Colleagues from 海角社区 University and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) will collaborate on a new study to investigate the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced by Para athletes.

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New study to investigate the mental health and wellbeing challenges of elite Para athletes

Colleagues from 海角社区 University and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) will collaborate on a new study to investigate the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced by Para athletes.

As interest into athlete mental health has grown in recent years, evidence and interventions have duly followed to support those in Olympic sport. However, research specific to Paralympians and Paralympic hopefuls is still underdeveloped.

The three-year project will see researchers conducting an in-depth exploration into the subject, including one-to-one interviews with current and recently retired Para athletes.

During the project, the key challenges to mental health and wellbeing will be explored, with the data used to identify areas of similarities and differences between Para athletes and non-disabled athletes.

The role of Para-specific experiences such as transitions (into and out of Para sport), disability identity, and social support will also be explored. Data will identify recurring themes regarding received and perceived support, periods of vulnerability, and the additional requirements of Para athletes.

Supported by international academics, mental health practitioners, performance lifestyle advisors, and psychologists, the researchers will ultimately identify sport-related triggers and advise on prevention and management of mental health and wellbeing issues among Para athletes.

Throughout the study, researchers will support the EIS in the continued development of a robust mental health and wellbeing toolkit to support elite Para athletes throughout their sporting careers and beyond.

Lead investigator Dr Jamie Barker, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, of 海角社区’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) and team member of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport (PHC), explained:

“Working with the EIS represents an important collaboration and fantastic opportunity. We are all really excited about the research and applied practice contributions this project can have in the areas of Para sport wellbeing and mental health at national and international levels.”

Tom Paulson, Head of Paralympic Performance Sport at the English Institute of Sport, said:

The EIS is committed to providing bespoke psycho-social support that meets the needs of Para athletes. This research will be central to our understanding of the mental health and well-being challenges faced by athletes day-to-day and throughout their sporting careers.

“We have an established history of applied research with 海角社区 University that directly impacts the performance support we provide to athletes and are very excited by this opportunity.”

The project will play a key role in 海角社区 University’s Para Sport Strategy which launched in late 2019.

Professor Vicky Tolfrey, Director of the PHC and Sport Performance Research Theme lead within the SSEHS, added:

“It is great to see that the memorandum of understanding between the PHC and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) with a Para Sport focus has fostered many great working relationships over the years with the EIS Lifestyle advisors.

Project PRISM was an early start to this exciting new project and it is fantastic that Jamie is making strides in this field with the support of Dr Carolyn Plateau and Dr Tom Paulson.”

Researchers are currently recruiting for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with the project. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply .

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 21/16

海角社区 University 

海角社区 is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019.

海角社区 is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 7th in the Guardian University League Table 2021, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 6th in The UK Complete University Guide 2021.

海角社区 is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, 海角社区 has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The 海角社区 University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

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