LE3 .A278 2023

2023

Shields, Chris

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

Apart from the extensive research examining athlete mental health, research on the mental health support available for elite athletes is limited. The purpose of the present study is to explore, from the athletes’ perspective, (1) how their sport journeys have impacted their mental health, (2) how they have dealt with the stresses and pressures inherent in elite sport, and (3) what supports were or do they feel should have been available to support positive mental health within the sport space. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with both male and female varsity athletes from Acadia University’s swim, hockey, basketball, football, and soccer teams. The interview questions covered thematic areas of internal and external pressures, mental health, and formalized support. Over the course of the interviews, 338 meaning units mapped onto 54 codes, resulting in a total of 15 main themes, with 3 of these themes being further divided into 7 subthemes. The participants identified pressures faced as an athlete, the impact sport has had on their mental health, and what supports were available to them. All athletes experienced a lot of pressure and although their parents and coaches have supported them, there was no consistent finding that they provided them with adequate support in response to these pressures. Primarily, it was found that most participants had little to no experience with, or access to professional support for mental health; however, all participants conveyed the importance of having access to formalized support. It was concluded that although there is plenty of discussion on athletes’ mental health, there is a lack of support and professional resources within their environment. This study highlights the importance of implementing formalized support that is positioned for the purpose of helping athletes deal with the pressures and mental health concerns arising within the sport space, and stems from the personal experiences of the athletes themselves.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3995