RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Gender-specific psychosocial stressors influencing mental health among women elite and semielite athletes: a narrative review
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 1381
OP 1387
DO 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105540
VO 56
IS 23
A1 Pascoe, Michaela
A1 Pankowiak, Aurélie
A1 Woessner, Mary
A1 Brockett, Camilla L
A1 Hanlon, Clare
A1 Spaaij, Ramón
A1 Robertson, Sam
A1 McLachlan, Fiona
A1 Parker, Alexandra
YR 2022
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/23/1381.abstract
AB Elite and semielite athletes commonly experience mental health concerns and disorders. Compared with men athletes, women athletes are at greater risk of a range of psychological stressors that contribute to health concerns and mental health disorders, which can impact their career satisfaction and longevity. In order to address and improve the mental health of women athletes, it is necessary to simultaneously tackle the gender specific psychosocial stressors that contribute to mental health outcomes. This narrative review examines the gender-specific stressors that affect mental health and well-being in women athletes, some of which are modifiable. Psychosocial stressors identified include exposure to violence, be it psychological, physical or sexual in nature, which can result in a myriad of acute and long-lasting symptoms; and inequities as reflected in pay disparities, under-representation in the media, fewer opportunities in leadership positions and implications associated with family planning and motherhood. Strategies to promote mental health in women athletes should be considered, and where possible, should proactively address gender-specific stressors likely to influence mental health in order to maximise positive outcomes in women athletes.