Discover mental health最新文献

{"title":"Meaning in life influence how psychological stress, death anxiety and suicide behavior impact on resilience in people living with cancer in South Africa.","authors":"Chinenye Joseph Aliche, Erhabor Sunday Idemudia","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00458-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00458-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer is a life-threatening health condition that, beyond its physical consequences, can lead to multiple coping challenges including psychological stress (PS), death anxiety and suicide behavior, which often, significantly, impact patients' resilience abilities. Meaning in life is a personal psychological resource that may protect people against the impact of psychosocial vulnerabilities on mental health outcome. This study examined the role of meaning in life in the relationship between PS, death anxiety, suicide behavior and resilience.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 238 cancer patients (122 (51.3%) females, M age = 42.55; SD = 11.95) selected from a healthcare institution in South Africa. Participants were diagnosed with either prostate cancer 57 (23.9%), colon cancer 29 (12.2%), liver cancer 37 (15.5%), gastric cancer 22 (9.2%), breast cancer 79 (33.2%), or other kinds of cancer 14 (5.9%). Validated tools were used: The Resilience Scale (RS); Presence of Meaning in Life Subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ); Impact of Event Scale (IES); Death Anxiety Inventory-Revised (DAI-R) and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Moderation hypotheses were tested via Hayes PROCESS Macro Model 1 in SPSS vs. 31.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed that meaning in life moderates the relationship between PS and resilience such that PS was associated with lower levels of resilience at low and average levels of meaning in life but not at high levels of meaning in life. Meaning in life moderated the association between death anxiety and resilience such that death anxiety resulted to lower levels of resilience only among patients with low but not among those with average and high levels of meaning in life. This same pattern of findings was observed when we examined whether meaning in life moderates the relationship between suicide behavior and resilience.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings have revealed that higher sense of meaning in life moderates the negative psychological impacts of PS, death anxiety and suicide behavior on resilience. Targeted interventions that enhance a sense of meaning in life and addresses PS, death anxiety, and suicide behavior are essential for fostering resilience and adaptive coping with cancer disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exercise addiction risk in recreational athletes: a cross-sectional study of psychological distress and food choice motivations in Jordan.","authors":"Nour Amin Elsahoryi, Tamara Shukri Abu-Alhija, Omar Amin Alhaj","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00469-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00469-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exercise addiction (EA) represents an emerging mental health issue among athletic communities, manifested by compulsive exercise with negative psychological and physiological consequences. Although EA phenotypically coincides with overtraining syndrome and burnout, no study has explored this athlete mental health continuum in recreational athletes, especially regarding comorbid psychological distress and maladaptive food choice motivations.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore EA risk as an athlete mental health concern among Jordanian recreational athletes, examining the EAI screening-positive rate, associations with psychological distress and maladaptive food choice motivations, and multifactorial risk predictors including demographic, behavioral, and motivational variables.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study recruited 1,036 recreational athletes (18-45 years) across Jordanian fitness facilities. Subjects completed validated Arabic versions of the EA Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression determined independent predictors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 47.8% screened at risk for EA (22% low activity, 30% moderate, 66% high; p ≤ 0.001). At-risk individuals showed considerably high stress, depression, and anxiety (p ≤ 0.001), and valued performance, weight control, and nutritional optimization over sensory appeal and cultural food. Multivariable modeling (R² = 0.336; accuracy = 72.9%) identified independent predictors: male gender (OR = 1.66), high physical activity (dose-response: low OR = 0.13, moderate OR = 0.20 vs. high reference), lower stress levels compared to extremely severe stress (ORs 0.29-0.47; Normal through Moderate levels reaching conventional significance), and performance-oriented eating (OR = 1.12). Living alone (OR = 0.60) and hedonic food motivations showed protective associations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This first integrated assessment of EA risk in an Arabic-speaking recreational-athlete sample identified a high EAI screening-positive rate within a fitness-oriented Jordanian sample, together with multifactorial associations involving male gender, higher recent activity, psychological stress, and maladaptive eating patterns; however, this screening-positive rate should be interpreted cautiously because the EAI is a screening instrument rather than a diagnostic tool.