline methodology. After a 3-week baseline consisting of program orientation, cultural enlightenment, and goal development was established for unsafe sexual practices, alcohol binge drinking (four or more drinks per occasion), and teammate relationships, the participant was sequentially and cumulatively exposed to three distinct intervention phases across 12 meetings. In the first phase, a Dynamic Goals and Rewards intervention was implemented with the intention of reducing unsafe sexual practices. In the second phase, alcohol avoidance was additionally targeted through Goal Inspiration (Consequence Review; that is, a motivational enhancement exercise), Self-Control, and Environmental Control. The third phase focused on teammate relationships using Communication Skills Training while the aforementioned target areas continued to be addressed. A brief probe assessment was administered immediately before each intervention meeting to assess frequency of unprotected sex, frequency of binge drinking, and relationship problems with teammates. Results indicated that each of the target behaviors reduced substantially, but only after they were targeted. The participant’s scores on a standardized measure of troublesome thoughts and stress substantially decreased across intervention meetings. Various mental health and sport performance outcome measures, in addition to the aforementioned target areas, improved up to 5 months post-intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emma Diaz
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA
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