Self-care and Self-Compassion in University Student Athletes
Background: Student athletes (SA) face unique challenges in balancing academic and athletic demands, frequently impacting well-being. This study aimed to measure levels of self-care and self-compassion in SA in one university in Munster, Ireland and also aimed to investigate the relationship betwee...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Lithuanian Sports University
2025-07-01
|
| Series: | Baltic Journal of Sport and Health Sciences |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lsu.lt/baltic-journal-of-sport-health/article/view/1616 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Background: Student athletes (SA) face unique challenges in balancing academic and athletic demands, frequently impacting well-being. This study aimed to measure levels of self-care and self-compassion in SA in one university in Munster, Ireland and also aimed to investigate the relationship between these and identify some ways that universities could support SA in strengthening self-care and self-compassion behaviours.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used, employing shortened forms of the Mindful Self-Care Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale, as well as demographic questions. One multiple-option question asked participants to identify potential supports. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Fifty-six responses were received. Most participants had below mean self-care and moderate self-compassion. Self-care and self-compassion were moderately positively correlated. SA who trained most frequently had lowest self-compassion. SA want tailored support with self-care and self-compassion. Support and education are needed to enable SA to develop positive self-caring and self-compassionate behaviours.
Conclusion: Although it is not to possible draw causal relationships, results suggest that more self-compassionate SA are more self-caring. Support, advocacy and education is needed to enable SA to maintain and develop positive self-caring and self-compassionate behaviours.
Keywords: mental health, well-being, quantitative, occupational therapy, support
|
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2351-6496 2538-8347 |