The relationship between social support and mental health in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Social support is widely recognized as a key determinant of athletes' mental health; however, inconsistencies remain regarding the strength and source-specific effects of this relationship. This meta-analysis systematically quantifies the association between social support and mental health outcomes in athletes and examines variations by support source.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases to identify relevant studies. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effect sizes expressed as correlation coefficients (r). Subgroup analyses compared the associations of family and friends' support versus team-based support with mental health indicators.

Results

Forty studies encompassing 14,462 athletes were included

SUBMITTER: Luo J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12442422 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature