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oai:figshare.com:article/32641671 2026-10-01T16:21:21Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Balancing performance and wellbeing: a systematic review of qualitative studies on adult elite athletes' experiences of psychological interventions and an empirical evaluation of a novel intervention for athlete thriving Ailana Boulos (24170154) PUREID: 654565013 This thesis explores the intersection of mental health and performance in adult elite athletes through a two-part investigation. The first paper presents a systematic review of qualitative studies examining elite athletes’ experiences of psychological interventions. Fourteen studies were synthesised using meta-ethnography, identifying five overarching concepts: psychological benefits, sport-specific benefits, impact beyond sport, participant experience, and suggestions for improvement. The findings highlight the perceived value of interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, psychological skills training, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, while underscoring the need for tailored, practical, and culturally sensitive approaches.<br><br>The second paper reports on an empirical feasibility study of a novel group-based ACT intervention, Flexible Minds, designed to enhance wellbeing and performance in elite track and field athletes. Seventeen participants engaged in either in-person or online sessions, with qualitative and quantitative data collected pre- and post-intervention. The programme was found to be broadly acceptable and feasible, though participants recommended greater sport-specific tailoring. Psychological outcomes were mixed, showing very small to small effect sizes.<br><br>Together, these studies contribute to a growing evidence base supporting athlete-centred psychological care, offering insight into how interventions can be adapted to promote both mental wellbeing and performance among elite athletes.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2027.</i><br> 2026-10-01T16:21:21Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641671.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Balancing_performance_and_wellbeing_a_systematic_review_of_qualitative_studies_on_adult_elite_athletes_experiences_of_psychological_interventions_and_an_empirical_evaluation_of_a_novel_intervention_for_athlete_thriving/32641671 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2027-12-31