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-reported negative attentional bias is associated with smartphone addiction among male flight cadets: chain mediation by impulsivity and anxiety.","authors":"Rui Qiu, Yushan Li, Yue Gong, Zhihua Guo, Mengze Li, Xia Zhu","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00472-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00472-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>With the widespread use of smartphones, smartphone addiction has become a prominent mental health issue Negative attentional bias, a stable cognitive trait, is closely linked to addictive behaviors. Drawing on cognitive resource theory and emotional regulation theory, self-reported negative attentional bias may be linked to increased impulsivity via cognitive resource depletion and heightened anxiety through amplified negative perceptions, with these associations potentially forming a chain pathway related to smartphone addiction. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convenience sample of 646 male flight cadet was surveyed using online questionnaires, including the Negative Information Attention Subscale (ANI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS). SPSS 29.0 was used for correlation analysis, and the PROCESS macro with Bootstrap method was employed to test the mediating effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were significant positive correlations between negative attentional bias, impulsivity, anxiety, and smartphone addiction. Negative attentional bias is directly positively associated with smartphone addiction and shows indirect associations through three paths: impulsivity alone, anxiety alone, and the chain of \"impulsivity→anxiety\".</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study identifies that self-reported negative attentional bias is associated with smartphone addiction in male flight cadets through both direct and indirect associative pathways involving impulsivity and anxiety. Given pilots' occupational demands for high cognitive stability, emotional regulation, the proposed interventions are relevant, targeting negative attentional bias may improve situational awareness, and managing anxiety may mitigate compensatory smartphone use that may disrupt pre-flight preparation or in-flight focus, and controlling impulsivity supports compliance with aviation safety rules. These findings provide a targeted theoretical basis for reducing smartphone addiction in male flight cadet.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A clinical trial of cognitive behavioral interventions for social media addiction, psychological problems, quality of family relationships and academic performance among university students.","authors":"Qasir Abbas, Ifra Iftekhar, Asma Riaz, Abida Kareem, Rabia Maryam, Urooj Tabassum, Feda Abu-AlKhair, Sumayah Aljhani","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00430-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00430-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Social media use is habitual among students, and its availability and usefulness contribute to its prevalence. Numerous benefits are associated with social networking sites. Conversely, social media use can become addictive, and excessive use can lead to various psychological problems. It influences students' overall lifestyle and education. Therefore, it is essential to manage social media use to mitigate potential harms. Interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy can help balance social media use with other crucial aspects of life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This RCT was conducted by the Department of Applied Psychology at Government College University Faisalabad across various public and private universities in Faisalabad. Initially, 190 students were recruited for the assessment. After initial screening, 164 participants meeting the criteria were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 82) and the wait-list control group (n = 82). The initial screening tool used was the Social Media Addiction Scale (SNAS), along with other tools, including the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory-Student Version, the Meezan Meta-Memory and Meta-Concentration Scale, and the Satisfaction with Family Life Scale, as well as the student's GPA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings indicate a significant difference in the level of social media addiction (i.e., F (1, 126) = 159.36, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.58) following the cognitive behavioural interventions. There was a notable increase in sleep hygiene (i.e., F (1, 126) = 150.48, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.54). Additionally, cognitive behavioral interventions led to a significant decrease in burnout levels (i.e., F (1, 126) = 58.74, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.47). They also resulted in a significant increase in memory and concentration (i.e., F (1, 126) = 46.40, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.26). Furthermore, students' academic performance significantly improved (i.e., F (1, 126) = 106.73, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.45), playing an important role in the student's success.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cognitive Behavioural Interventions effectively manage social media addiction and psychological issues. Sessions utilizing cognitive behavioural interventions have enhanced family relationships and academic performance in the experimental group compared to the control group on the waitlist. Students have reported reductions in social media addiction, lower levels of academic burnout, better sleeping conditions, improved memory and concentration, and strengthened family relationships. Trial Registration Thai Clinical Trial Registry (i.e. TCTR: TCTR20220924002).