Gender-specific psychosocial stressors influencing mental health among women elite and semielite athletes: a narrative review

Abstract

Elite and semielite athletes commonly experience mental health concerns and disorders. Compared with men athletes, women athletes are at greater risk of a range of psychological stressors that contribute to health concerns and mental health disorders, which can impact their career satisfaction and longevity. In order to address and improve the mental health of women athletes, it is necessary to simultaneously tackle the gender specific psychosocial stressors that contribute to mental health outcomes. This narrative review examines the gender-specific stressors that affect mental health and well-being in women athletes, some of which are modifiable. Psychosocial stressors identified include exposure to violence, be it psychological, physical or sexual in nature, which can result in a myriad of acute and long-lasting symptoms; and inequities as reflected in pay disparities, under-representation in the media, fewer opportunities in leadership positions and implications associated with family planning and motherhood. Strategies to promote mental health in women athletes should be considered, and where possible, should proactively address gender-specific stressors likely to influence mental health in order to maximise positive outcomes in women athletes.

Elite but Struggling: Mediated Narratives of Women Athletes and Mental Health Disclosures

“…As mentioned, woman athletes are frequently subjected to stereotypes, including being perceived as weaker than men and as anomalies when participating in male-dominated sports. This demeaning framing is supported by various studies (Bernstein, 2002;Pascoe et al, 2022;Shifflett & Revelle, 1994).…”

“…While events such as the most recent women's World Cup in Australia, which provided U.S. audiences with primetime coverage of games, are becoming more common than in the past, it does not erase preconceived notions about the role of women in sports. Pascoe et al (2022) highlight how women athletes involved in sports perceived as "feminine-oriented," like gymnastics, figure skating, and tennis, typically garner more media attention than those engaged in traditionally "masculine" team sports, such as ice hockey, basketball, or rugby. Moreover, they also pointed out that media coverage often shifts focus from the women athletes' accomplishments to unrelated attributes or aspects of the sport.…”

“…The emphasis of media and society on male sports intensifies this disparity, overshadowing the accomplishments and concerns of woman athletes. Moreover, woman athletes may feel self-conscious about their bodies, and some coaches enforce strict diets and exercise regimens for women athletes more so than men athletes (Pascoe et al, 2022). Women athletes feel pressure to look good while competing, and they are often labeled and criticized for how they look compared with non-athletic women, which can lead to excessive dieting and not getting enough calories and in turn leading to underperformance and depression (Pascoe et al, 2022;van Niekerk et al, 2023).…”

“…Moreover, woman athletes may feel self-conscious about their bodies, and some coaches enforce strict diets and exercise regimens for women athletes more so than men athletes (Pascoe et al, 2022). Women athletes feel pressure to look good while competing, and they are often labeled and criticized for how they look compared with non-athletic women, which can lead to excessive dieting and not getting enough calories and in turn leading to underperformance and depression (Pascoe et al, 2022;van Niekerk et al, 2023). Strout (2022) underscores a concerning mental health crisis among women college athletes, evidenced by five suicides in one spring.…”

“…Those stressors can contribute to health issues and mental health disorders, ultimately impacting their career satisfaction and longevity (Bernstein, 2002; Koivula, 1999; Pedersen, 2002). Pascoe et al (2022) examine gender-specific stressors that affect the mental health and the overall well-being of women athletes. One significant stressor identified is exposure to different forms of violence, including psychological, physical, or sexual abuse.…”