Sport and addiction Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the historical assumption about mental health problems in athletes?
Low prevalence of mental health problems; athletes viewed as strong both physically and mentally
This assumption includes the belief that good performance equates to good health.
What benefits does recreational level sport provide?
Improved mental and physical health; alleviation of mental ill-health; social support; community; empowerment; psychosocial development
References: Malm et al., 2019; Carless & Douglas, 2008; Braun et al., 2015.
What is the risk of mental health problems for elite athletes compared to the general population?
Comparable risk of mental health problems
References: Reardon et al., 2019; Rice et al., 2016.
What are the limitations in studying athlete mental health?
Poor evidence; limited athlete-specific assessment tools; unclear definitions of symptoms versus disorders
This limits understanding of the prevalence of mental health issues in athletes.
What is the prevalence of problem gambling among university students?
75-80% report gambling; 6% are problem gamblers
This statistic indicates a significant engagement in gambling among students.
What percentage of elite athletes have reported gambling in the past year?
56.6%
Among elite athletes, 8.2% are identified as problem gamblers.
What is a significant risk factor for gambling in athletes?
Age; over-representation of young men; accessibility of gambling venues; peer pressure
These factors contribute to higher gambling behaviors among athletes.
What are the types of gambling with elevated risk among athletes?
Skill-based gambling; sports betting; poker
Athletes may also bet on their own sports, which is particularly concerning.
What is the relationship between compulsive exercise and addiction?
Compulsive exercise is linked to disordered eating and negative physical consequences
References: Plateau et al., 2014; 2017.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
An anxiety disorder triggered by exposure to a traumatic experience; high co-morbidity with addictive behaviors
Symptoms include hyperarousal, flashbacks, and emotional numbing.
What are the principles of social identity theory?
Behavior is influenced by social groups; conformity to group norms is expected; protects individuals from rejection
References: Tajfel, 1982; Tajfel & Turner, 1979.
What are the findings regarding social networks and compulsive exercise?
Well-connected teammates associated with reduced compulsive exercise behaviors
Study conducted with 199 athletes over 7 months.
Fill in the blank: The degree of emotional distress experienced on retirement is influenced by the extent of psychological attachment to sport, the degree of devotion to the sport, and the level of _______.
success in sport
What characterizes addictive personality traits?
Cross-addiction; reciprocity; predisposition to develop addictions
Suggests a set of traits may make individuals more vulnerable.
True or False: Athletes have a lower prevalence of mental health issues compared to the general population.
False
Elite athletes display comparable risk for mental health problems.
What role does peer pressure play in gambling among athletes?
Increases likelihood of engaging in gambling behaviors
Peer influence can normalize gambling practices within teams.
What are common types of abuse experienced by athletes?
Physical abuse; emotional abuse; sexual abuse
Abuse can be normalized within certain sports contexts.
What are the limitations of current research on behavioral addictions in athletes?
Limited evidence; heterogeneity of athlete populations; lack of longitudinal studies
Further research is needed to clarify these issues.
