Anxiety and Depression Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in Japan Rugby Top League Players

Abstract

Clinical and research interest is growing in mental health support for elite athletes, based on findings from epidemiological surveys conducted in Australia, the United States, and European countries. However, little is known about the mental health status of elite athletes in Asia, including Japan. In the current study, we examine the prevalence of mental health problems and suicidal ideation and its risk factors in Japan Rugby Top League players. We analyze anonymous web-based self-reported data from 251 currently competing Japan Rugby Top League male players. During the off-season from December 2019 to January 2020, data on anxiety and depression symptoms were collected using the Japanese version of the 6-item Kessler-6. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Baron Depression Screener for Athletes. Among the players, 81 players (32.3%) had experienced symptoms of mild anxiety and depression during the previous 30 days, while 12 (4.8%) and 13 (5.2%) had suffered from moderate and severe symptoms, respectively. Nineteen athletes (7.6%) reported that they had experienced suicidal ideation during the previous 2 weeks. Players with mental health problems experienced more events in competitions and daily life, including reduced subjective performance, missing opportunities to play during the last season, changes in health condition, and thinking about a career after retirement, compared with players without such problems. Mental health issues in Japan Rugby Top League players, as elite athletes, may be common, and research and practice development is expected in the near future.

Association of mental health help-seeking with mental health-related knowledge and stigma in Japan Rugby Top League players

“…Professional rugby league players from the United Kingdom (UK) have exhibited mild (11.6%) or moderate/severe (2.6%) depressive symptoms, and likewise mild (18.9%) or moderate/severe (13.7%) anxiety symptoms [ 9 ]. We have reported comparable prevalence rates among Japan Rugby Top League players [ 10 ]. Despite the status among elite athletes and rugby players, they are often reluctant to seek help from others, resulting in a prolonged untreated period and inadequate early-stage intervention, according to expert opinion based on a narrative review [ 11 ].…”

Validating a Japanese Version of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire

“…Recent research and clinical practice for mental health in elite athletes has increased, similar to the trajectory for physical health and injury care. Most of the findings have come from the USA [ 1 , 2 ], European countries [ 3 – 6 ], and Australasia [ 7 , 8 ], with studies from Asia still limited [ 9 , 10 ]. These findings consistently demonstrate that mental health symptoms are common in elite athletes [ 11 ].…”

“…Contributing factors include athlete-specific factors (e.g. physical injury, poor performance, competition for selection, career transition) and general factors, such as stressful life events and inadequate social support [6,8,9,11,12]. Several statements presented by international sports organizations and experts call for mental health care systems and environmental improvements for athletes [11,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”

Validating a Japanese Version of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire

“…Recent research into, and clinical practice for mental health in elite athletes has increased, similar to the trajectory for physical health and injury care. Most of the ndings have come from the United States 1,2 , European countries [3][4][5][6] , and Australasia 7,8 , with studies from Asia still limited 9,10 . These ndings consistently demonstrate that mental health symptoms are common in elite athletes 11 .…”

“…These ndings consistently demonstrate that mental health symptoms are common in elite athletes 11 . Contributing factors include athlete-speci c factors (e.g., physical injury, poor performance, competition for selection, career transition) and general factors, such as stressful life events and inadequate social support 6,8,9,11,12 . Several statements presented by international sports organizations and experts call for mental health care systems and environmental improvements for athletes 11,13−20 .…”