Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes
Journal of Public Mental Health
ISSN: 1746-5729
Article publication date: 11 February 2021
Issue publication date: 14 September 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being.
Findings
In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores.
Practical implications
Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport.
Social implications
Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being.
Originality/value
This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all of the equestrian athletes who contributed their time to this research, as well as the organizations who assisted in sharing information about the research.
Citation
McGivern, A., Shannon, S. and Breslin, G. (2021), "Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 172-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-08-2020-0110
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited