Understanding the Adversity Female Athletes Face and the Resiliency Components Required to Cope
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Authors
Jalal, Myah
Issue Date
2025-02
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
female athletes , mental health , resilience , mental toughness , trauma-informed care , gender-sensitive support , self-advocacy , policy reform
Alternative Title
Abstract
The research presented in this paper thoroughly explores the psychological, physiological, and systemic challenges female athletes face. In addition, there is a specific focus on resilience and post-traumatic growth enmeshed throughout this capstone. Using a systematic literature review, this paper identifies specific resilience factors that allow female athletes to navigate adversity, including mental toughness, optimism, self-efficacy, and social support. Furthermore, three major theoretical frameworks are utilized, including Positive Psychology, Feminist Theory, and Trauma-informed Care, to critically analyze the intersection of gender, trauma, and mental health in sports. Findings emphasize that the deeply rooted, internalized fear of failure, media portrayal, gender biases, and physiological stressors significantly exacerbate the mental health difficulties of women in sports. Moreover, this project explores the role of culturally responsive interventions, as well as the influence that social support and trauma-informed approaches can have on fostering post-traumatic growth and resilience within this population. The implications found in this research suggest that there is a crucial need for policy reform, more accessibility to mental health resources, and a higher emphasis placed on athlete-centered coaching methods. By interweaving evidence-based strategies into this capstone, the intention is to enhance mental health support systems for female athletes; ultimately ensuring that they not only endure challenges and adversity, but instead experience personal and professional growth from their struggles.
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Citation
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License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess