The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Youth Athlete Mental Health: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review We discuss current research on the mental health effects of COVID-19 sports restrictions on youth athletes, highlighting the largest problems, as well as how organizations can help youth athletes by preparing for and responding to these problems. Recent Findings Millions of children and adolescents worldwide participate in organized sports, which has significant physical and mental health benefits. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered large-scale, public restrictions that forced the closure and cancelation of organized youth sports across the world. Sports cancelations not only removed these protective benefits, but also worsened the mental health of youth athletes who were no longer able to participate in their sports. Summary Youth athletes are even more vulnerable than adults to the negative mental health effects of sports restrictions. The unexpected loss of sports from COVID-19 restrictions disrupted these youths’ athletic identities and worsened youth athlete depression, anxiety, anger, sleep, and quality of life. Restrictions particularly affected certain high-risk subpopulations of youth athletes including females, high school upperclassmen, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and those from team sports. Sports organizations could limit the negative mental health impacts of future sports cancelations by implementing at-home training opportunities, remote check-ins with teammates, discussions about athletic identity with coaches and sports psychology professionals, and mindfulness skill-building.

Team Sports as Catalysts for Holistic Student Wellness: Insights from a General Review

“…It highlights that team sports, in particular, may offer more substantial mental and social benefits than individual sports or other forms of physical activity. These benefits can vary depending on the type of sport, the intensity and frequency of participation, the context and environment in which the sport is played, and the level of competition involved [26,28,29]. Team sports also play a vital role in enhancing social outcomes, such as improving selfcontrol, fostering pro-social behaviors, bolstering interpersonal communication skills, and nurturing a sense of community [30].…”

“…Team sports also play a vital role in enhancing social outcomes, such as improving selfcontrol, fostering pro-social behaviors, bolstering interpersonal communication skills, and nurturing a sense of community [30]. The review also addresses the negative impact on the mental health of youth athletes due to the suspension and cancellation of organized sports activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the critical role of sports participation in supporting their wellbeing [29].…”

“…A sense of community and belonging within team sports environments enhances emotional well-being. [26,28,29]…”

Name, Image, and Likeness and the Health of the Young Athlete: A Call to Action for Sports Medicine Providers and the Athletic Healthcare Network

“… 17 Youth and high school athletes endorsed higher levels of depression, anxiety, dejection, anger, and decreased quality of life and sleep when compared with pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. 4 , 11 - 14 , 16 Critically, this timeframe also encompasses the implementation of NIL. Moreover, Table 1 lists potential negative interactions and consequences of NIL in which sports medicine providers should be aware.…”