The Mental Health of Sporting Officials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Mental health in sports is increasingly recognized, yet the well-being of sporting officials remains under-researched compared to athletes.
• Existing reviews lack synthesized prevalence data and specific factor-outcome links for officials' mental health.
• This study addresses the gap by analyzing prevalence rates and influencing factors for sporting officials' mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders among sporting officials.
• To identify specific risk and protective factors influencing sporting officials' mental health and psychological well-being.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across SCOPUS, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO databases.
• Meta-analyses were performed on prevalence rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms in sporting officials.
• Included studies were analyzed for sport-environmental and personal risk and protective factors.

Main Results:

• Meta-analyses of 26 studies involving 2797 officials revealed pooled prevalence rates of 19.1% for anxiety and 20.6% for depression symptoms.
• Sport-environmental risk factors (e.g., abuse, match environment) were identified in 70% of studies, and personal risk factors (e.g., age, sex) in 48%.
• Sport-environmental protective factors (e.g., experience) were examined in 37% of studies, and personal protective factors (e.g., emotional intelligence) in 33%.

Conclusions:

• Targeting interventions across the sport ecosystem can improve mental health outcomes for officials.
• Strategies should include experience-specific support and organizational cultures prioritizing mental health.
• Further research and tailored support are crucial for fostering positive mental health among sporting officials.