The key challenges in sustainable elite sports concern young athletes´ holistic development. Consequently, preparation for dual careers has been recommended to enhance athletes’ well‐being and equip them for life after sports. The aim of this study was to examine the developmental associations between self‐esteem and career adaptability among adolescent athletes across the high school years and investigate the role of gender in these developmental trajectories. A total of 391 student‐athletes were followed up four times from the beginning of high school (T1) to its end (T4) using the Dual‐Career Form of the Career Adapt‐Abilities Scale and the Self‐Esteem Questionnaire. The results indicated that individual differences in student‐athletes’ self‐esteem and career adaptability were relatively stable across the high school years and were thus modeled via the between‐persons factors capturing differences between individuals across time. The results further showed that the overall levels of self‐esteem and career adaptability were positively associated. Males showed higher overall levels of career adaptability and self‐esteem than females. This study suggests that it is important to facilitate youth athletes’ self‐regulation resources by involving them in vocational developmental tasks. Further, gender differences should be considered when supporting student‐athletes’ development.
This study investigated whether an internet-based intervention aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of female soccer players before the competitive season could be effective approach to meet the needs of the players. Players (n= 43; 17–26 years old)on the four separated teams in Finland’shighest league were assigned to either a guided six-week online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (ACTi) or to a control condition (CON). A between-groups pre–post (ACTi vs. CON) design was implemented before the competitive season. Players in the ACTi were offered three group sessions, performed internet-based tasks, and were individually supported by a guide. The results demonstrated that the ACTi players maintained their sports-related well-being (between-group, d = 0.72), while the sports-related well-being of the CON players, especially emotional and social well-being, had declined. In addition, ACTi players’perceived stress (d = 0.60) and depression (d = 0.88) declined, while their psychological flexibility in sports (d = 0.41) increased compared to the CON players. These results suggest that before the competitive season, players’ sports-related well-being decreases. The ACT intervention seemed to prevent this decrease and provide players with the skills to cope with emotional and social stressors related to the competitive season.
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