Examining the Influence of Social Support on Athletes' Mental Health

Abstract

This research study aims to examine the influence of social support on the mental health of athletes. Mental health is a critical aspect of athletes' overall well-being and performance, and social support has been identified as a potential protective factor in promoting positive mental health outcomes. However, there is a need for a comprehensive investigation to understand the specific dimensions and mechanisms through which social support affects athletes' mental health. We adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. The quantitative phase will involve administering validated measures to assess athletes' levels of social support, mental health symptoms, and subjective well-being. The qualitative phase will involve in-depth interviews with a subset of participants to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences with social support and its impact on their mental health. Through data analysis, the study aims to explore the relationships between different dimensions of social support (e.g., emotional, informational, and instrumental support) and various aspects of mental health (e.g., psychological distress, resilience, and subjective well-being) among athletes. It will also examine potential moderating factors such as gender, sport type, and competitive level.