</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-esteem instability as a dynamic mechanism linking self-esteem and impostor syndrome within the context of maladaptive parenting.","authors":"Yosi Yaffe","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00464-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00464-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The relationship between self-esteem and impostor syndrome has been widely studied, with research consistently demonstrating a strong inverse correlation between these constructs. Evidence indicates that self-esteem plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of impostor tendencies, though its effects extend beyond simply being low or high. In particular, unstable, fragile, or conditional self-esteem, where self-worth fluctuates frequently based on external feedback or performance outcomes (mostly downward), is claimed to play a key factor in reinforcing impostor feelings. Individuals with unstable self-esteem experience heightened sensitivity to perceived failures and social comparisons, making them more susceptible to doubts about their accomplishments and an increased tendency to attribute success to external factors such as luck or deception. Parental and familial influences may also shape the development of self-esteem and impostor tendencies. Certain parenting styles, including overprotectiveness, excessive criticism, and conditional approval, contribute to the formation of self-esteem that is contingent on achievement and at increased risk of developing impostor feelings. In such environments, individuals learn to equate their worth with external validation, leading to a cycle where impostor feelings become more pronounced when self-worth is undermined. Hence, intervention focusing on reinforcing a more resilient sense of self-esteem may provide promising avenues for mitigating impostor feelings. By integrating these perspectives, this theoretical work advances the understanding of how self-esteem plays a crucial role in the experience of impostor syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and psychometric validation of the Kanazawa University loneliness scale for children and adolescents.","authors":"Yasuo Murayama, Daiki Soma, Masafumi Kameya, Makiko Nishiura, Ai Uemiya, Sanae Tanaka, Minehisa Ueda, Masatsugu Tsujii, Mitsuru Kikuchi","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00462-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00462-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Loneliness is a key risk factor for youth mental health; however, existing scales often fail to capture its multidimensional and relational nature. This study developed the [blinded] University Loneliness Scale (KULoS) for students in Grades 1-9 and evaluated its psychometric properties using cross-sectional and longitudinal survey data collected in Ishikawa, Japan (Time 1: n = 856; Time 2: n = 709). Exploratory factor analyses conducted separately for grades 1-4 and grades 5-9 supported a two-factor structure primarily reflecting item wording (direct vs. indirect items). The four-item direct subscale (KULoS-D) demonstrated good internal consistency (ω = 0.801-0.862), whereas the indirect subscale (KULoS-I) showed lower reliability (ω = 0.662-0.666). Confirmatory factor analyses at both time points indicated a good fit for the two-factor model. KULoS-D showed strong associations with single-item loneliness and depressive symptoms (rs ≈ 0.50) and moderate correlations with aggressive and prosocial behavior in the expected directions, whereas KULoS-I demonstrated weaker convergent and criterion-related validity. Cross-lagged panel analyses revealed that KULoS-D at Time 1 significantly predicted depressive symptoms at Time 2 after controlling for baseline depressive symptoms, whereas KULoS-I did not predict depressive symptoms. Overall, these findings support the KULoS-D as a brief and psychometrically robust measure of loneliness in children and early adolescents, with potential utility for large-scale research and early screening.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing communication and emotional understanding in neurodiverse parent-adolescent relationships through creative therapies.","authors":"Amy Caitlin De Wet, Nancy Phyllis Makhosazane Mabaso","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00418-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00418-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the effect of including parents in embodied arts-based therapy sessions with neurodivergent adolescents. The aim was to understand how parental involvement might influence the development of skills essential for mental well-being, including communication, boundary setting, and emotional regulation. Guided by an interpretive paradigm within a qualitative research approach, the study used purposive sampling to select three parent-adolescent pairs from the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Data were generated through group observations, artworks, journals, and semi-structured interviews, and analysed thematically. The findings indicated that participants in each parent-adolescent pair perceived the joint sessions as supportive and meaningful, contributing to improved communication, strengthened relationships, and enhanced self-expression. The embodied nature of the process created a non-intimidating therapeutic space that facilitated clearer expression of needs and emotions. The study concludes that parent-inclusive embodied arts-based therapy can enhance therapeutic outcomes for neurodivergent adolescents, particularly when opportunities for joint engagement are integrated alongside individual therapeutic work. The primary contribution of the study lies in demonstrating the value of collaborative, embodied approaches in supporting the mental health and relational well-being of neurodivergent adolescents and their families.