Using Infographics to Promote Athletes’ Mental Health: Recommendations for Sport Psychology Consultants

Abstract

Mental illness among elite and intercollegiate student-athletes is of growing concern, as researchers have found high rates of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among this population. As a result, a call has been made for sport psychology consultants (SPC) to increase their contribution to promoting athletes’ mental health. Infographics can be used as a mental health promotional tool given their ability to visually communicate complex information. This paper draws on the infographic literature in healthcare and education to provide SPC with recommendations for creating infographics to promote mental health among elite and student-athletes with whom they consult. Tips are also provided on effective implementation of infographics in the sport environment.

Keywords:

• Elite athletes
• mental health
• infographics
• student-athletes
• sport psychology consultants