RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Emerging academic literature and high-profile disclosures of mental health difficulties and mental illness from current and former professional jockeys suggest that further exploration of the mental health of jockeys is required. To date, a comprehensive review of jockeys' mental health has yet to be conducted. OBJECTIVES: To examine the existing literature related to jockeys' mental health, including the prevalence of symptoms associated with mental health difficulties and help-seeking. DESIGN: A narrative review of the literature was conducted with articles screened from inception until January 2021. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the narrative review. Studies covered a range of mental health difficulties which included mood (depression), anxiety, distress, disordered eating and substance misuse. Rates of help-seeking among jockeys were also explored. Results indicated that jockeys reported higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with other elite athletes. Substance misuse, in particular adverse alcohol use, also appears greater among jockeys than other elite athletes. Distress symptoms appear comparable with other elite athletes. Risk factors for mental health difficulties included injury, perceived stress, athlete burnout, career dissatisfaction and the contemplation of retirement. Weight-making negatively impacts jockeys' mood and attitudes towards eating, with lower competitive riding weights associated with more disordered eating attitudes. Moreover, help-seeking from mental health professionals appears low. CONCLUSION: The review identifies a high prevalence of symptoms of mental health difficulties among professional jockeys. Applied recommendations and future research considerations are proposed throughout the review article.
RESUMEN
Racehorse trainers play an important role within the horseracing industry. Despite this, scarce empirical information exists regarding the mental health of this population. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to explore the prevalence of symptoms related to common mental disorders (CMDs) and their associations with specific risk factors for CMD. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. CMDs were assessed including distress, depression, generalized anxiety and adverse alcohol use. The risk factors examined included career dissatisfaction, social support and financial difficulties. 124 participants (28% response rate) completed the questionnaire. In total, 45% met the threshold indicative of at least one CMD. Specifically, prevalence of symptoms associated with depression (41%), adverse alcohol use (38%), psychological distress (26%), and generalized anxiety (18%) was observed. Career dissatisfaction (28%) and financial difficulties (64%) were identified. Career dissatisfaction, lower levels of social support and financial difficulties all increased the likelihood of trainers meeting the criteria for at least one of distress, depression or generalized anxiety. The study was the first to highlight prevalence rates of symptoms associated with CMDs among racehorse trainers in Ireland and identify certain risk factors which may increase the likelihood of racehorse trainers meeting the criteria for a CMD. Assessment of risk factors can aid early identification of CMDs among racehorse trainers. Such benefits may include early diagnosis or signposting to professional support. Further research is required in examining other occupational stressors experienced by trainers and the impact these may have on symptoms of CMDs.