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Emotion Focused Therapy for Competitive Athletes

Anxiety | Depression

This project will be a pilot study to test the feasibility of using Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) among competitive athletes experiencing mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety. To test whether the intervention works, the researchers will assess athletes' emotion dysregulation, symptoms of mood disorders (anxiety and depression), sport-related distress, subjective performance satisfaction, and well-being. In addition to assessing athlete outcomes, key aspects to be examined in the pilot study include the recruitment and randomization procedures, informed consent procedures, data collection tools, implementation of the intervention, and retention of participants. Feasibility will be assessed by recruitment (willingness to be randomized, number of eligible participants in the recruitment process). Retention will be assessed by the number of athletes who continue or discontinue attendance. Participants' experiences in the intervention will be assessed via qualitative interviews to gain in-depth information about their perceptions of the intervention.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Over the age of 18 and capable of consenting to participate in the study
* Participating in competitive sport (highly trained/national level or above); athletes may be participating in any able-bodied or para-sport.
* Speak and comprehend English
* Meet criteria for mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety
* Reside in Ontario
* Not currently receiving psychotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Athletes under the age of 18 who are not able to provide informed consent to participate in the study
* Athletes participating in recreational sport
* Athletes who meet criteria for high risk of eating disorder
* Athletes who meet criteria for severe depression or anxiety
* Athletes who do not live in Ontario
* Athletes indicating low levels of depression or anxiety
* Athletes who are currently receiving psychotherapy

Study Location

Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Toronto, Ontario
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Katherine Tamminen

[email protected]
4169464068
Study Sponsored By
University of Toronto
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT05896436