Mental health and well-being of elite youth athletes: a scoping review

K Gwyther; V Pilkington; AP Bailey; M Mountjoy; MF Bergeron; SM Rice; R Purcell

Journal article

Mental health and well-being of elite youth athletes: a scoping review

K Gwyther, V Pilkington, AP Bailey, M Mountjoy, MF Bergeron, SM Rice, R Purcell

British Journal of Sports Medicine | BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP | Published : 2024

DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108244

Abstract

Background There is increasing recognition of the prevalence and risk factors for mental health symptoms and disorders among adult elite athletes, with less research involving elite youth athletes. This scoping review aimed to characterise the mental health and well-being of elite youth athletes who travel internationally and compete for their sport. Method Four databases were searched in March 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies with elite youth athlete populations (mean age 12-17 years) reporting mental health and well-being outcomes. Data from included studies were charted by outcome, and risk/protective factors identified. Results Searches retrieved 3088 records, of which 33 studies me..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Vita Pilkington Author

Alan Bailey Author

Simon Rice Author

Rosemary Purcell Author

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

The scoping review was supported by a small grant from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for research assistant and search methodologist support. The IOC also supported the travel for MM, MFB and RP to attend the in- person IOC Expert Consensus Meeting on Elite Youth Athletes in May 2023, at which the preliminary results of the scoping review were presented. SR was supported by a Dame Kate Campbell Fellowship from the University of Melbourne.