BACKGROUND: This study explores the psychosocial impact of sports-related injuries on elite basketball players and their search for psychological and counselling support.
OBJECTIVE: The objective is to examine how injuries affect athletes' mental well-being, their attitudes toward received support, and their use of psychological interventions.
METHODS: A phenomenological approach, analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), was applied to data from 253 elite Turkish basketball players, including active and retired athletes. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather the data.
RESULTS: The results show that while athletes seek individual psychological support, they often feel neglected by their clubs, leading to insecurity and helplessness. Many report dissatisfaction with the mental health services provided by their organisations.
CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends integrating sports psychologists and counsellors within clubs, promoting mental health awareness, and forming interdisciplinary teams to address this. Holistic sports education programs that foster psychological resilience and emotional regulation are also advised. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of interventions and the role of organizational support on athletes' mental well-being.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.