Exploring mechanisms of change in elite athlete mental wellbeing through the mindfulness for wellbeing program: a qualitative study
W G Wang, Matthew J. Schweickle, Judy A. Pickard, Stewart A. Vella
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology May 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/10413200.2026.2671100 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Elite athletes |
| Intervention | Mindfulness for Wellbeing program |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Qualitative research Mental health Elite athletes Sport psychology |
| Key finding | Four mechanisms—wellbeing intentions, moment-to-moment awareness, bodily and sensory attention, and self-compassion—explain how an 8-week mindfulness program enhances elite athlete wellbeing. |
Abstract
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 were drawn from participants’ stated intentions, practice notes, and semistructured interviews, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. We generated four themes: (1) Wellbeing intentions guide wellbeing outcomes; (2) Developing moment-to-moment awareness to improve positive affect and autonomy; (3) Attending to bodily and sensory experience to support emotional regulation and disengagement from thoughts; and (4) Cultivating self-compassion to enhance growth in sport and personal life. These findings provide contextual insight into further refinement of MBPs to better promote and protect mental wellbeing in elite athletes or other athlete populations.