Julia Vitagliano, AFH Athlete Mental Health Research Fellow
This resource provides an overview of how focusing on body functionality can support positive body image among athletes.
Audience: Parents
How Young Athletes Struggle for Identity Beyond Sports
Psychology Today, David Udelf Psy.D.
When their sports career ends, young people sometimes face real anguish.
Improving Young Athletes With “Wise Feedback”
Psychology Today, David Udelf Psy.D.
How to deliver criticism and instruction to athletes that will be heard and used.
Survey reveals extent of pressure parents put on kids through sports
USA Today, Stephen Borelli
Support or pressure applied by parents can make or break a child’s experience in sports.
The Dangers of Winning at All Costs for Youth Athletes
Psychology Today, Tess M. Kilwein PhD, ABPP, CMPC
For youth, sport should build joy and growth before it becomes about outcomes.
4 Ways “Fitspiration” Can Backfire
Psychology Today, Christopher Bergland
Fitspo social media content often does more harm than good, study finds.
Your Child Is Already Gambling. You Just Haven’t Been Told Yet.
Gambling Harm, Kavita Fischer, MD
Many parents have questions about whether their child is gambling.
Why don’t some kids play sports? Maybe you should ask them
USA Today, Stephen Borelli
We can all better understand what our kids are going through with sports.
Creating Your “Think Box” and “Play Box” for Performance Excellence
Association for Applied Sport Psychology
In this video, Brian Miles, CMPC, Cleveland Guardians (@briancmiles) explains how you can create a “Think Box” and a “Play Box” that helps separate planning from performing, allowing for optimal focus and trust during performance.
Grief, mental health, and team performance: Why loss is a leadership issue in sport
Sports Business Journal, DR. MICHELE KERULIS AND EMILIO PARGA
One of the most predictable disruptions to team functioning remains one of the least strategically addressed: grief.
Beyond Inclusion: Liberating LGBTQ+ Athletes
Psychology Today, Tess M. Kilwein PhD, ABPP, CMPC
Why liberation, not just inclusion, drives well-being and performance.
March Madness and the Rise of Gen Z Sports Gambling
Psychology Today, Mark Gold, M.D.
Gambling, especially among Gen Z, poses urgent risks extending beyond entertainment.
Athletic Identity Toolkit
Athletes for Hope, AMHA Research Committee
A guide to understanding athletic identity and supporting mental well-being beyond sport.
Breaking the Silence: Black Athletes Mental Health & the Pressure to Perform (Part 1)
KWQC News
The cast sat down with local coaches and athletes about the pressure to perform as a person of color athlete.
Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens
Hopkins Medicine’s central mental health library for families — links to articles on anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, mindfulness, and more. A useful reference page to point parents and coaches toward.
Depression in Teens
Explains what depression looks like in teenagers (including signs that differ from adults), treatment options, and emergency resources. Includes the 988 Lifeline and Crisis Text Line prominently.