Psychological Safety for Mental Health in Elite Sport: A Theoretically Informed Model

Abstract

Elite sports contexts are highly pressurised and frequently enforce a win-at-all-costs approach. This narrow focus on performance outcomes can potentially contribute in negative ways to the mental health of those within these environments. In this Current Opinion paper, we propose a model that outlines how key elements contributing to psychologically safe or unsafe environments may contribute to better or worse mental health outcomes, respectively. In an environment in which individuals feel safe to show their authentic selves rather than ‘wear a mask’, different experiences of mental health are likely to be normalised, help-seeking behaviour increased, and thus, mental health outcomes enhanced. We outline how sports teams and organisations can contribute to this through the creation of appropriate policies and procedures, in addition to leaders modelling and reinforcing positive cultural norms. It is intended that the theoretical model can inform stakeholders in elite sport as well as future research directions.

Bioelectronic Medicine for Sports: Justification of Biophysical Mechanisms and Clinical Feasibility of Use

“…Дискусії the competition. The correction of emotional disorders in athletes is also very important (Åkesdotter et al, 2022;Zhdan et al, 2011;Kuettel, Larsen, 2019;Walton, 2023). Psychoemotional state is usually an individual parameter that cannot be artificially created by pharmacological agents.…”

“…The clinical effectiveness of these methods has been proven and is used for the treatment of mental disorders in medical practice (Muresan et al, , 2022Won et al, 2020). Therefore, it is advisable to use certified medical devices of bioresonance therapy in health work with athletes, since their physical achievements and victories are directly related to their psycho-emotional setting (Kuettel, Larsen, 2019;Åkesdotter et al, 2022;Walton et al, 2023).…”

Mental Health Among Elite Youth Athletes: A Narrative Overview to Advance Research and Practice

“…84 On the other hand, elite youth sports organizations that promote aspects of psychological safety (ie, open and nonjudgmental communications) and reduce risks of harm are likely more supportive of mental health. 130 Although this is poorly understood in the context of elite youth sport due to limited research, recent evidence suggests that elite athletes who perceive their organizational climate to be supportive of mental health demonstrate reduced rates of psychological distress. 99 In addition to setting cultural norms and standards, organizations also play a critical role in ensuring that sufficient policies and protocols are in place to support the mental health of young people.…”

Athlete Mental Health and Wellbeing During the Transition into Elite Sport: Strategies to Prepare the System

“…Addressing sociocultural risk and protective factors for mental health is another essential component of a sporting organisation’s overall mental health strategy that should be prioritised from the onboarding process onwards. Here we highlight the importance of developing cultures that are ‘psychologically safe’ [ 78 ], reducing mental health stigma, and recognising and embracing diversity within the organisation.…”

“…Sport teams, clubs, and organisations are responsible for developing cultures that are psychologically safe [ 68 ]. Psychologically safe environments are characterised by interpersonal trust, mutual respect, and acceptance of mistakes and differences among individuals within the environment [ 78 , 79 ]. Improving psychological safety has been shown to enhance team cohesion, learning, innovation and performance outcomes in a range of high-performance organisational contexts [ 80 ].…”