Acute role conflict reached 45.0% in athletes aged 19-23 and was three times more frequent in team sports (60.0%) than in cyclic sports (20.0%).
Cross-Sectional (n=250)
Accumulated Educational Deficit represents a measurable systemic risk embedded within elite sport structures, with peak role conflict occurring in early adulthood and team sports.
Objectives. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the key indicators of Accumulated Educational Deficit (AED): role conflict, constrained developmental horizons, and socio-professional uncertainty across different stages of athletic careers, considering sport-type specificity. The ultimate goal was to substantiate evidence-based preventive support strategies. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 250 active athletes representing the national teams of Ukraine (N = 250). Participants were stratified by age (four groups) and sport type (team, cyclic, combat, and technical). Data were collected through a structured sociological survey using 5-point Likert scales. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s χ² test for association, and Cohen’s w to estimate the effect size. Results. The onset of AED intensification was observed in the 19–23 age group, where acute role conflict reached 45.0%. In terms of career duration, the critical phase corresponded to 9–12 years of participation (42.0% reporting substantial developmental constraints). Significant structural heterogeneity was identified: athletes in team sports reported role conflict three times more frequently (60.0%) than athletes in cyclic sports (20.0%). A “delayed awareness” effect was detected, with peak dissatisfaction regarding personal development (37.5%) emerging only after 17–20 years of athletic participation, subsequently translating into explicit professional insecurity among 29.4% of athletes aged 35+. The highest demand for educational grant support was determined in the 19–23 age group (81.0%). Conclusions. Accumulated Educational Deficit represents a measurable systemic risk embedded within elite sport structures and significantly affects the quality of transition to post-sport life. The findings support the implementation of flexible dual-career models and targeted educational funding mechanisms aligned with international frameworks (e.g., NCAA Degree Completion Awards; Erasmus+ Sport). Such interventions may mitigate long-term socio-professional vulnerability by enabling parallel development of transferable competencies.
Bulatova et al. (Sat,) conducted a cross-sectional in Active elite athletes (n=250). Acute role conflict reached 45.0% in athletes aged 19-23 and was three times more frequent in team sports (60.0%) than in cyclic sports (20.0%).