Risk and Protective Factors Influencing Elite Coaches’ Mental Health: A Qualitative Socioecological Study of Australian High-Performance Sport

Abstract

Elite coaches operate in very high pressure, uncertain environments that can have a detrimental impact on mental well-being. In this qualitative study, an ecological systems approach was adopted to gain insight into elite Australian coaches' perceptions of factors that impact their psychological well-being. Fourteen coaches (12 male and 2 female) participated in semi-structured interviews from a range of sports. Five key themes emerged from reflexive thematic analysis: (1) facing multiple demands, (2) use of psychological skills to cope, (3) support among personal networks, (4) receipt of organizational expectations and assistance, and (5) stigma to prevent help-seeking. In an ecological context, coaches reported organizational stressors such as job insecurity and work-life imbalance. They faced these challenges and surmounted them by means of inner strengths (e.g., self-compassion), robust social networks and supportive workplace cultures. low levels of organization and coaches who lacked effective coping skills were more likely to feel vulnerable to mental health problems. The results indicate that sport organizations should facilitate psychological skills development among coaches, provide time for support networks and foster psychologically safe environments which are conducive to good health. Further research needs to be conducted to identify which factors have the greatest impact on elite coaches' mental health, to inform and direct resource allocation and provision of support in a timely manner.