Planning Life Outside of Sport: Elite Aathletes’ Help-seeking Behaviours Toward Career Support Resources

Abstract

Despite results showing that planning the transition out of sport is associated with more positive emotional responses and fewer emotional difficulties in retirement, only a small proportion of athletes are using the resources available through support programs. This study investigates factors associated with the help-seeking behaviours toward career support resources of 191 surveyed elite athletes of Canada. Information on perceived barriers to help-seeking, the level of engagement to a career outside of sport, and the use of resources was collected using a survey. Results from descriptive and predictive analysis indicate three main perceived barriers to help-seeking: lack of time (51.8%), lack of knowledge (35.1%) and a fear of stigma associated with the use of career support resources (12.6%). Athlete age, sport category (winter, summer) and level of engagement in a career outside of sport are predictors of the use of career support resources.