A conceptual analysis of maltreatment in sports: A sport social work perspective

Abstract

Maltreatment in sports is an epidemic and occurs in many relational forms such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or neglect. Maltreatment in sports also exists in forms of non-relational abuse and focuses on mezzo and macro forms of maltreatment such as systematic abuse, organizational abuse, and physiological abuse or neglect (e.g., exploitation and athlete trafficking). It is imperative to study the effects of maltreatment in sports as athletes can be the victims (survivors) as well as perpetrators of abuse. Recent research in the field of social work points to the benefits of Trauma-Informed Sports and Short Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) as possible interventions. It is imperative for transferability in the field of maltreatment in sports, that practitioners define each form of abuse in the context of maltreatment and trauma. This commentary aims to discuss the different forms of maltreatment in sports that could affect athletes and provide discussion and insights into the void of research surrounding certain forms of non-relational abuse and the role trauma-informed therapies serve in promoting athlete wellbeing from a social work lens.

The role, readiness to change and training needs of the Athlete Health and Performance team members to safeguard athletes from interpersonal violence in sport: a mini review

“…The need to train all AHP team members to safeguard athletes from IV in sport is raised by several authors ( 12 , 17 – 21 ). Indeed, safeguarding athletes is perceived as a shared responsibility between all AHP team members ( 16 , 21 – 25 ). Thus, preventing IV in sport depends on the commitment and collaboration of the collective AHP team members ( 12 , 24 ).…”

“…Several authors emphasized that MP and MH practitioners are in an unique position to safeguard athletes from IV in sport ( 11 , 48 , 49 ). Indeed, by the nature of their job, their knowledge of ethical practice as well as the neutral, confidential and trustworthy relationships they develop with athletes, they are well placed to recognize and intervene in cases of IV in sport ( 11 , 16 , 50 , 51 ). Athletes are also more likely to disclose (directly or indirectly) their experience of IV in sport to practitioners they trust ( 11 , 51 ).…”

“…They also have the professional expertise to implement prevention strategies (e.g., consult with coaches to help them shift controlling behaviours to autonomy-supportive ones) and minimize the impact of IV on athletes (e.g., train mental skills to cope with stress) ( 50 ). Moreover, because these practitioners are members of professional orders or associations, they have a duty of care to protect the physical and mental health of athletes ( 11 , 16 ).…”

“…Even though AHP team members can perpetrate IV themselves ( 9 , 10 ), authors have recently suggested that AHP team members play an important role in the prevention and intervention regarding IV in sport ( 11 – 13 ). Indeed, while AHP team members do not necessary have a neutral position toward athletes, they typically have less control and authority over athletes than coaches ( 14 – 16 ). Their role is often related to taking care of the health and wellbeing of athletes and depending on their expertise, they may have professional and ethical responsibilities to protect athletes based on their regulatory body or college's policies and code of ethics.…”

A Single-Session Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Reduces Anxiety and Improves Self-confidence in Athletes with Post-traumatic Stress Associated with Injury

“…The use of EMDR in athletes has been reported in the literature as a treatment model to attenuate PTSD symptoms associated to an injury (1,11), as well as to reduce negative symptoms related to stress disorders (6,12,13), maltreatment in sport (14), and to strengthen coping skills for managing negative emotions (15) and overcoming mental blocks that affect performance (5,16). In addition, the efficacy of the use of this treatment has been reported for the accomplishment of peak athletic performance (17).…”