不良研究所

For professional athletes, the pressures of competition and stigma surrounding mental health issues can be debilitating to the point where some are leaving the arena for good. Young hockey players are no exception. Fear of negative career repercussions can mean athletes avoid disclosing their mental health concerns.

New research from 不良研究所 shows that听mental health awareness programs can help create an environment that supports positive mental health听among athletes in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), says Professor听Gordon Bloom, Chair of 不良研究所's Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.

Data from CJHL athletes who participated in the Canadian Mental Health Association鈥檚 mental health awareness program, Talk Today, reveals that most participants demonstrated a decrease in their own self-stigmatizing around mental health issues and an increased confidence in their ability to seek help. More than three quarters of respondents said they were likely to change the way they responded to mental health issues in the future.

鈥淭he results support the worth of future programs among groups with similar or higher levels of stigma, with the ultimate goal of creating an environment that is supportive and conducive of positive mental health among athletes,鈥� said Prof. Bloom.听鈥淭he context of elite junior hockey in North America is filled with high amounts of competitive stress, where athletes often fear the negative career consequences of disclosing mental health concerns. The current results showing the hockey players鈥� receptivity to this program and increased knowledge of mental health difficulties all support the worth of future programs among groups with similar or higher levels of stigma, with the ultimate goal of creating an environment that is supportive and conducive of positive mental health among athletes.鈥�

Dr. Bloom's research was featured in the Calgary Herald in the article .

听