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Run it straight!' - Pasifika men, mental wellbeing and elite sports

Year:
2017
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$110,909.00
Researchers:
Dr Caleb Marsters
Health issue:
Mental health (and sleep disorders)
Proposal type:
Pacific Health PhD Scholarship
Lay summary
Mental wellbeing in sports is growing in importance, as are the numbers of young Pacific men pursuing careers in professional sports. Pacific peoples have disproportionately higher rates of suicide attempts when compared to the general New Zealand population, and furthermore, an increasing prevalence of depression and suicide among young Pacific athletes. This suggests that this group are at ‘high-risk’ of experiencing adverse mental health outcomes. The aim of this study is to capture an understanding of the perceptions of young Pacific male athletes as well as coaches and managers, around sociocultural and contextual factors impacting upon positive mental wellbeing and performance in sport. This research will contribute to supporting positive mental wellbeing and decreasing suicidal behaviours among young Pacific athletes. it will inform the development of positive mental health wellbeing models and help-seeking frameworks for Pacific athletes. It will also contribute to the fields of sports psychology, youth health, and men’s health.