AUTHOR=Bu Danran , Zhang Chun-Qing , Liu Jing-Dong , Han Zhe , Wang Xiang , Huang Zhijian 

TITLE=Mental health literacy, mental health experiences and help-seeking behaviours of Chinese elite athletes: a qualitative study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1391597

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1391597

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Elite athletes' help-seeking on mental health might be influenced by their mental health literacy (MHL) and mental health experiences. The current study aimed to explore the MHL, experiences and help-seeking behaviours among elite athletes using a qualitative approach.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 Chinese elite athletes, 12 coaches, and 5 team officials. Interview data was analyzed using content analysis.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Seven main themes emerged from the analysis. The current study revealed that Chinese elite athletes suffered from various mental health issues and athletes' MHL levels, help-seeking attitudes and intentions, Chinese sports environments, and Chinese cultural background could impact their help-seeking behaviours.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>Support for Chinese elite athletes' mental health and help-seeking requires improvement.</p></sec>