Mental ill-health in semi-elite women’s soccer in England: a mixed-methods approach
A summary of the research:
The article "Mental Ill-Health in Semi-Elite Women’s Soccer in England: A Mixed-Methods Approach" examines the prevalence and experiences of mental health issues among semi-elite female footballers in the UK. Using a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the study found that nearly half of the players displayed symptoms of mental distress, with high rates of depression (44.7%) and anxiety (20.4%). The footballers attributed their mental health challenges to pressures from balancing competitive soccer with other life commitments, such as work or study. They also reported limited mental health support from clubs and a stigma around discussing mental health issues in the sport. The interviews revealed that the semi-professional nature of their soccer careers often added stress due to the lack of institutional support and resources compared to their male counterparts.
The study highlights the complex factors that influence mental health in this under-researched population. The players expressed feeling isolated in navigating their mental health, with a lack of open communication and understanding from coaches and team structures. The research calls for better mental health interventions and support systems specifically tailored for semi-elite female athletes, emphasizing that these athletes face unique challenges compared to elite athletes, despite similar mental health risks.
Key Takeaways:
High prevalence of mental ill-health: Nearly 50% of semi-elite female footballers experienced symptoms of distress, with significant rates of depression and anxiety.
Limited support and stigma: Players felt unsupported by their clubs in managing mental health and faced stigma when speaking out about their struggles.
Balancing multiple demands: The dual demands of sport and life outside football, such as work or education, contributed to heightened stress and mental health challenges
Authors: Olivia Bramley, Laura C. Healy & Mustafa Sarkar
You can read the whole article here.
