Perspectives on mental health and well-being Voices of Swiss Paralympic athletes

Autor: Lucas Lüdi, Georg Pfarrwaller, Christian Imboden, Olivia Stoffel, Matthias Schlüssel, Andreas Heiniger, Birgit Kleim, Nikolai Kiselev
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Sports Psychiatry, Vol 3, Iss 3, Pp 103-112 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2674-0052
DOI: 10.1024/2674-0052/a000057
Popis: Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this study is to provide an overview of Paralympic athletes’ views on mental health in a competitive sport context. Although research in the field of Paralympic sport has increased exponentially over the last two decades, mental health and its promotion have hardly been the subject of research so far. Previous research shows that the practice of competitive sports influences the mental health of Paralympic athletes both positively and negatively. Mental disorders are no exception, even in elite sports. Well-coordinated health care for the prevention and treatment of mental health challenges and mental disorders in elite sports is crucial for this purpose. Methods: The methodological approach of the present study is based on a qualitative research design. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and their evaluation with the help of applied thematic analysis. For the interviews, 15 active, adult, Swiss elite Para athletes were recruited. Results: The results suggest that athletic success, the athletic activity itself and an improvement in physical health can lead to an increase in mental well-being. On the other hand, athletic failure, pressure to perform, and physical problems can cause psychological stress and facilitate mental disorders. Conclusion: In particular, the coordinated handling of mental health challenges and mental disorders among Paralympic athletes seems to need improvement, especially regarding the use of sports psychiatry and psychotherapy services.
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