The impact of a mental health literacy program on sporting club environment, member confidence and knowledge to support

Objective

Community sport can support mental health promotion and prevention initiatives. The aim was to establish the impact of a mental health literacy program (Tackle Your Feelings) delivered to Australian Rules Football clubs, on a range of mental health literacy measures.

Methods

A mixed-method approach was undertaken with four community sporting clubs allocated to treatment or control (n = 155). Study 1) involved linear mixedeffects modelling to determine if the intervention differed in effect to a waitlist control over time across five outcome measures. Study 2) determined if differences were sustained post-intervention. Study 3) analysed interview data to establish qualitative insights into impacts of the program.

Results

Longitudinal mixed-effects modelling found significant effects for confidence to support (p<.001), knowledge of resources to support mental health (p<.042) help seeking (p=.030), supportive club environment (p<.001), and program content knowledge (p<.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed a positive effect across measures and Study 2) found this was sustained for four months post-program. Qualitative data highlighted the value of this type of program but also where improvements could be made.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the potential value of community sport as a setting to support mental health promotion across a wide range of club members whilst demonstrating enhanced member perceptions of a sporting club environment to support mental health. Qualitative data highlighted opportunities to embed such programs across multiple layers of the sporting club context.