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

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.