Key Points: 1. We outline a new perspective through which to view and tackle athlete mental health challenges, drawing on an influential theory of group processes: the social identity approach. 2. We illustrate the analytical and practical value of a social identity analysis of athlete mental health. In the process, we identify both practical steps that relevant stakeholders can take to support athlete mental health, and key avenues for future research to further test our propositions and advance understanding. 3. Our discussion focuses on how social identities can provide a key mental health supporting resource for athletes, the vital role social identities can play in supporting athlete mental health during sporting transitions, and the capacity for sporting leaders to foster athlete mental health through social identity leadership. Abstract Understanding and positively influencing athlete mental health have become key goals for researchers and sporting stakeholders (e.g. coaches, support staff, clubs and governing bodies). In this article, we outline a novel perspective for tackling these challenges, drawing on an influential theory of group processes. This social identity approach can, we argue, help explain when and why the characteristics and demands of sport, which is typically a collective endeavour, pose a threat to athlete mental health and provide a guiding framework for efforts to protect and enhance athlete mental health. Here, we seek to illustrate the value of a social identity analysis of athlete mental health through three key points that speak to its analytical and practical value. Specifically, we propose: (1) that social identities can act as psychological resources that support athlete mental health, (2) that social identities are critical to athlete mental health during and after sporting transitions and (3) that leadership informed by a social identity approach can facilitate athlete mental health. With a view to maximising the value of our analysis both for those working with athletes and for researchers, we also identify practical steps that relevant stakeholders could take to support athlete mental health, and key avenues for future research to further test our propositions and advance understanding. Our analysis provides a new lens through which all those invested in understanding and supporting athlete mental health can approach these challenges, and a foundation for novel solutions.
© Copyright 2024 Sports Medicine. Springer. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.