Mental Health Interventions for Elite-Level Athletes in a Sport-Specific Context: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Athletes comprise a unique population for mental health (MH) interventions given their increased physical and mental demands paired with the closed culture of athletics. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the quality and effectiveness of MH interventions administered within a sport-specific context for varying levels of elite athletes. Methods Studies published from January 2010 to March 2022 were identified using four databases: APA PsychInfo, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus. Inclusion was limited to intervention studies that targeted MH, well-being, or mindfulness; were administered in a sport-specific context; involved elite-level athletes; and assessed at least one MH-related outcome. Results Nine studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and recruited successful-elite (n = 3) and semi-elite (n = 6) athletes. Intervention activities included knowledge acquisition (n = 7), skills/mindfulness training (n = 6), and group discussion (n = 8). Statistically significant improvements in MH symptoms (n = 2), knowledge (n = 3), stigma (n = 3), and stress (n = 3) were reported. Discussion Intervention efficacy may be improved by aligning intended outcome(s), measurement tools, and modalities for a sport-specific context. Future research should consider larger sample sizes and examine individual versus team sport/between-sport differences. Translation to Health Education Practice Interventions appear to improve MH outcomes for athletic populations; however, inconsistencies with measurement tools and lack of utilization of theoretical frameworks exist.