Mental Health of Iranian Elite Athletes

Abstract

Background and Objective: Mental health is one of the most important issues, has attracted the attention of many researchers. Since, the body and mind mutually influence each other and health of these two categories, were covers the human public health, therefore, recognize the continuous effects oneach other, seem to be necessary. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to describe the mental health of Iranian elite athletes. Methods: The present research method was descriptive - survey. NEO-AC test, Zuckerman test and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were applied to measure personality characteristics, sensation seeking, and mental health respectively, on 295 athletes who attended various national team camps during the year 2013. Results: The results indicated that standard scores for the majority of athletes in neurotic responses (50%) were moderate, but for extroversion (97%), openness (97%), agreeability (87%), and consciousness (60%), were high. The standard scores were moderate for most athletes in sensation seeking (70%). Standard scores were also average and above (46-78%)for all elements of mental health. Conclusion: Totally, it can be concluded that the state of affairsof Iranian elite athletes in mental health and sensation seeking is desirably . Designing training programs seems necessary for neurotic component among elite athletes. Moreover, moderating camping conditions and teaching life skills will help to improve athletes in their Neurotic reactions.

Keywords

• personality
• sensation seeking
• mental health
• elite athletes