All-Around: Elite Gymnasts’ Perspectives on Creating a Healthy Culture

Abstract

The need to create healthy cultures within Gymnastics has been demonstrated by a rseies of high profile cases which are illustrative of unhealthy cultures. The present study interviewed 6 international level gymnasts to explore their perceptions as to what constitutes a healthy culture. Inductive thematic analysis highlighted the need to adopt a socio-ecological approach which recognizes the influences of factors at the individual (i.e., developing ability and achieving personal goals), interpersonal (i.e., supportive peer relationships and effective coach-athlete relationship)and institutional (i.e., sense of community and a focus on developing psychosocial skills) levels. The findings from the present study can be used to inform coaches and national governing bodies on the importance of these factors, especially when considering the prioritisation of gymnasts ’psychological wellbeing in the context of elite sport.