Overview
This study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma assessed the prevalence of interpersonal violence (IV) and its association with mental health disorders in U.S elite athletes. CHILD USA surveyed athletes with the collaboration of USOPC non-governing bodies (NGBs). Access the full article
Key Findings & Recommendations
- 57.8% of the sample reported IV in sport
- Most experienced multiple forms
- Significant relationship between experiencing IV and diagnosis of one or more psychiatric disorders
- Need for improvements in prevention and detection of IV in sport
Prevalence of IV forms
- Psychological violence: 54.5%
- Physical Violence: 6.9%
- Sexual Violence: 8.8%
- Significant overlap between different types was found; athletes often experience multiple forms simultaneously.
- Environments conducive to one form of violence are likely conducive to others, amplifying harm
Association with mental health disorders
- Athletes who reported abuse within sports were 2x more likely to report a mental health disorder compared to athletes who did not report abuse.
- The most commonly reported disorders were anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Child sexual abuse (CSA) was associated with the most mental health disorders. Athletes reporting CSA were 8x more likely to report a mental health disorder.
- Those who reported being deprived of food as an athlete were 7x more likely to report an eating disorder