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Problematic internet and social-media use, stressful life events, depressive symptoms, and suicidal behaviors among university students in Cyprus: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Lenos Hatzimilidonis, Maria Karanikola, Nicos Middleton, Sokratis Sokratous","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00465-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00465-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Problematic internet use (PIU) and problematic social-media use have been associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors among university students, with limited Mediterranean evidence. This study examined their associations with stressful life events, depressive symptoms, and suicidal behaviors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional anonymous online survey conducted among undergraduates at the Cyprus University of Technology. Participants completed Internet Addiction Test-20 (IAT-20) to assess PIU risk, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) to assess problematic social-media use, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess depressive symptoms, Life Events Scale for Students (LESS-36) to assess stressful life events, and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) to assess suicidal behaviors. Correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses examined associations with depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>1002 students completed the survey (45% response rate); 67.7% were female. PIU risk was minimal (51.1%), mild (38.6%), and moderate (10.3%). BSMAS and LESS-36 scores correlated with depressive symptoms (ρ = 0.47; ρ = 0.30) and suicidal behaviors (ρ = 0.24; ρ = 0.31; all p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses showed depressive symptoms were associated with female gender, mild-moderate PIU, problematic social-media use, and stressful life events. Suicidal behaviors were associated with male gender, non-Cypriot nationality, family history of mental illness, screen time, mild-moderate PIU, stressful life events, and depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Problematic internet and social-media use and stressful life events were associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors; longitudinal research is needed to clarify temporal relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coping strategies and lived experiences of pregnant women living with HIV in Ghana.","authors":"Victor Agyabeng, Emmanuella Florence Odi Asiedu, Christiana Asiedu","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00452-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00452-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has caused significant health, social, and economic challenges globally. Women are disproportionately affected, comprising more than half of all HIV-positive individuals globally, with sub-Saharan Africa facing an even more pronounced disparity. The study aimed to explore Coping Strategies and Lived Experiences of Pregnant Women Living with HIV in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 pregnant women living with HIV for the study. A semi-structured interview schedule was employed to collect data from the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that pregnant women with HIV often experienced shock, fear, and uncertainty following diagnosis. Two main themes emerged: emotional and psychological coping mechanisms and social support systems and networks. Within emotional and psychological coping mechanisms, four subthemes were identified: initial emotional coping, stress management strategies, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being. The study highlighted the various sources of emotional, practical, and psychological support women relied on to navigate the challenges of HIV. Regarding social support systems and networks, four subthemes emerged: family support, friendship networks, support groups, and healthcare providers. Family support was particularly crucial, offering both emotional reassurance and practical assistance. Policy makers should develop and implement policies to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, particularly pregnant women, to ensure they receive comprehensive care and support services without fear of judgment or rejection.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The mediating role of life skills in the association of the coach-athlete relationship with youth athletes' well-being.","authors":"Willen Remon Tozetto, Claudio Olivio Vilela Lima, Fernando de Sousa Ferreira Dos Santos, Natalie Durand-Bush, Michel Milistetd","doi":"10.1007/s44192-026-00468-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00468-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The coach-athlete relationship is central for the development and well-being of adolescent athletes, but the mechanisms underlying this relation are underexplored. Learning life skills may explain these underlying mechanisms; therefore, understanding this line of inquiry can help optimize the coaching process and life skill development. Given this context, this study aims to analyze how the interactions between coaches and adolescent athletes are associated with well-being, as well as understand the statistical mediating role of life skills. A total of 312 Brazilian adolescent athletes participated, completing measures assessing the coach-athlete relationship, life skills and well-being. The paths (coach-athlete relationship → life skills → well-being) were tested using structural equation modeling. As a result, life skills showed a statistical indirect association accounting for 45.7% of the variance explained in the association between the coach-athlete relationship with well-being. Among the dimensions associated with the coach-athlete relationship, commitment emerged as a significant correlate of all life skills. Moreover, complementarity showed a direct association with all three well-being domains. Additionally, closeness showed a specific direct association only with psychological well-being. With regards to life skills, goal setting was positively associated with all three well-being domains, whereas emotional skills showed a negative association, suggesting that they may function as a marker of prior adversity. Taken together, the coach-athlete relationship is not a monolithic construct; its dimensions show functional specificity in their associations. From an applied standpoint, sport-based programs should prioritize building a relationship of commitment as a foundational element to support the intentional teaching of skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}