Acceptance, needs and demands of e-mental health interventions in adolescent elite athletes.

BACKGROUND

Elite sports place high psychological and physical demands on adolescent elite athletes, increasing the risk for mental health problems. E-mental health interventions may offer flexible and low-threshold support. This study investigated adolescent elite athletes' acceptance of e-mental health interventions, identified predictors of acceptance, and explored their specific needs and demands.

METHODS

Data from N = 217 adolescent elite athletes (age range: 14-17 years) participating in a web-based survey (March 2022-March 2023) were analyzed. Frequencies for preferred program features and delivery modes were calculated. Acceptance and its predictors were examined using an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Group comparisons (t-tests, ANOVAs) and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Overall acceptance of e-mental health interventions was moderate. Female athletes and those in individual sports indicated higher acceptance than male and team-sport athletes. Gender (β = 0.097, p = .017), the UTAUT predictors performance expectancy (β = 0.458, p < .001), effort expectancy (β = 0.309, p < .001), and social influence (β = 0.152, p = .015) significantly explained variance in acceptance in adolescent elite athletes, whereas sport type, depression-, anxiety-, and distress symptoms, internet anxiety, digital confidence, and -overload were not significant predictors. Preferred interventions were customizable, delivered via smartphone app, and completed in 10-20-minutes sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the need for user-centered, flexible e-mental health interventions tailored to adolescent elite athletes. Targeting key acceptance drivers and preferred design features may support sustained engagement and inform indicated prevention strategies in this population.