Young Pacific Male Athletes’ Experiences of Mental Wellbeing in Elite Rugby Union and Rugby League

Young Pacific Male Rugby Players’ Perceptions and Experiences of Mental Wellbeing

“…These hypermasculine views were common among the young Pacific male athletes interviewed, with some athletes believing that there is no room as young Pacific men to overtly display certain emotions, such as fear, sadness, and anxiety, which may be perceived as ‘weak’ within the elite sports environment and among their peers. Participants stated that these hypermasculine expectations are a major contributor as to why most young Pacific athletes tend to keep mental health issues to themselves [10]. These findings reinforce the evidence, with Horton [1], Hokowhitu [101], Uperesa [102], and Teaiwa [47] highlighting that the hypermasculine stereotypes placed upon Pacific male athletes are often internalised, embodied, and become a part of Pacific male athletes’ identity and psyche.…”

“…Gender socialisation contributes substantially in the way young Pacific male athletes express emotions, view mental wellbeing, and construct their masculine and athletic identities [98,99,100]. Hypermasculine attitudes towards Pacific male athletes were a contributing factor to the stigma participants attached to emotional expression, mental wellbeing, and mental illness [10]. The hypermasculine environment of elite rugby union and rugby league often encourages athletes to deny ‘weakness’ and supress emotional expression in order to display emotionless traits indicative of a ‘mentally tough’ athlete [12,98].…”

“…Athletes noted a significant disconnect between themselves and the mental health services available. There is a need to further develop and implement gender-specific and culturally appropriate and competent mental health services aimed specifically at engaging and meeting the mental health needs of young Pacific male athletes [10]. Collaborating with Pacific sports networks, local clubs and schools, and Pacific community groups would be a worthwhile step towards improving Pacific engagement with these services.…”

“…Whilst this success is an achievement to be cherished and celebrated, there are many transitions and complexities associated with participation in elite youth sports and a career in professional sports. Young Pacific elite athletes are often living away from home for the first time, learning how to deal with freedom and independence, forming new social and professional relationships, making financial decisions and engaging in contractual commitments, alongside familial obligations and on-field pressures to train and perform well [2,4,10,11]. These factors can impact upon the emotions and mental wellbeing of young Pacific athletes.…”