Maltreatment experiences and mental health indicators among elite athletes

Erin Willson; Stephanie Buono; Gretchen Kerr; Ashley Stirling

doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102493

Maltreatment experiences and mental health indicators among elite athletes

Psychol Sport Exerc. 2023 Nov:69:102493. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102493. Epub 2023 Jul 13.

Authors

Erin Willson¹, Stephanie Buono², Gretchen Kerr³, Ashley Stirling³

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: erin.willson@mail.utoronto.ca.
² Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. W, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
³ Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

PMID: 37665928
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102493

Abstract

This study explored the relationships between athletes' experiences of maltreatment and mental health indicators. Canadian National Team athletes completed an online, anonymous survey that assessed reported experiences of maltreatment (psychological, physical, sexual harm and neglect), and mental health indicators of well-being, eating disorders and self-harming behaviours. All forms of maltreatment had a significant, positive correlation with eating disorder and self-harming behaviours, and a negative correlation with well-being. The relationships between maltreatment and mental health indicators differed based on identity characteristics of the athletes. Further work is needed on the prevention and intervention of maltreatment in sport to reduce the behaviours associated with negative health outcomes.

Keywords: Abuse; Eating disorders; Self-harm; Sport.

MeSH terms

Athletes
Canada / epidemiology
Humans
Mental Health
Self-Injurious Behavior*
Sports*