Bullying does not provide a competitive advantage, it just harms brains
Too often we hear older generations, especially in sports, use put downs like “snowflake,” “entitled,” “soft,” sometimes accompanied by swear words and homophobic slurs. All forms of bullying. What many coaches and parents do not realize is that from a brain science point of view, youth are truly vulnerable. They do not choose to be…
Parental role in fostering youth psychosocial development
In the landscape of elite youth sports, there exists a notable gap in research concerning parental roles in fostering their child’s psychosocial development. A recent study delves into the dynamics at play within a professional football (soccer) academy and its players development process. The investigation centers on uncovering parents’ perspectives on their roles and experiences…
Aerobic exercise improving episodic memory in late adulthood
Memory in late adulthood often tends to deteriorate with age. Aerobic exercise remains one of the most promising approaches for enhancing cognitive function in late adulthood. Recent research highlights the benefits of aerobic exercise on episodic memory among adults older than 55 years of age.
Boxing and mental health benefits
Physical activity has been shown to have a multitude of mental health benefits. A recent study found that non-contact boxing appears to improve mood, self-esteem, happiness, confidence, self-agency, concentration, metabolic burden, strength and coordination. On top of this, there is evidence showing that it can provide a cathartic release of anger, aggression, stress, and the…
Sport inclusion
Sport should be an inclusive space for all, which is why it is important that all people feel included regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and beyond. A recent study highlights elevated levels of mistreatment to individuals who identify as a sexual minority and offers important contributions to understanding sexuality, sports-related mistreatment, and adults’…
Decreased substance use with team sport
Team sports are incredibly effective in creating positive relationships and fostering camaraderie between teammates. A recent study also found that team sport participation was associated with decreased odds of smoking and tobacco use, alcohol and drug use, as well as depression and anxiety.
Attachment styles in athlete psychology
A relatively unexplored area of athlete psychology is the relationship between attachment styles and its relationship to mental health. A recent study dives into the role of attachment relationships to significant others (for example, parents or sports coaches) in influencing psychological needs.
Sports betting and gambling problems
As sports betting is becoming increasingly widespread, a growing number of individuals are involved in this form of gambling. A recent study highlights associations between sports betting and problem gambling as well as findings indicating that males with high levels of impulsivity reported more frequent engagement in sports betting and had high likelihoods of experiencing…
Fostering positive relationships between athletes and members of the sport environment
In a study which delved into the perspectives of retired Olympians regarding the factors that influence athlete well-being post-retirement, it was found that athletes can be significantly influenced by a multitude of factors. These encompass the impact of individuals within the sport environment, the dynamics of the coach-athlete relationship, the support team, and the training…
Importance of psychologists during training and competition to address mental health issues
Depressive symptoms appear to be significantly more common among high-performance athletes than in the general population. A recent study investigating the mental health of athletes at the FINA World Championships 2019 revealed that nearly 25% of the participants met the criteria for depression. Additionally, a substantial 45% of the entire athlete sample expressed a desire…