Psychological and social factors associated with mental health of European dual career athletes: A systematic review
Description
This systematic review investigates the psychological and social factors affecting mental health among European dual career athletes, identifying 56 relevant articles. It categorizes 35 different psychological and social factors into four psychological categories: Identity, Expectations, and Beliefs; Emotional and Affective Responses; Motivation and Goal-oriented Behavior; Competencies and Coping Resources; and three social categories: Sport and Academic Climates; DC-Specific Demands; and Interactions with DC Agents. Factors such as affect, stress, motivational climate, mindfulness, resilience, perfectionism, goal orientation, motivation, and basic psychological needs showed strong associations with mental health outcomes. The review highlights the necessity for enhanced evidence regarding these factors and suggests specific research paths focused on dual career athletes' definitions, their competencies, and longitudinal studies to better understand their mental health dynamics. Overall, the findings aim to inform evidence-based practices for supporting the mental well-being of dual career athletes.