A proposed framework towards developing a mental health support programme for professional South African rugby players

Abstract

Rugby players may experience various difficulties that can have an impact on their mental health. The status of their mental health impacts their performance, and can be either conducive or detrimental. The need for a mental health support programme for rugby players is evident, especially for professional South African rugby players. Although there are various programmes available to support athletes in numerous ways, no specific programme exists that addresses the issue of mental health amongst professional South African rugby players. The following research questions were formulated and addressed after the research topic was finalised, the literature study was completed, and brainstorming with the promoters took place: (a) What is the prevalence of common mental disorders amongst professional South African rugby players? (Article one); (b) What is the relationship between common mental disorders and mental toughness of professional South African rugby players? (Article one); (c) What are the experiences of professional South African rugby players with regard to stressors and mental health? (Article two); (d) How are stressors related to the prevalence of common mental disorders and mental health? (Article three); and (e) What aspects should be included in a mental health support programme for professional South African rugby players? (Section C). The objectives of the study were: a) To describe the prevalence of common mental disorders amongst professional South African rugby players; b) To determine a relationaship between common mental disorders and mental toughness of professional South African rugby players; c) To explore the experiences of professional South African rugby players with regard to stressors and mental health; d) To determine how stressors are related to the prevalence of common mental disorders and mental health; and e) To identify aspects that should be included in a mental health support programme for professional South African rugby players. The development, testing and evaluation process of the programme did not form part of this study, but will be addressed as an additional post-doctoral study. A mixed methods programme development design was followed with the explanatory sequential design forming the basis thereof. In phase one, survey research was conducted by utilising sections of an existing questionnaire, describing the prevalence of common mental disorders amongst male professional South African rugby players (n=215) and also determining the relationship between common mental disorders and mental toughness of professional South African rugby players. For phase two of the research process, the qualitative design included the interpretive description design. The qualitative data were gathered by means of semi-structred interviews with professional South African rugby players (n=16), providing in-depth insight into the stressors they experience, as well as the relationship between stressors and mental health. Finally, in phase three, specific aspects were identified, which are included in a proposed framework for a mental health support programme for professional South African rugby players. Results from the quantitative data indicated that the players mainly experience problems related to alcohol use (47.9%), distress (16.3%), sleep disturbances (7%) and anxiety/depression (4.2%). However, most of the players (96.7%) indicated that they perceive themselves to be mentally tough. A total of 4.7% of the players indicated that they smoke. A positive relationship was subsequently found between mental toughness and sound sleep (r=0.262) while negative relationships were found between mental toughness and anxiety/depression positive1 (r=-0.423), anxiety/depression (r=-0.401), distress (r=-0.259) and common mental disorder problems in general (r=-0.220). 1 In this context, “positive” refers to the last six questions in the questionnaire on anxiety/depression that were formulated in a positive manner, for example Have you recently felt that you were playing a useful role in things? Findings from the qualitative data showed that all the players know what mental health entails and the importance thereof within the broader picture of wellness. They indicated that they experience various stressors on and off the field. However, the players showed that in general they have the capacity to enhance their own mental health, whether in personal circumstances or professionally on the field. The players indicated a definite need for a mental health support programme even though at times their so-called ‘macho image’ may prevent some of them from seeking assistance.