Volume 29, Issue 3
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.709
Commentary – Social Isolation and Loneliness in Elite Athletes During a Pandemic
Abstract
The pandemic has raised important questions about the mental health services available to elite athletes and how such services should be delivered. Additionally, it has raised questions about how social isolation and loneliness can be better understood and addressed for this population. In the current pandemic, some athletes have spoken out about the disruptions they have faced in their careers. Some athletes have stated that they are isolated and feel lonely, which has impacted their mental health. Despite the significance of social isolation and loneliness as determinants of physical and mental health, both of these topics have received little research attention outside of qualitative and narrative explorations of retirement from elite sport. Suggestions for research and practice are discussed.
Keywords
Social Isolation, Loneliness, Elite Athletes, Mental Health