Dopheide, M.J. (Marit) (2018) The need for a listening ear in the small world of elite sports. A qualitative study about the psychosocial support for elite athletes: experiences, visions and needs. thesis, Sport Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
The prevention of mental health problems among elite athletes is desirable for sports performance as well as for sustainable health. However, up to now scientific research has focused very little on the prevention of mental health problems and the associated appropriate psychosocial support. To create a better understanding of the psychosocial support in elite sports and the role of mental health professionals in this picture, this study aimed to explore the experiences, visions and needs of elite athletes about the psychosocial support during their sports career. In this qualitative research twelve semi-structured interviews, with a strong in-depth character, were held with current and former Dutch elite athletes performing in an Olympic sport. The data analysis contained elements of a narrative and thematic analysis, in which themes and categories were identified. The analysis revealed that the athletes mentioned the possibility of telling their story, in which someone offered a listening ear and could hold up a ‘mirror’, were cited as most common psychosocial needs. In addition, the results showed that the athletes had mainly positive experiences with professional psychosocial support. The support was considered pleasant because of the external, independent position of this person, who is outside the direct circle of an athlete. Notwithstanding the positive experiences, the need for psychosocial support was not fulfilled in all cases. The main reasons for this were the difficulties in sharing feelings in the direct environment and an elite sports system that is more oriented towards solving rather than preventing mental health problems. In order to prevent mental health problems among elite athletes, it is recommended to shift from a more problem-driven system towards a more preventive system, in which the mental health of elite athletes is seen as a responsibility of the entire sports system. In conclusion, a better provision of the professional psychosocial support and a positive attitude from the coach towards this type of support were seen as important elements to better meet the needs of the athletes. Keywords: Elite athletes, mental health, mental health problems, psychosocial support, stressors
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Elling, dr. A. and Hartman, dr. E. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 23 May 2022 07:24 |
| Last Modified: | 23 May 2022 07:24 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3404 |
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