A paper published in BMJ Open today (Friday 8 August) led by researchers from the University of Birmingham highlights how few studies conducted into athlete help-seeking for mental health have looked into support provided by semi-formal sources such as coaches, with the majority of research conducted on formal sources.
The team reviewed 104 relevant studies conducted around the world and found that while many athletes experience mental health issues, they face unique sport-specific barriers when seeking help and guidance. The review mapped the research on athletes' views on access to support, their attitudes toward seeking it, and their past experiences from formal and semi-formal sources of support.
Kirsty Brown, PhD student, from the University of Birmingham and lead researcher said:
"We know that athletes' face specific barriers to seek help for mental health. By mapping the research on athletes' views on access, attitudes and experiences of support, this research uncovers more about the process of help-seeking in athletes, and where further research is required."
"Our new research highlights that while there is a growing academic understanding of how sports people experience mental health support, there are still unexplored areas in the research that leaves many questions unanswered about how athletes' utilize formal and semi-formal sources of support. It is essential that these support networks understand the unique needs of athletes and are equipped to provide mental health support and signposting."
Formal or semi-formal support?
Athletes may rely on coaches for semi-formal support with mental health despite stigma and deselection concerns, but a new study highlights little research has been conducted in this "crucial" area.
Most of the research focused on formal sources of support (55%) such as psychologists or counsellors, with only 2% of papers looking at athlete interactions with semi-formal support such as coaches or academic advisors. 26% both formal and semi-formal were looked at.
Attitudes to seeking help
Athletes' attitudes to seeking support for their mental health was the most researched area among the studies that the team looked at, with 79% of papers investigated incorporating this question.
Notably, access was the least studied area with less than a third (32%) of papers investigating this issue, despite being a foundational factor in help-seeking behaviour.
Where next?
In addition, the study highlights gaps in studies looking at athlete help-seeking in lower-income and non-Western contexts, where cultural and structural barriers may differ. The team suggest that future research should also explore semi-formal sources of support more thoroughly, especially given their accessibility and potential influence on athletes' willingness to seek help. Additionally, a more consistent use of validated help-seeking measures and established psychological help-seeking theories and frameworks would strengthen study comparability and impact.
Professor Jennifer Cumming from the University of Birmingham and senior lead author of the study said:
"This is important research to understand where more focus is needed. For us to have the best possible models of support for athletes, it's important that we have a strong evidence base to work from."
