Exploring mechanisms of change in elite athlete mental wellbeing through the mindfulness for wellbeing program: a qualitative study
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology May 23, 2026 W G Wang, Matthew J. Schweickle, Judy A. Pickard et al.
An 8-week mindfulness program for elite athletes improved wellbeing through four mechanisms: setting wellbeing intentions, developing moment-to-moment awareness to boost positive affect and autonomy, using bodily and sensory attention for emotional regulation, and cultivating self-compassion to foster growth in sport and personal life. The qualitative study of 13 athletes (8 women, 5 men, average age 22.23) suggests these processes explain how mindfulness enhances mental health in this population.