Understanding connection, support, and well-being in competitive sport
Athletes experience a lot during a competitive season — changes in their role, relationships with teammates and coaches, performance pressures, school or work demands, and, for some athletes, living away from home.
The Athlete Well-Being Study, developed by Cosmos Counselling Clinic, is exploring how these experiences relate to athlete well-being over the course of a season. We are particularly interested in understanding connection and support, including what may help protect athletes when they are competing away from home.
What will I be asked to do?
Athletes who choose to participate will complete questionnaires at several points during the season.
The questionnaires will look at areas such as:
- connection to home and the people around you;
- your experience within your sport environment;
- current sources of stress and support; and
- emotional well-being.
You will also be asked to complete two standardized questionnaires:
- an Attachment Survey at the beginning and end of the season; and
- the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) throughout the season. The longer version will be completed at the beginning and end of the season, with a shorter version used during the season.
The first questionnaire will also ask some basic questions about you, your sport, and your current living situation.
Your Participation is Voluntary and Confidential
Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can stop participating at any time.
Your individual questionnaire responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared with your coaches, team management, or other athletes. Information from participating athletes will be looked at together to identify broader patterns in athlete well-being.
Support is Available
Throughout the study, you will have the option to ask someone from Cosmos Counselling Clinic to check in with you.
Someone from Cosmos may also contact you if your responses indicate a severe or extremely severe level of distress. We can offer an opportunity to talk, arrange counselling when appropriate, or help you connect with another counsellor or support.
The questionnaires are not monitored as an emergency or crisis service. If you need immediate help, please use an appropriate crisis or emergency service.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Athlete Well-Being Study, please contact: Josh.
Ready to Participate?
The questionnaire will begin with information about the study and a consent form. Please read this information before deciding whether you would like to participate.