Planning Life Outside of Sport: Elite Aathletes’ Help-seeking Behaviours Toward Career Support Resources

Despite results showing that planning the transition out of sport is associated with more positive emotional responses and fewer emotional difficulties in retirement, only a small proportion of athletes are using the resources available through support programs. This study investigates factors associated with the help-seeking behaviours toward career support resources of 191 surveyed elite athletes of Canada. Information on perceived barriers to help-seeking, the level of engagement to a career outside of sport, and the use of resources was collected using a survey. Results from descriptive and predictive analysis indicate three main perceived barriers to help-seeking: lack of time (51.8%), lack of knowledge (35.1%) and a fear of stigma associated with the use of career support resources (12.6%). Athlete age, sport category (winter, summer) and level of engagement in a career outside of sport are predictors of the use of career support resources.