A growing body of literature recognizes talent identification as a fundamental component in sport science, with researchers continually attempting to find effective methods to identify the best performers for the future. With the growing emphasis on improving peak physical performance in youth sports, frequently the mental, social and environmental aspects are ignored. Moreover, determining the burden of possible mental health issues, dropout and physical inactivity related to performance pressure in sport can be difficult.
The goal of this Research Topic is to investigate potential psycho-physical stressors young athletes might face along with identifying positive youth development strategies that improve mental health and sport experience. In particular, we seek to explore potential psychological and physical risks in early sport specialization, the impact of performance pressure from coaches and guardians, young athletes readiness for sport and overtraining, stigma associated with mental health in youth sport along with the impact of psychological interventions and ineffective athletic development.
We welcome a range of papers, from Original Research to Perspective Pieces, including, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Environmental and social expectations about young sport performance
• Parental involvement in youth sport
• Coaches influence and pressure on young athletes
• Parental education by sport specialists
• Sexual discrimination, stigma and role of gender on youth sport practice
• Early vs late specialization, athletic development and sport success
A growing body of literature recognizes talent identification as a fundamental component in sport science, with researchers continually attempting to find effective methods to identify the best performers for the future. With the growing emphasis on improving peak physical performance in youth sports, frequently the mental, social and environmental aspects are ignored. Moreover, determining the burden of possible mental health issues, dropout and physical inactivity related to performance pressure in sport can be difficult.
The goal of this Research Topic is to investigate potential psycho-physical stressors young athletes might face along with identifying positive youth development strategies that improve mental health and sport experience. In particular, we seek to explore potential psychological and physical risks in early sport specialization, the impact of performance pressure from coaches and guardians, young athletes readiness for sport and overtraining, stigma associated with mental health in youth sport along with the impact of psychological interventions and ineffective athletic development.
We welcome a range of papers, from Original Research to Perspective Pieces, including, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Environmental and social expectations about young sport performance
• Parental involvement in youth sport
• Coaches influence and pressure on young athletes
• Parental education by sport specialists
• Sexual discrimination, stigma and role of gender on youth sport practice
• Early vs late specialization, athletic development and sport success
