Mental health risk and protective factors in Australian cricket

Abstract

ABSTRACT Women’s participation in cricket has accelerated within Australia. Despite this trend, there is little research into the mental health risk and protective factors of elite women cricketers. The purpose of this study was to examine elite women cricketers’ perceptions of sport-based mental health risk and protective factors. Twelve women cricketers took part in individual interviews in which they discussed the mental health risk and protective factors they perceived to influence their experience. The interviews resulted in the development of 26 unique codes, from which five themes were generated: (a) resilience; (b) social support; (c) team processes; (d) mental health systems; and (e) health and body image. These results articulate the mental health risk and protective factors of elite women cricketers, and the processes, mechanisms, and settings that influence them. Considerations for protecting and treating the mental health and wellbeing of elite women athletes, specifically women cricketers, are discussed.