Mental Health Issues & Retiring Athletes: Gaps in Mental Health Research for Former College Athletes: A Scoping Review

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Collegiate sports participation is on the rise across the United States, resulting in the increased number of athletes transitioning out of sports. However, there is limited research available to support athletes during this time. Therefore our study’s primary objective is to conduct a scoping review to identify the research gaps that exist between the discussion of mental health issues and retired athletes.

Methods: We used a scoping review methodology to review original research articles including letters and briefs, literature reviews, systematic reviews or meta-analyses, clinical trials, and case studies using the SCOPING review guidelines. Academic articles were identified from PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and the Cochrane Library.

Results: We identified 169 articles, 61 of which were selected for full-text screening, and 9 were included in the study. Among these articles, 4 were cross-sectional studies that analyzed survey data from participants, 4 were systematic or scoping reviews, and 1 was a qualitative analysis. While the domain of interest among all manuscripts included depression or anxiety, a majority focused on individuals returning to exercise post-injury and quality of life.

Discussion: While there is currently limited literature in this area, the research available focuses on university offered educational programs created to ease the transition process and teach athletes how to apply their strengths and skills to create new opportunities throughout retirement.

Conclusion: Due to the growing focus on athletes' mental health as they transition out of sports, it is important that current research stays up to date and becomes a more beneficial resource during this transition.

Furthermore, future research could benefit from recognizing this growing need and implementing more programs to support these young athletes in their transition to retirement.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages49
StatePublished - 13 Sep 2024
Event2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States
Duration: 13 Sep 202413 Sep 2024

Conference

Conference2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health
Abbreviated titleSTRIDE 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTahlequah
Period13/09/2413/09/24

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mental Health Issues & Retiring Athletes: Gaps in Mental Health Research for Former College Athletes: A Scoping Review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this