Degree Date
6-2026
Document Type
Dissertation - Public Access
Degree Name
Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Academic Discipline
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Elizabeth Lane, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Gary Howell, Psy.D.
Abstract
This literature review identifies mental health concerns among competitive athletes and evaluates psychological interventions to address these challenges. Specifically, the review explores the mental health concerns experienced by athletes engaged in high-level sport. It examines whether cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions are effective approaches for improving psychological outcomes in this population. A systematic review of peer-reviewed research was conducted, and findings were synthesized to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. The review included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and meta-analyses examining psychological interventions in athletic populations. Findings across the literature indicate that both cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions are associated with improvements in anxiety, mood, emotional regulation, stress, burnout, psychological skills, cognitive and physiological components, and athletic performance, ultimately supporting overall well-being. Several interventions demonstrated moderate to large effect sizes across diverse athletic populations, including collegiate, competitive, para-athletes, and injured athletes. These findings highlight the clinical efficacy of evidence-based psychological interventions for addressing mental health concerns in athletes and underscore the importance of integrating mental health services within sport environments to support both psychological health and performance.
Recommended Citation
Jones-Stachnik, Shelby, "Addressing Mental Health Issues and the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Interventions among Athletes" (2026). Dissertations. 978.
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/978
Included in
Behavioral Disciplines and Activities Commons, Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Physical Therapy Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons, Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Practices Commons, Sports Sciences Commons, Sports Studies Commons