Citation

Marsters C, Tiatia-Seath J. Sports (Basel) 2019; 7(4): e7040083.

Affiliation

Te Wānanga o Waipapa, School of Māori and Pacific Studies, Faculty of Arts, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. j.tiatia-seath@auckland.ac.nz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/sports7040083

PMID

30959847

Abstract

Recent studies and increased media reporting across Australasia have linked young Pacific maleelite athletes to depression, suicide, and other adverse mental health-related events. Despite these accounts,little is known about the way this group experience emotions and mental wellbeing. The aim of this studywas to explore young Pacific male athletes' perceptions and experiences of emotions and mental wellbeing.This qualitative study involved 20 face-to-face interviews with young Pacific males (16⁻24 years) engaged inelite rugby union and rugby league programmes in Auckland, New Zealand. The results identified thatathletes defined mental wellbeing in a holistic and relational manner and perceived and mental wellbeing asthe culmination of several interconnected factors, including: Family support, reciprocating family support,living a 'well-balanced' life, athletic performance, and personal development away from sports. Themaintenance of a well-balanced athletic identity and positive social relations were deemed central tosustaining mental wellbeing for these young men.

Language: en

Keywords

New Zealand; Pacific; elite athletes; emotions; mental health; mental wellbeing; rugby league; rugby union; youth