Mental Health Literacy Intervention on Help-Seeking in Athletes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Mental health literacy (MHL) is recognised as a major factor in whether athletes seek help when they experience mental health difficulties. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide a systematic review of the effectiveness of MHL training programmes in improving mental health knowledge and help-seeking and reducing stigma among athletes. To identify intervention studies of MHL programmes, five electronic databases were systematically searched for articles published before May 2020. The selection procedure was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All kinds of study designs were included. Effect sizes were calculated for mental health knowledge, stigma reduction and help-seeking attitudes, intentions and behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed for each study using the Cochrane tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale. Five studies (1239 participants in total) were selected for review. Overall, either small or medium effects were found for mental health knowledge, stigma reduction, help-seeking attitudes, and intentions for post- and follow-up interventions, whereas a null effect was found in help-seeking behaviours for both post- and follow-up interventions. Furthermore, three studies had a low risk of bias, and two had a high risk of bias. MHL interventions can enhance help-seeking attitudes and intentions and mental health knowledge and reduce stigma but do not increase help-seeking behaviours for now. Further studies should evaluate interventions to enhance help-seeking behaviours. Furthermore, the methodological quality of studies, including randomized controlled trials and other designs, should be improved in future research.

Mental Health Literacy of Australian Youth Sport Coaches

“…The study also acknowledged the role of mental health literacy in providing avenues to support service acquisition (Hurley et al, 2018 ). Similar international studies found comparable results (Bu et al, 2020 ; Hurley et al, 2021 ).…”

Impact of the HOPE Intervention on Mental Health Literacy, Psychological Well-Being and Stress Levels amongst University Undergraduates: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…This situation causes serious concerns to mental health professionals as only one-third of those who experience mental disorders seek professional help [ 2 ]. Evidence suggests that individuals’ help-seeking attitudes can be enhanced with better mental health literacy [ 3 ]. In addition, anxiety and depression in young adults are linked with higher stress levels and poorer psychological well-being [ 4 ].…”

Help-seeking behaviours related to mental health symptoms in professional football

“…In contrast, a null effect was found in help-seeking behaviours for both postintervention and follow-up intervention. 20 Therefore, the authors concluded that Mental Health Literacy interventions could enhance help-seeking attitudes and intentions and mental health knowledge and reduce stigma but do not increase help-seeking behaviours. 20 Another study suggested that in addition to sport-specific interventions for athletes, a better understanding of specific needs of the athlete and availability of good treatment may create a follow-on effect of increased help-seeking behaviour.…”

“…14 A recent systematic review based on five included studies (1239 participants in total) focused on the effectiveness of Mental Health Literacy training programmes in improving mental health knowledge and help-seeking and reducing stigma among athletes. 20 Overall, either small or medium effects were found for mental health knowledge, stigma reduction, help-seeking attitudes, and intentions for postintervention and follow-up intervention. In contrast, a null effect was found in help-seeking behaviours for both postintervention and follow-up intervention.…”

“…20 Therefore, the authors concluded that Mental Health Literacy interventions could enhance help-seeking attitudes and intentions and mental health knowledge and reduce stigma but do not increase help-seeking behaviours. 20 Another study suggested that in addition to sport-specific interventions for athletes, a better understanding of specific needs of the athlete and availability of good treatment may create a follow-on effect of increased help-seeking behaviour. 21 Difference in pretest and post-test In our study, professional footballers showed an increased help-seeking attitude and intentions and an increased confidence level in helping someone experiencing mental health symptoms after viewing the mental health awareness video.…”