ABSTRACT
Guiding principles in sport and performance contexts include collaboration between teammates, integration of multiple perspectives, and unified team culture. This cohesion directly impacts on field-performance as it facilitates strong communication between the athletes and fosters an environment of encouragement and support. Strong interpersonal functioning is dependent on the well-being and mental health of each team member. Given the physical, mental, and emotional demands placed on athletes though, these individuals often experience high levels of stress, fatigue, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can negatively impact interpersonal functioning, athlete performance, and overall team success. Willingness to seek help is hindered by the mental health stigma prevalent amongst this community, as athletes fear rejection by their teammates, thereby contributing to a cycle of impaired interpersonal functioning. Sport psychologists are uniquely prepared to target these difficulties through the application of psychological theory and knowledge to address athlete performance and personal well-being and growth. This paper discusses best practices for addressing athlete mental health and interpersonal functioning in sport and performance contexts. A thorough framework including assessment and intervention techniques to implement with this population is provided.
