The mental health of elite athletes in developing nations of the greater Oceania region

ABSTRACT

Objective

The mental health of elite athletes is reportedly similar to that of the general community, but there could be important differences across geographic regions and cultures. This study investigated the mental health and levels of psychological distress of elite athletes from developing nations in the Oceania region via a cross-sectional survey.

Method

The survey assessed the mental health status, psychological distress, and help-seeking behaviours of athletes from 12 nations of the Oceania region who participated in the Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain (GAPS) program.

Results

A high proportion of athletes (84%) met cut-off criteria for at least one of the investigated mental health symptoms. Athletes reported being most likely to seek help from their mother, father, or coach. Furthermore, athletes who reported high psychological distress did not differ in anticipated help-seeking behaviour from athletes who reported low psychological distress.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that mental health symptoms are prevalent among elite athletes from developing nations in the Oceania region. Psychological distress did not predict willingness to seek help, suggesting that education and support frameworks are needed to assist this vulnerable group. Piloting support programs in collaborative aid with nearby developed nations may be warranted and interventions may consider targeted mental health literacy resources and education.

Key points

What is already known about this topic:

1. The demands athletes face increases their susceptibility to elevated mental health symptoms.

2. Athletes may not seek help for mental health symptoms due to psychological (i.e., stigma) and physical (i.e., geographical) barriers.

3. There is limited research on mental health symptoms and outcomes for athletes, especially among those from developing nations.

What this topic adds:

1. A high proportion of athletes (84%) exceeded cut-off scores for elevated psychological distress or a mental health symptom related to depression, anxiety, or eating.

2. Athletes were more likely to seek help from their parents or coach than a mental health professional.

3. Higher psychological distress did not predict help-seeking behaviour thus identifying a need for support programs and collaborative aid.

KEYWORDS:

• Athletes
• help-seeking
• mental health
• Oceania
• psychological distress

Acknowledgements

The reported research was part of the GAPS (Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain) project and was funded, in part, by the Commonwealth Games Federation. We thank Duncan Free OAM, Christopher Nunn OAM, and Richard de Groen for their support of this project during GAPS and Robin Ramme for assistance with data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.