Published on 20 November 2025

Current research project: What is the state of young athetes’ mental health?

The mental health of young athletes stands at the centre of the current research project: From a Pyramid to a Square in Understanding Youth Athletes’ Mental Health (2025–2029). The project aims to promote long-term mental health for everyone – not just the few who make it to the top of their sport.

It therefore expands the traditional pyramid-shaped approach into an inclusive square, with the aim of valuing all athletes equally.

From a Pyramid to a Square in Understanding Youth Athletes’ Mental Health (2025–2029), Swiss National Science Foundation

Background and starting point

Adolescents are in a sensitive developmental phase during which mental health is particularly vulnerable. This vulnerability may be heightened in performance sports, requiring tailored support. The aim of the project is to better understand the mental health of young athletes (aged 14–19). We examine risk factors such as selection pressure and protective factors such as self-compassion, parental support and sports organisations’ mental health literacy, with a particular focus on the impact of deselection and dropping out.

Quantitative surveys and interviews are used to analyse how mental health develops and which factors influence it. The results should help to develop support measures and prevention strategies. The project should also produce recommendations for policy makers and sports organisations on how to create a sustainable sports system.

How the project will be carried out

The researchers will follow all Swiss Olympic cardholders born in 2008 and 2010 for three years, starting in summer 2025. Changes are recorded twice a year using short online questionnaires. Young people who are leaving the sports system are also interviewed, which will serve as a basis for developing tailored support systems and prevention strategies.

It is of particular importance to understand what causes stress – for example, selection pressure, injuries or insecurity. And also what can protect against it – factors including self-compassion, support from parents and clubs or sports organisations’ knowledge about mental health. One focus is the point where someone is no longer selected or gives up the sport.

Very few talented young athletes make it to the top of their sport. The vast majority must give up their dream – which makes their mental health all the more important, so that they can receive effective support.

Further information

The research project follows the paths of young athletes over several years.

We talk about everything. About mental health and illnesses too, How are you?