Why the International Olympic Committee wants mental health screening in elite sports
Elite athletes are exposed to a range of sport-specific factors that can heighten their vulnerability to mental ill health. These include injury, overtraining, burnout, performance-related pressures, intense public scrutiny and social media abuse.
The International Olympic Committee is advocating for mental health screening in elite sports to better identify and support athletes who may be at risk of mental ill health. Elite athletes face a range of stressors such as injury, overtraining, performance pressure, public scrutiny, and social media abuse. Despite their perceived psychological resilience, mental health issues can significantly impact their performance and well-being.
Mental health screening involves athletes completing structured questionnaires to detect early signs of mental health difficulties that may need further assessment or treatment. The primary goal of screening is to detect risks for mental ill health early on, so athletes can receive timely support. Screening should not be used to exclude athletes from competition.
Implementing ethical screening practices by qualified professionals is crucial to avoid unintended consequences like stigma or breach of confidentiality. While elite sports are generally well-resourced, community sports may lack the necessary skilled practitioners for mental health screening. Best-practice guidelines for community sports emphasize the importance of mental health literacy and accessible support pathways.
The focus should be on preventing sport-related stressors from negatively impacting athletes' mental health.
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