“It's the people that make the difference”: Understanding the significance of psychosocial support for professional athletes

Objective

This study explores the importance of psychosocial support within professional sporting organizations and its impact on athlete wellbeing.

Methods

Seventeen participants, including current and retired athletes, coaches, and support staff from an Australian professional sporting organization, were interviewed as part of this study. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to psychosocial support and athlete wellbeing.

Results

Findings highlight the diverse roles that staff play in athletes' psychosocial support networks, with relational trust emerging as a crucial factor in promoting wellbeing and encouraging help-seeking behavior.

Conclusion

The study recommends a holistic approach to athlete wellbeing, incorporating clear guidelines for staff on responding to athletes' help-seeking behaviors, along with sport-specific mental health literacy training to enhance the effectiveness of the support provided.