Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of mental health
symptoms (MHSs) among Dutch elite athletes and their
coaches, to examine the association between potential
contributing factors and MHS among Dutch elite athletes
and their coaches and to explore the view and needs of
Dutch elite athletes and their coaches regarding mental
health resources and support.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by
distributing an electronic questionnaire based on validated
screening questionnaires for the assessment of MHS.
RESULTS: In total, 156 athletes (55% female) and 95
coaches (79% male) across various sports participated in
this study. The most prevalent MHS among athletes and
coaches were distress (73% and 41%) and alcohol misuse
(52% and 53%). Adverse life events showed an association
with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, alcohol misuse
and disordered eating while severe injuries showed an
association with distress and sleep disturbance in elite
athletes. Among coaches, no significant associations were
found between potential contributing factors and MHS.
60% of the athletes and 60% of the coaches (totally)
agreed that they could openly address their mental health
issues within their sport while 53% of the athletes and
41% of the coaches (totally) agreed a need for increased
attention regarding mental health/guidance in their sport.
CONCLUSIONS: MHSs are prevalent among Dutch elite
athletes and coaches. Recent adverse life events and
severe injuries have a potential intersection with MHS
in elite athletes. There is a need for increased attention
regarding mental health/guidance among Dutch elite
athletes and coaches within their sport so that subsequent
treatment/support can be provided.
