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.
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) are a promising approach to enhancing elite athlete wellbeing, yet little is known about the mechanisms through which they exert their effects. Guided by a critical realist approach, we qualitatively explored mechanisms of change during an 8-week MBP (the Mindfulness for Wellbeing program) delivered to 13 elite athletes (8 females, 5 males; M age = 22.23). Data...