The case against performance framing of mental healthcare in elite sport

An emerging trend in elite sports research and practice, is suggestion that the promotion of mental health or treatment of mental ill-health will directly contribute to enhanced sports performance. This notion is likely done with the intention of maximising buy-in and justifying need for a focus on mental health in such a unique high-performance environment. However, in this commentary we critically discuss how this intuitive and well-intentioned approach may actually be contributing to harmful consequences. In building our case against this performance framing of mental healthcare, we argue that 1) this is not currently supported by reliable causal findings within the literature, 2) this risks having a stigmatising effect for those experiencing mental ill-health, and 3) that it fundamentally opposes an ethical responsibility to support athletes’ mental health irrespective of their perceived performance value. We encourage practitioners, researchers, and leaders in elite sports settings to be cautious and strive for clarity with the language that is used to emphasise the importance of mental health. This can help to ensure that we continue to work towards ultimately supporting the person behind the athlete.