Mental Health in the Specialized Athlete

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to interpret the existing evidence regarding the psychological aspects of sport specialization within the context of a developmental framework.

Recent findings: The growing trend toward early sport specialization is associated with increased risk for injury and burnout, both of which have significant implications for mental health. Mental health literacy programs designed to promote awareness, decrease stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors can be an effective way to increase resilience and early recognition of those in need. The trend toward early sport specialization is likely motivated in large part by the expectation that it will increase the likelihood of long-term athletic success. However, recent studies suggest that the majority of elite athletes delay specialization at least until mid to late adolescence. It is essential to consider the developmental psychology of children and adolescents and to avoid imposing expectations that are beyond their neurocognitive capabilities. In addition to depression, anxiety, and burnout, young athletes who are pressured to perform to excessively high standards are likely to internalize athletic failures as feelings of shame. This can lead to maladaptive perfectionistic traits and potentially overtraining, clinical eating disorders, or other harmful behaviors that will result in declines in performance, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Further work is needed to better inform sport-specific recommendations regarding sport specialization and to optimize the beneficial effects of sport participation while limiting the risks of harm.

Keywords: Adolescent athletes; Athlete mental health; Mental health literacy; Sport psychology; Sport specialization; Youth sports.

Fig. 1

Potential psychological risks of sport specialization. *While multiple studies have demonstrated an association between early sport specialization and burnout, the remaining factors shown above have not been explicitly linked to sport specialization. However, examination of the broader body of literature suggests that all of these factors can potentially contribute to burnout in young athletes

Fig. 2

Treatment and prevention