Supporting adolescent athletes through a team building and mental health program – Year two

Canadian adolescent athletes suffer many mental health challenges such as hyper competitiveness and a culture of silence which often precludes individuals from discussing mental health issues. These challenges have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Team Unbreakable (the partner organization) have run a highly successful physical activity and mental health program which is implemented through local school boards. The current project will adapt this program by integrating a team building module which will be implemented through coaches of community sport programs. Team building is a highly effective strategy to increase social connectedness in adolescents, which is a vital component of mental health. Further implementing the program through sport coaches offers a promising approach as coaches are influential role models to young athletes and are likely to increase the effectiveness of the program. The current project will also develop a range of online resources which can help sport coaches, administrators, and athletes discuss, understand, and support individuals with mental health issues. Overall, this project will help reduce the prevalence and severity of mental health issues in young athletes and contribute to the de-stigmatization of mental health issues in Canadian sport.

Faculty Supervisor:

Catherine Sabiston

Student:

Partner:

Team Unbreakable

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Toronto

Program: