The Theoretical Origins and Practical Examination of Mental Health Services for Athletes

Mental health services for athletes are an important guarantee for the high-quality development of competitive sports and the establishment of a sports power. To leverage the advantages of the system for mobilizing resources nationwide and establish the mental health service system of China, this study examined the interpretation, theoretical origins, and practical implementation of athlete mental health services at home and abroad. The study argued that the theoretical framework for psychological services for athletes has shifted from a single theoretical orientation focused on individual self to a more diverse theoretical orientation emphasizing social groups. Domestically, the transition has been from problem-solving-centered services, based on referencing Western theoretical orientations, to a core focus on problem prevention, based on indigenous theoretical orientations. In the practice of mental health services for athletes, while taking into account the psychological service attributes and athlete characteristics, three distinct types of athlete mental health services have been formed: the top-down “team-oriented” type centered on elite athletes, the “individual-contract” type centered on professional athletes, and the “education-driven” type centered on student athletes.Additionally, the study has proposed a “bottom-up” athlete-centered “proactive health” type of mental health service mode, aiming to form a positive interaction through a two-way process.