Adapting an evidence-supported optimization program for mental health and sport performance in collegiate athletes to fit youth from ethnic/racial minority and low-income neighborhoods: A National Institutes of Health stage model feasibility study

Abstract

The current study addresses the need to empirically develop effective mental health interventions for youth from ethnic/racial minority and low-income neighborhoods. Using Stage Model evaluation methods supported by the National Institutes of Health in the US to address underutilization of mental healthcare among racial/ethnic minority youth, this feasibility study demonstrates empirical adaptation of an innovative sport-specific psychological intervention for use in youth from ethnic/racial minority and low-income neighborhoods. An international group of professionals familiar with sport performance and mental health intervention serving the target population experientially examined the adapted intervention protocols in workshops and provided feedback. Survey results indicated the professionals found the intervention components were easy to administer and likely to be safe, enjoyable, engaging and efficacious for youth mental health and sport performance. The protocols were revised based on feedback from these professionals and the intervention was examined in a case trial involving an Asian American youth who evidenced Social Anxiety Disorder. Case study results indicated the intervention could be implemented with integrity, and severity of psychiatric symptoms and factors interfering with sport performance decreased after intervention implementation. The participant’s relationships with family, coaches and teammates were also improved.

A Controlled Evaluation of a Sport-Specific Performance Optimization Program in an Athlete Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Within the Context of COVID-19

“…David completed 12 one-hour meetings trained in TOPPS, and targeted optimization of his mental health, relationships, and performance in life. The principles, therapeutic style, and overarching procedures of TOPPS interventions were consistent with those used in Donohue et al (2021). Table 3 summarizes the intervention components implemented with David, including his anticipated usefulness in addressing ADHD and ODD.…”

“…The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPPS) has demonstrated significant improvements in collegiate athletes’ relationships, interferences with sports performance, and problems associated with mental health symptomology up to 8 months post-intervention in clinical trials ( Chow et al, 2014 ; Donohue et al, 2020b ; Donohue et al, 1999 ; Donohue et al, 2015 ; Donohue et al ., 2018 ; Donohue et al, 2016 ; Pitts et al, 2015 ), and in one controlled trial particularly as mental health diagnostic severity increased ( Donohue et al, 2018 ). Additionally, in an uncontrolled case trial involving an Asian American female adolescent diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, an adaptation of this intervention was determined to lead to similar improvements up to 1-month follow-up ( Donohue et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Thus, this case study supports the efficacy of a sport-specific adaptation of FBT in concurrently improving social skills, sport performance, and mental health. Therefore, given the limited support for mental health interventions in adolescent athletes, TOPPS offers great promise ( Donohue et al, 2021 ), and supports the need to examine TOPPS in randomized clinical trials ( Rounsaville et al, 2001 ).…”

Serendipitous discovery: Learning through the review of research

“…This feasibility study lays the groundwork for more widespread adoption into organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America with subsequent data collection to see if disparities can be reduced with this model. 6…”

“…This feasibility study lays the groundwork for more widespread adoption into organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America with subsequent data collection to see if disparities can be reduced with this model. 6 Taking an evidence-based idea and tweaking it to meet the needs of a different audience is a smart step rather than attempting to recreate the wheel. Research focused on reducing disparities in youth sports is important to promote life-long, physical activity for at risk communities.…”