Correlates of athlete mental health during career transitions: a systematic review of quantitative research

Abstract

Identifying factors that support, protect, or threaten athletes’ mental health during career transitions is a key priority for researchers and sports practitioners. This systematic review aimed to synthesise all quantitative research examining the relationship between athlete mental health and any potential correlate thereof during or after a career transition. Five electronic databases were searched: Scopus, PsycINFO, Medline, ProQuest, and SPORTDiscus and 68 studies satisfied inclusion criteria. Studies comprised 17,539 participants from 34 countries and assessed 19 mental health outcomes across seven types of career transitions. In total, 92 factors were examined, spanning demographic factors, social-contextual factors, psychological factors, and interventions. Substantial heterogeneity in both factors and outcomes meant evidence related to specific factors was often limited. However, a quantitative synthesis identified 43 factors generally linked to improved, and 29 factors generally linked to poorer, mental health throughout career transitions. Social support, belonging to more social groups, and greater sports career satisfaction tended to reliably promote mental health, while a stronger athletic identity, experiencing more adverse life events, and sports career dissatisfaction were often linked to poorer outcomes. Findings provide a comprehensive summary of factors for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to consider when seeking to support athletes undergoing career transitions.