Threatening and nurturing mental health
Insights from Danish elite athletes on the dynamic interplay of factors associated with their mental health
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 4699032 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Andreas Küttel (0000-0003-0235-3590), Louise Kamuk Storm (0000-0001-8469-406X), Natalia Stambulova (0000-0001-6198-0784), Kristoffer Henriksen (0000-0003-2966-7469) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Pages | 1451617-1451617 |
| Publication date | 2024-11-27 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fspor.2024.1451617 |
| PMID | 39669791 |
| OpenAlex | W4404780660 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 43 |
IntroductionNumerous factors have been identified that potentially influence athletes' mental health. Given the predominant focus in the literature on athletes' mental health risk factors, our study aimed to explore elite athletes' perceptions of factors associated with their mental health and thriving based on the combination of holistic developmental and ecological approaches.MethodsSeven Danish international elite athletes representing diverse sports were interviewed twice. The initial interview delved into their retrospective perspectives on career and mental health development, while the subsequent interview, conducted two months later, centered on recent events.ResultsThematic analysis yielded a map outlining four overarching themes. Elite sport was perceived as a (1) relentless performance context marked by rigorous demands, which evoked (2) personal reactions among athletes characterized by heightened expectations, self-blame, and anxiety. In response to these challenging demands, athletes have cultivated (3) coping resources and strategies over the course of their careers, such as self-reflection, emphasis on recovery, planning and prioritization skills, and passion for their sport. Nonetheless, the development of these resources and strategies was a gradual process, often informed by past experiences of mental health difficulties during adolescence. Additionally, they have found support for their mental health within a (4) nurturing environment consisting of supportive coaching, camaraderie among teammates, guidance from experts, and caring relationships.DiscussionThe findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health and emphasize the need for creating supportive environments that help athletes manage the intense demands of elite sport
Athletes · Danish · Elite · Elite Athletes · Mental health · Physical therapy · Political science · Psychiatry · Cardiovascular Effects of Exercise · Medicine · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Psychology · Sport Psychology and Performance
The Mental Health of Elite Athletes
Coaching effectiveness
Career development and transitions of athletes
Mental health in elite athletes
Defining elite athletes
Barriers and facilitators to mental health help-seeking for young elite athletes
Mental Health Literacy
Developing rigor in qualitative research
Thematic Analysis
Doing Interviews
Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being
Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being
A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological interventions to improve mental wellbeing
Self-reflection and Self-insight Predict Resilience and Stress in Competitive Tennis
Feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component mental wellbeing program for young high-performance athletes in Australian Rules Football
Drawing Careers
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |