A1 Journal article (refereed)
Online Guided ACT Intervention for Enhancing the Psychological Well-being of Female Soccer Players in Pre-season (2022)

Nikander, J., Saarni, J., Ihalainen, J. K., & Valtonen, M. (2022). Online Guided ACT Intervention for Enhancing the Psychological Well-being of Female Soccer Players in Pre-season. Scandinavian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 4(1), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.7146/sjsep.v4i1.130136

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nikander, Jaakko; Saarni, Johanna; Ihalainen, Johanna K.; Valtonen, Maarit

Journal or series: Scandinavian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

eISSN: 2596-741X

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 11/11/2022

Volume: 4

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 41-50

Publisher: Danish Sport Psychological Forum

Publication country: Denmark

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7146/sjsep.v4i1.130136

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/84021

Abstract

This study investigated whether an internet-based intervention aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of female soccer players before the competitive season could be effective approach to meet the needs of the players. Players (n= 43; 17–26 years old)on the four separated teams in Finland’shighest league were assigned to either a guided six-week online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (ACTi) or to a control condition (CON). A between-groups pre–post (ACTi vs. CON) design was implemented before the competitive season. Players in the ACTi were offered three group sessions, performed internet-based tasks, and were individually supported by a guide. The results demonstrated that the ACTi players maintained their sports-related well-being (between-group, d = 0.72), while the sports-related well-being of the CON players, especially emotional and social well-being, had declined. In addition, ACTi players’perceived stress (d = 0.60) and depression (d = 0.88) declined, while their psychological flexibility in sports (d = 0.41) increased compared to the CON players. These results suggest that before the competitive season, players’ sports-related well-being decreases. The ACT intervention seemed to prevent this decrease and provide players with the skills to cope with emotional and social stressors related to the competitive season.

Keywords: athletes; football players; competitive sports; women; mental well-being; stress (biological phenomena); depression (mental disorders); acceptance and commitment therapy; online services; intervention study

Free keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy; female players; stress; depressive symptoms; psychological well-being

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 0